Defy the Future

Rating: 7/10 (31 May 2010)

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia and based on the video game of the same name. A rogue prince reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. (Walt Disney Pictures)
PoP is one of the very few video games that I have actually played and enjoyed a lot, I must admit. As a video game adaptation of the same name, the film is probably the best video game adaptation ever made, although that's not saying much since most of them suck. Still, the film rises above the curse, providing the audience the fun and swashbuckling adventure that we all yearned for since the last PotC film or maybe it's just me.
Having played the game, I see that the filmmakers changed up the storyline from the game dramatically, although they stayed put with the dagger being able to turn back time. I wasn't much bothered by it, although it would have been cool to see those gnarly monsters that I loved stabbing in the game. The replaced storyline is much more grand and epic, how a film on this scale should be. For those who played the game, you'll be happy to notice the easter eggs lying throughout the film, from the awesome fighting moves to the turning backs of time. But those of you who haven't played the game shouldn't be alienated. You'll get as much entertainment from the film as anyone else because it's a stand alone film that is completely accessible.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays the main character really well with a realistic English accent. I wasn't much bothered that he is, in fact, not Persian, although some might be. He delivered some comedic lines perfectly. Gemma Arterton plays his on screen love interest and although she also isn't Persian, she has some great chemistry with Gyllenhaal. I also enjoyed Ben Kingsley as Gyllenhaal's uncle who may or may not be the villain and Alfred Molina has a fun time playing a quirky role.
The action scenes in here range from mediocre to impressive, especially in the climax, although both categories succeed in entertaining the audience. There are some things in here that you have never seen in any other film, mostly due to the source material being original and different. The production design is really fantastic along with the mix of old-fashioned tricks and CGI. Harry Gregson-Williams score also adds on to the epic feel of the film.
Overall, PoP is a solid popcorn flick that succeeds in entertaining the audience from beginning to end. If you enjoy old-fashioned movies with an epic story and a great cast like I do, you should give it a watch. For fans of the video game, you'd be surprise to find out that it's actually good! Let's hope the film does well enough for a sequel because I'm up for it.