Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Anyone who has suffered through "Street Fighter," "Super Mario Bros," or the aptly titled "Max Payne" has reason to be wary of "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time." After all, movies inspired by video games have a dubious history. But, if critics are to be believed, the sandal-and-sword epic, based on the series of button-smashing games, is, well, kind of good. Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly gives the movie a "B" and likes that it unfolds at a "brisk, well-paced clip." Jake Gyllenhaal has the title role, but in Ms. Schwarzbaum's opinion, it's co-star Alfred Molina who shines. The character actor breathes some life and comic relief into the proceedings as a "vibrant wheeler-dealer."
Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune had a similar reaction to Molina's performance, remarking that the veteran of stage and screen is "blessedly exuberant" and "saves the film from itself." His grade: two and a half stars out of four.
The Hollywood Reporter's Ray Bennett also gives the action flick a mostly positive review. Mr. Bennett writes that the film is "entertaining but without substance." Not exactly fawning, but still better than "boring as all get out."
The Los Angeles Times' Betsy Sharkey gives the movie positive marks, praising the visual effects and camerawork. However, Ms. Sharkey writes that Mr. Gyllenhaal "is never quite right." She calls the Oscar nominee too frothy to play such a roguish hero. Perhaps he could have used some acting tips from Indiana Jones.
Roger Ebert didn't much care for the CGI, which includes epic battle scenes and huge sandstorms, because he couldn't tell what was happening. And, as for the star of the show, Ebert writes that Gyllenhaal plays the prince "as if harboring Spider-Man's doubts and insecurities." Fewer soulful glances, and more smirks and scowls.
At least people aren't making fun of Jake's accent. In the film, which also stars British actors Sir Ben Kingsley and Gemma Arterton, Gyllenhaal speaks with a English lilt. According to an interview with USA Today, he was worried about not being able to do it convincingly. Few reviewers are harping on his job -- a sign that he pulled it off.
Finally, online critic James Berardinelli crowns "Prince of Persia" with two and a half out of four stars. He writes that there is "never a dull moment," and the movie as a whole is "eminently watchable." However, for all the flash, "Prince of Persia" is "ultimately pointless." Kind of like a videogame...
No comments:
Post a Comment