Is that all you've got?

Rating: 5/10 (22 May 2010)

Yes, my response to the team behind this, and an example of the clichéd and trite lines found in this. Nothing in this stands out. The Disney-fying of this only gave it the worst that the brand has to offer; without being compelling, it plays it so safe that you may fall asleep. Oh, I didn't. I watched it for one reason; quite frankly, I cannot get enough of the games. Because of that, I was able to enjoy it somewhat. Will those who haven't played them not be entertained? Tough for me to say, but if they like the concept, I can imagine that they will find parts cool. This is a leave-your-brains-at-the-door Summer blockbuster, though it doesn't provide the thrills that those are meant to. Oh, it's fast. There's plenty of action, too. The problems? The characters are just barely there(no connection between them, or them and the audience), everything is predictable, half the humor falls flat, and while this can look pretty nice(the CGI is fairly well-done, if so devoid of emotional impact that it is quickly forgotten, and there is an over-reliance on it), there isn't a single image in this that will take your breath away(isn't that a record of some sort? Seriously, it ought not to be possible to point a camera in any direction in Morocco and not produce an impressive visual). Fights are entirely too short(yes, there are quite a few... quality over quantity, guys), and they(along with the parkour and such) are filmed poorly(at times, you have no idea what's going on), taking away from the excitement that this can achieve(and does now and then). Acting is hit and miss, even from people you'd expect better from. There are obvious miscasting decisions to draw people in(Gyllenhaal? Really? I like the dude, still, are you being facetious?). Arterton is not as stunning as the reactions to her suggest, if she is attractive(and almost as willing to show cleavage as Farah is). I think the choice of director was wrong, as well; this is one of the only things I've seen by him, however, he doesn't seem to know how to do this type of flick. The leads distinguish themselves merely through being annoying in slightly different ways. Dialog is unremarkable. The spirit of the franchise(there are elements of all three titles of the recent trilogy) is present at points, and there is fencing, stunts and exotic weapons and locations in this. Plot-wise, it's average. I don't know about historical accuracy; with that said, I wouldn't bet money on there being much of it here. Sequels? It certainly leaves room for them. Well, I wouldn't rule out that they'd have to reboot and do it properly before it comes to pass. About the racism that I've heard several argue to be in this... it would have been appropriate to have it star people who actually come from the region. I'm not sure we should be surprised that they didn't dare. Body of Lies did better. So did The Kingdom. Couldn't they be classified Hollywood(with a little effort)? Come on. What would Walt say if he was to be thawed up right now? There is a lot of mild, occasionally bloody violence and a few crude jokes(they may go over children's heads) in this. I recommend it to those who badly want to see aspects of the VG's on the silver screen. 5/10