Jeremy Irons, Thora Birch, and Marlon Wayans roll for charisma in this early D&D hack and cast movie. We review Dungeons and Dragons 2001 on TubiDecided.

The 2000 film adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons was generally panned by critics and audiences alike.

Here's a breakdown of the common points of criticism:

Poor Special Effects and Visuals: Many reviewers felt the special effects and CGI, particularly the dragons, looked cheap and outdated, even for the time. The film's overall look was described as basic and lacking in the immersive qualities expected of a fantasy film.

Bad Acting and Character Portrayals: Critics often cited the performances as a major weakness, with some describing them as either bad or overly exaggerated. Specific examples include Jeremy Irons' "overwrought" and "hilariously terrible" portrayal of the villain Profion and Marlon Wayans' performance as "Snails," which was deemed offensive and a racist throwback to stereotypes. Thora Birch's performance was also criticized for being "lifeless".

Weak and Inconsistent Story: The plot was often described as convoluted, generic, and lacking a clear direction. Some critics felt the film failed to balance the specific lore of Dungeons & Dragons with a story accessible to a wider audience, leading to a jumbled and confusing narrative.

Inexperienced Direction: Director Courtney Solomon, while enthusiastic about the project, was criticized for his inexperience and the final script being a patchwork of multiple drafts. Solomon himself later stated he was forced into directing by investors despite only intending to produce, and was made to use an older script.

Lack of Connection to the Game: Many D&D fans felt the movie failed to capture the spirit and essence of the tabletop game, delivering a generic fantasy adventure instead of an authentic adaptation.

In summary, the 2000 Dungeons & Dragons movie is largely considered a critical and commercial failure, remembered more for its flaws than its strengths.