High flying summer adventure that actually keeps the game in tact AND entertains

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2010)

Obviously the transition between gaming and movies is a tumultuous relationship. Successes like Resident Evil and failures like Doom are prominent everywhere and I've often wondered how they manage to screw it up really. I mean video games are like books in many ways and the transition to big screen should nine times out of ten be brilliant. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time proves that this transition can be executed with brilliant adventure, characters, romance, and still keep elements of the game that makes fanboys swoon. As the film began I was a little worried. It sort of drags in the beginning and even seems a little campy which doesn't bode well for a 'summer blockbuster.' But my concerns were soon put to rest as the story takes hold and the action begins. Obvious comparisons to Pirates of the Caribbean are worthy given the film is produced by Disney and has very similar adventure plots and directing style. The story is a solid fantasy tale and the lead characters are both very strong in their own right and carries you through the whole film. It is said that the director didn't want any action sequences that looked cheesy just because they were in the game but he still kept some really great game like moments that didn't stick out on screen as being bad.
Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the lead role as the Prince himself and does a really solid job. He obviously takes the role seriously and puts a lot of effort into it. He looks the part, and pulls off the stunts flawlessly. Bond girl Gemma Arterton plays sassy, strong Tamina. She isn't really likable at first but I don't think she is supposed to be. Her and Gyllenhaal have good chemistry BUT not great chemistry which is the one place the film stumbles. Still both of them separately make really amazing action stars. Ben Kingsley plays a subtle but ominous role as brother to the King, Nizam. Kingsley doesn't have a lot of lines or moments in the film and yet still plays a really solid role in the film and is always great in a cast. Supporting cast that don't have significant depth but still really do honestly add something to the cast include Alfred Molina, Steve Toussaint, Toby Kebbell, and Ronald Pickup.
If anyone would be right for a film like this director Mike Newell would be perfect. He is becoming an expert on fantasy adventure and absolutely tells a great story. Best of all he did manage to respect gamers and the original concept by keeping enough of that original idea in tact without forcing down anyone's throat. If you watched the film without any previous knowledge where it came from you would have no idea it was based on a video game and yet if you're a fan of the game series and watch the film then you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much of the film is connected to the game. I agree with several reviewers that were surprised how low this film scores on IMDb because I think it holds itself at least on par with entries in the Pirates series and holds its own as a terrific summer action flick. Well worth your time and money!! 8.5/10