Saturday 24 July 2010

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

It’s hardly a secret that films based on video games are usually dire affairs. However, most don’t have Mike Newell directing, Jerry Bruckheimer producing and Jake Gyllenhaal starring. OK, OK I know that doesn’t mean much to some people (and after Bruckheimer's Transformers films, that’s a fair comment), but their involvement with this means we have a film that pokes it’s head above the usual parapet of computer game dross, though it still isn’t all that memorable. Based around the game of the same name, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has Gyllenhall as the Prince in question brooding around 6th Century Persia getting to grips with a few family problems, a beautiful princess (Gemma Arterton) and some somewhat suspect dialogue. Having said that, the plot itself is actually fair game. I could be more harsh on this, but this is clearly a film aimed at a family audience (the main plot device is called “The Dagger of Time” for goodness sake) and it does the job that is required. However, it falls apart very quickly towards the end, especially during the ridiculously CGI heavy over the top final showdown. Acting wise the cast does what is required, but little else. Overall, this is standard blockbuster fare, hitting the marks for the target audience. However, it’s likely that most people would get more enjoyment from the computer game.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Loses marks for some wooden acting and over reliance on CGI, but there is still entertainment to be had. Rating: 6/10

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