Entertaining film

Rating: 7/10 (2 May 2011)

This film I see has had a mixed reception. I am inclined to think that while it is flawed it was an entertaining and above average film. As I've said, it is flawed, the film is rushed sometimes, I personally would have liked more room to breathe, the script does have its weaknesses, some of it could have been more witty and less wordy and banal though there are some funny moments, and while I don't think Gemma Arterton is a bad actress-she was brilliant in Tess of the D'Urbevilles her chemistry with Gyllanhaal is rather dull and her character was quite vapid.
However, the visuals, cinematography, costumes, special effects and sets are all excellent, as is the rousing music and exciting action sequences. The story has some nice nods to the games but is essentially a stand-alone which I didn't mind at all, and for me it was a not-too-predictable and fun story. The direction is serviceable enough, and the acting apart from Arterton is good and the characters if slightly unoriginal and under-developed fun. Jake Gyllanhaal is a handsome and likable lead, Ben Kingsley is excellent and Alfred Molina steals the show.
In conclusion, I thought it was entertaining albeit with flaws. 7/10 Bethany Cox