Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness (2012)

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this film and its basis in the D&D lore. Unlike the first film which was just too much of the waynan brother slap-stick comedy and took away from any serious D&D adult theme, this film brings you the REAL essence of being a person in that dangerous, magical world

Much closer to the soul of the game play than the other two movies. I loved it. I just wish Ed Greenwood and R. A. Salvatore would hook up with someone huge in the movie business and make the Forgotten Realms come to life. Until that day happens, it's nice to see the concept morph into better and better movies. Vin Diesel, if you read this, I think you might be able to make this happen, if you really want too. Just an idea, oh, and it would be really cool if you were in the "movies" too. Charlie Sheen would make an awesome Elminster. If he can grasp the paralleled pieces of his his life and Elminsters, it would be a cinch for the role.

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I watched it expecting cheesy fantasy action with a dumb plot, bad acting, and blatant appeals to fans of the game like Wrath of the Dragon God did. It delivered on some of those things, but it far surpassed my expectations.The most wonderful thing about this movie was how many risks it took. It was not a traditional fantasy movie at all. The protagonist is a good knight type but he teams up with a very evil party. The writers didn't assume its audience was dumb and that they'd need a clear good guy and a clear bad guy. I appreciated that so much. The character dynamics are excellent and you're constantly wondering where everyone stands. The good ones have flaws and the evil ones have relateable and redeeming qualities. They're complex, it's really wonderful. Hollywood doesn't do that much any more. The ending is also very non-traditional. Some may find it disappointing, and to some degree it is, but I thought it was effective. It's elegant in its simplicity.I found myself wondering what would happen next the entire film. At the end I wished it were longer. The dialogue was well-written and well-delivered, which is more than I can say for a lot of Hollywood blockbusters.Special effects were sub-par but that's easily forgiven, I thought they were pretty excellent for the budget. There was some cheese and some of the film will definitely be lost on people unfamiliar with Dungeons and Dragons. I imagine that's why it has such a low rating. I gave it 10 to boost it up, but IMO it deserves a solid 7/10 or more.

I really do not understand the low scores on this movie...Yes, it is low budget, and yes it lacks the shine of those expensive movies...So? The plot is OK, love story is more realistic than in many many other movies, even the characters are believable. I usually find many annoyances in films, even the best ones, but whats very weird, nothing really annoyed me in this one.I have played D&D games, and many other RPGs, but I don't think thats of any relevance, this is a decent movie for all who like these sword & magic fantasy flicks.For a low budget movie, even the CG effects are very successful. And there's some more eye candy in the form of a Gothic hot chick ;D I had somewhat low expectations for this one, and I was very positively surprised, so 8/10 for this one, and thanks to other who have commented, wouldn't have watched it without you.If you are into this kind of movies, try it, you might be surprised too...