See this movie when you're in the mood of some mindless fun

Rating: 6/10 (16 June 2010)

I don't expect much from movies like this one except for a good time. For me this means a good looking movie, likable characters and short sentimental bits.
The movie delivers these. It would have been a treat if the plot was a bit more original, the solutions not quite so simplistic (**MAJOR SPOILER** Dastan just turns back time and everything is alright?! Even the dead are gotten back!) and the conversations had a bit more wit, but it doesn't do any good to dwell on these things. I enjoyed the fast pace and even the humour provided by Sheik Amar worked. I'm not an expert on special effects but the fight sequences looked pretty good to me and these were quite frequent.
Jake Gyllenhaal makes a charming action hero. There is a certain honesty about his face that makes Dastan more real. Gemma Arterton sounded a bit wooden at times but that may be the script's fault, I also liked Seso, it's a pity that he died, oh wait...
Ultimately I felt safe watching this movie, that I wouldn't have to sit through dizzying plot twists, explicit sex scenes, gruesome bloodbaths or lame acting and boring scenes. The movie stretches to do what is expected of it but nothing more.
I must mention one last thing to be completely honest. I might have written this review under the influence...of Jake Gyllenhaal's arms, Jake Gyllenhaal's eyes and Jake Gyllenhaal.