Okay gamer, you are in between the evil dark lord and a dozen goblins: What are you gonna do with the magic pouch you have in your hand? Oops, sorry, I was role-playing there for a moment.
Well, it's been over 20 years in the making, but Dungeons and Dragons the movie has finally made it to the big-screen. Big named actors, big money special effects, does the gamble pay off? Will the heroes save the land? Will good triumph over evil once again? Will SOMEONE please tell me how a movie studio can transform a good idea into a really BAD movie???
An introduction to the film sets the scene, and within minutes you know that Profion (Jeremy Irons) is the archmage bad guy. The empress Savina (Thora Birch from ‘American Beauty’) stands for everything he is against – making everyone equal and generally being nice to each other. She doesn’t want to give the grown ups her golden sceptre. So Profion urges the Council of Mages to gang up on the empress, and now it’s clear that the empire is in deep doodoo. Damodar (Bruce Payne) is urged to help when Profion inserts what seem to be lugworms into his head.
That is unless a couple of young thieves Ridley and Snails (Marlon Wayans and Justin Whalin) team up with Marina (Zoe McLellan) who is a librarian, yep, you read right, a librarian, a mage librarian, I’ll give you that, but a librarian all the same. Of course dragons are important, and with them, one side will win the day – no prize for guessing which tho! Confused? So was I!
First, the acting... Just as I thought from the start, is really quite bad in places and seemed to be rushed with a lack of subtlety and/or style. It was as if some of the actors were trying to win an audition with the directors even AFTER the movie had begun shooting! Although, thankfully Tom Baker and Richard O’Brien make brief appearances as an elven doctor and a thief guildmaster who puts Ridley through a maze (strange how film imitates real life innit?)
Secondly, Ok, the special effects were very skillfully done and the backdrops were beautiful for those who like that sort of thing. The designs and the atmosphere of the entire realm that evolved from the fantasy writings were presented quite well. But, make no mistake; you need more than special effects to make a film to the paying audience.
Thirdly, there are all kinds of creatures and of course, dragons throughout this picture which nearly make up for the bad acting. Still, 'effects' do not make a movie and even if the story has been done before, you need to have a sense of belief. But I’ll give it a 4/5 for the fighting and killing which is skillfully performed.
I was thinking to myself throughout this movie ‘6 more months till THE LORD OF THE RINGS, 6 more months...6 more months’. In my opinion, if you’re smart and don't mind waiting until May it’ll be out on DVD, you’ll thank me.
I actually read somewhere that they wanted this to be a trilogy..... Sigh.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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Quite liked the film myself but saying that i'm a bit of a fan of AD&D
marsden 24.07.2001 04:49
I was really looking forward to seeing this film but I think that you've given a fair opinion and very good indication of what to expect. I think theres too many films which promise alot but cant deliver the goods at the moment. Oh well.
Paula_23_uk 05.05.2001 12:49
I agree with your op 100% and I think this film is crap too. Give me the cartoon anyday!! Paula
A sword and sorcery fantasy,Dungeons and Dragonsthe film is based on the role-playing game ... more
first introduced in the 1970s. It delivers some of the same kind of fantasy and fun the game offered, as its youthful heroes journey through a magical kingdom ba...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
A sword and sorcery fantasy,Dungeons and Dragonsthe film is based on the role-playing game ... more
first introduced in the 1970s. It delivers some of the same kind of fantasy and fun the game offered, as its youthful heroes journey through a magical kingdom ba...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
When the emperor is felled by an assassin's poison his only heir the Child-Princess ... more
Savina quickly discovers that the greatest threat the Empire has ever faced will come from within. The respected Archmage Profion has set in motion his dark plans to...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
When the emperor is felled by an assassin's poison, his only heir, the Child-Princess ... more
Savina, quickly discovers that the greatest threat the Empire has ever faced will come from within. The respected Archmage Profion has set in motion his dark plans to...
Advantages: nice graphics in places Disadvantages: poor script, bad directing
SarahJohnston_greenmums 03.10.2007 (03.10.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dungeons And Dragons (DVD)
Advantages: good effects, interesting story. Richard O Brian and Marlon Wayans Disadvantages: if you don’t enjoy fantasy films you probably won’t like this
Advantages: Good effects Disadvantages: Awfull acting
martin_hunt 02.03.2001 (02.03.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Dungeons And Dragons (DVD)
![Dungeons And Dragons [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78545805.jpg "Dungeons And Dragons [DVD] [2001]")
very helpful by (100%):
