Originally posted May 31, 2010:
Prince of Persia Review
Despite having a big name cast, despite having the backing of Disney, this movie falls short in almost every aspect. It very much feels as though Jerry Bruckheimer has given up the ingenuity of prior films (Top Gun, The Rock, Con Air) for a formulaic, predictable film, reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean (an excellent film).
Not once in the two hour span of the movie was I surprised by any of the plot developments or antics portrayed in the film. Much of the acting seemed very forced - particularily the scenes between Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Tamina (Gemma Arteron). They play the prince of Persia and the Princess of Alamut respectively, and their characters rather predictably fall in love. There is so much cliche banter between the two that it makes my head spin. Alfred Molina plays the Sheikh Amar, a rebel of sorts who runs an unauthorized gambling empire. While Molina serves as comic relief, his character seems a pale imitation of another Bruckheimer character, a sort of kooky, out of sorts man (Captain Jack Sparrow, anyone?) Ben Kingsley pretty much plays Ben Kingsley. I think he's stopped trying to act.
Cinematographically (though that might not be a real word), I can't complain. Excellent visual shots, sweeping landscapes, and a good use of crane camera. This is probably the only redeeming quality of the entire movie.
However, for aa movie based on a video game, the action was definitely sub-par. The fights were edited in the typical 21st century style - millisecond cuts of people doing...something. You can't really see it, but you're meant to understand that some epic fighting is happening, which in my opinion is a cover up for the complete lack of any choreography. Another big factor of the games is the parkour/free running that the Prince does. This is touched upon in the movie, but very repetitive. I can only see someone run across logs conveniently jutting out of the side of a building so many times before i'm thoroughly unimpressed. If you want to see a movie where the parkour makes your jaw drop, i would recommend District B-13, or Banlieue 13 to you francophones.
Altogether, I feel as though this movie could have been so much more, but instead, like many movies, it was subdued by hollywood producers looking to see how they can milk it for all it's worth (i.e. making it a kids movie). Download or rent this one.
Not once in the two hour span of the movie was I surprised by any of the plot developments or antics portrayed in the film. Much of the acting seemed very forced - particularily the scenes between Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Tamina (Gemma Arteron). They play the prince of Persia and the Princess of Alamut respectively, and their characters rather predictably fall in love. There is so much cliche banter between the two that it makes my head spin. Alfred Molina plays the Sheikh Amar, a rebel of sorts who runs an unauthorized gambling empire. While Molina serves as comic relief, his character seems a pale imitation of another Bruckheimer character, a sort of kooky, out of sorts man (Captain Jack Sparrow, anyone?) Ben Kingsley pretty much plays Ben Kingsley. I think he's stopped trying to act.
Cinematographically (though that might not be a real word), I can't complain. Excellent visual shots, sweeping landscapes, and a good use of crane camera. This is probably the only redeeming quality of the entire movie.
However, for aa movie based on a video game, the action was definitely sub-par. The fights were edited in the typical 21st century style - millisecond cuts of people doing...something. You can't really see it, but you're meant to understand that some epic fighting is happening, which in my opinion is a cover up for the complete lack of any choreography. Another big factor of the games is the parkour/free running that the Prince does. This is touched upon in the movie, but very repetitive. I can only see someone run across logs conveniently jutting out of the side of a building so many times before i'm thoroughly unimpressed. If you want to see a movie where the parkour makes your jaw drop, i would recommend District B-13, or Banlieue 13 to you francophones.
Altogether, I feel as though this movie could have been so much more, but instead, like many movies, it was subdued by hollywood producers looking to see how they can milk it for all it's worth (i.e. making it a kids movie). Download or rent this one.
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