If I had seen "Dungeons & Dragons 1" when it was released in 2000, I would’ve said “The CGI looks terrible by today’s standards”. Imagine how I feel watching it for the first time in 2023! To be fair, the movie doesn’t completely rely on it. Enough time is dedicated to showcasing the practical effects (the makeup used for creatures in particular is very good) and the sets. There are a couple of moments with interesting lighting choices. It’s not explained why water catches fire when it comes into contact with dragon’s blood, but it’s a cool concept, as well as a unique piece of lore that helps the movie create its own identity. Unfortunately, none of what I’ve listed compensates for the uninteresting plot and the underdeveloped romance. Justin Whalin, Bruce Payne, Thora Birch, Richard O’Brien and David O'Kelly’s performances are bad. So is Zoe McLellan’s, but she has one scene where she’s actually convincing (the one where her character is being interrogated by one of the villains). Marlon Wayans is very annoying, but I can’t place all the blame on him. I can’t imagine any other actor doing something different based on how this character was written. You know, I used to think magic wasn’t real, but the movie has changed my point of view. Not because it immersed me in its world, but because I never thought I would see Jeremy Irons embarrass himself on screen to this degree. That means that nothing in this life is impossible.

 

1/10