We have yet another videogame movie upon us with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. I have never played the videogame before so I cannot offer any insight on whether or not that this film is an accurate portrayal of the game. Hopefully you gamers out there who love this game can let me know how accurate this movie is. This film is directed by Mike Newell whose best known movies are Donnie Brasco and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is always tricky to make a motion picture about a videogame it either seems to succeed on a grand level or fall flat on its face. I am happy to say that this movie is right in the middle with some solid enjoyable entertainment.
The movie starts off with a character named Dastan who following a public defiance of the king of Persia is welcomed into the royal family for it is seen as an act of bravery. The movie than flashes forward to an adult Dastan now named Prince Dastan played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Following a successful campaign where the kingdom of Persia conquers a fellow kingdom run by Princess Tamina played by Gemma Arterton, everyone seems to be in high spirits. However, follow the public death of Prince Dastan’s father the king, Dastan is forced to flea the kingdom in order to avoid being killed. Prince Dastan is joined by Princess Tamina in order to prove his innocence as well as to protect a mythical dagger that allows for time travel.
The main strength of this film is the chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Arterton who spend most of the movie bickering with each other but they have this undeniable chemistry which is pleasant to watch. This film is made by Disney and they did not pull any punches when it comes to action scenes and special effects. Both are well done and well shot in this film which again contributes greatly to the film’s entertainment value. I do not think I am far reaching when I say that Arterton could be the next big thing in Hollywood, I mean she is young, beautiful, and unquestionably talented.
However, just as chemistry between the two leads is the charm of this film it is a major downfall for the rest of the cast. The other characters including the nobleman named Nizam played by Ben Kinglsey really looks like he is sleeping through this film. It is almost if he really does not care he is even in the film to begin with. Also the movie constantly has these camera shots where you see Prince Dastan sitting on rooftops just glaring out into the distance and these scenes are repeated over and over again. The audience gets it after the first shot that the landscape of Persia is beautiful to look at.
Overall the film is a solid film especially since it is based off of a videogame and there really have not been any good videogame movies that ever been made, except maybe the original Mortal Kombat. This film delivers on its action and the two leads carry this film from start to finish. However, with flat dialogue for the other characters and a lack of chemistry between them as well this film does not go to the next level for me.