Dungeons & Dragons, Wrath of the Dragon God - any hope it's ok?

[NewJeffCT]

as a huge D&D fan growin up, I felt the D&D movie that came out 4-5 years back was abysmal. However, the previews for the upcoming sci-fi movie "Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God" look decent. Of course, any movie can look decent in previews.

Any hope it's decent?

Based on the phenomenally successful role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons 2 takes you deeper into the dark and fantastical world of this fantasy epic. When the evil sorcerer Damodar braves a perilous whirlwind vortex to steal the elemental black orb he declares a sinister plan of vengeance against the kingdom of Ismir. Berek, a decorated warrior, and Melora, an amateur sorceress join four heroes representing Intelligence, Wisdom, Honor and Strength to battle against Damodar's growing army of gruesome creatures, flying harpies and an ice dragon to reach a vault room holding the orb. Together, they build their own army to retrieve the orb using elemental forces to defeat Damodar before he summons the sleeping black dragon whose omnipotent evil powers could lay waste to the entire kingdom.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0406728/

[Orsino]

1. No hope whatsoever.

It's being made only because the first movie, despite its wretched awfulness, made money. The sequel could be better than the original, but it will still suck.

I have spoken.

[NewJeffCT]

2. from my email to some old D&D buddies...

>>>
I saw a few seconds of the preview, and it looked better than the other D&D movie from 4-5 years back. The early buzz also says it is more true to the game and better than the last D&D movie - but, a video of somebody pissing into a cup is better than that abomination by at least a few degrees. <<<

that sums up my attitude on the first movie.

[nickinSTL]

3. The last movie was TERRIBLE

the acting was SO bad...even I noticed...and I usually don't notice bad acting.

I can hope this will be better (that wouldn't take much), but I'm not likely to be willing to pay theater prices.

[NewJeffCT]

4. It's on the Sci-Fi channel in 2 weeks

Or, less than 2 weeks now.

So, if you have cable or satellite, you should be able to watch it for free. If not, you can rent it when it comes out on DVD in November.

[nickinSTL]

5. it's a Sci-Fi channel movie?

that doesn't really increase my confidence...

I don't have cable/satellite...but I have friends who do.

[Beetwasher]

6. Nothing Can Be Worse Than The First One

Since this is on the Sci Fi channel though, I'll probably watch it. Though the way they massacred Earthsea, I'm not holding out much hope.

[Nevernose]

7. I am POSITIVE that it will be okay

Can't be any worse, right?

Although, in defense of the theatrical movie, I liked the way they did most of the spell effects, especially the magic missle.

[Solon]

8. When I saw it at the theatres...

me and my buddy were naming the spells the wizards were casting at various points throughout the movie. Like the prismatic shield in their tower when assaulted by Gold Dragons. Also, what the hell was up the the magic dust being used? I can understand spell components, like a lump of sulfur being used in a fireball spell, but magic dust for a dimension door? :wtf:

The special effects were nice in many areas, I will say that, I would even forgive the departure from D&D rules for practical reasons, but NOT a beholder being distracted by a rock, that was stupid. However, even with those things being forgiven, it doesn't make up for the horrid cast and the lack of a plot, an empress as an advocate for democracy? Idiocy!

ON EDIT: Yes I'm a HUGE AD&D geek, so sue me. :)