I can remember as a teenager, I had a group of friends who loved to play D&D. I tried it a couple of times and it gave me a big headache. I sort of had the same reaction to this film.

Dungeons and Dragons is a fantasy about a couple of thieves (Justin Whalin and Marlon Wayans) who find themselves in an incredible adventure that involves magic, swordplay and romance.

Dungeons and Dragons was made for just over forty million dollars (which is pretty cheap for an effects picture) and it looks a lot more expensive. The sets are gorgeous and some of the special effects are quite impressive. This doesn't amount to much, however, when your dealing with such a juvenile screenplay. With shades of Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Dragonslayer, The Neverending Story, Excalibur, The Mummy, Conan, and countless other fantasy and sci-fi pictures, Dungeons and Dragons never seems to rise to the challenge, because it just doesn't have a shred of originality. Maybe I'm being a little hard on the picture, but it just wasn't entertaining to me.

Whailin is far from a convincing hero while Wayans was more annoying than ever, giving even Jar Jar Binks a run for his money. Jeremy Irons (who clocks in at a mere fifteen minutes) is hilariously over the top. Even American Beauty daughter Thora Birch as a righteous queen, can't manage to breathe life into this silly and shallow adventure.

Director Courtney Solomon is a wizard with special effects. The dragon battle finale has hints of excitement, but not enough to make you feel like you got your money's worth. Someone should have told this guy that special effects are a tool. Just like camera equipment or a prop. All the impressive effects, gorgeous art direction and great costumes are nothing without an engaging story. Unfortunately, Dungeons and Dragons is a sub par adventure that you're likely to forget.