The movie is well-made, yet unimaginative. It is a basic family-friendly spectacular in time for the holidays.

The charm of the performers, as well as some amusingly straightforward writing, carries this past its clichés for a while.

It is a compelling story, very well-directed, with excellent performances and a clever, almost fairytale-like, design.

Instead of being the lazy fan-service I feared, it is a legitimately entertaining family-friendly adventure.

It is touching, thought-provoking and, if this does prove to be the final cinematic treat we receive from this legend, a worthy goodbye.

Uncomplicated, simple, enjoyable, engaging, heartwarming and just plain likable, with moments of true beauty.

The strategy this time is to mix the D&D mythology with the durable Marvel formula to produce something very familiar.

The comedy here feels out of place considering that our heroes are facing an enemy who could lead to the end of all life.

Director/cowriter George Miller has crafted his own lovely story, about love, patience, loneliness and storytelling itself.

The good outweighs the bad enough for this to be a fun watch.