Cast
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Charlotte Hunter
as Carlotta
Jack Derges
as Grayson
Anthony Howell
as Ranfin
Eleanor Gecks
as Akordia
Habib Nasib Nader
as Vimak
Barry Aird
as Bezz
Meagan Good
as Karima
Kaloian Vodenicharov
as Shifter
Ryan H. Jackson
as Warlock
Lex Daniel
as Seith
Dominic Mafham
as The Mayor of Little Silver Keep
Yana Titova
as Gorgeous Girl
Crew
Director
- Gerry Lively
Writer
- Brian Rudnick
Producer
- Steve Richards
Reviews
Wuchak
***The darkest and most sinister D&D flick yet***
On a world where sorcery is real, a greenhorn knight (Jack Derges) teams-up with a dubious group to find his father who was kidnapped by mysterious evil powers. The group includes a witch (Eleanor Gecks), a sorcerer Vermin lord (Barry Aird), an assassin (Lex Daniels) and a goliath warrior (Habib Nasib Nader).
"Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness" (2012), also known as “Dungeons & Dragons 3,” is the third of currently three D&D flicks, unconnected to the other two: “Dungeons & Dragons” (2000) and “Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God” (2005). Evil wizard Damodar (Bruce Payne) was the only link between the first two movies, other than the fact that they both took place in Izmir. This third film abandons all links and takes place in Karkoth.
The first movie was the only one released to theaters and therefore had a hefty budget, but it was hampered by camp and a goofy tone centered around Wayans’ humor. The second one, my favorite, was released to TV and therefore had a lower budget, but still pretty significant at $15 million. This third film is similar to the serious tone of the second, but is noticeably darker. The group the knight joins for his quest lacks the nobleness and camaraderie of the sojourners in “Wrath of the Dragon God.” They’re all either morally dubious or outright sinister.
The D&D universe is similar to the world of Conan the Barbarian, but with a more medieval flair and a little more sorcery. If you like Conan, you’ll probably like this. The locations & sets are superlative while the magical F/X are TV-budget fare, but otherwise effective. The dragon especially looks good and the dragon-slaying episode is great. There’s also a very creative (and dark) zombie girl sequence. On the negative side, this is easily the least of the three flicks in the feminine department, although Eleanor Gecks is a’right, I guess.
The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes and was shot in Bulgaria.
GRADE: B-
Apr 30, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gerry Lively brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 164 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time, which focuses more on action than character development, Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Barbarians and Avalon explore similar territory, Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 9, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $12,000,000
