MOVIE REVIEW: 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time' has it all with a built-in audience, that great Hollywood craftsmanship and an able cast. So why is it such a thundering bore?
Unfortunately, the Summer Movies of 2010 have been a bit of a wet firecracker to date. Add "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" to that growing list of "shoulda, woulda, coulda."
While popcorn entertainment is certainly review-proof, audiences haven't exactly been shouting the praises of event pics like "Iron Man 2," "Robin Hood" and "Shrek Forever After," either. With this latest video game to movie screen transfer, not even the muscle of Jerry Bruckheimer and the directorial prowess of Mike Newell ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") could stop time and make "Prince of Persia" a better experience at the movies.
Full of visual sizzle, sand, swords and sandals, "Prince of Persia" is a gilded homage to the Hollywood swashbuckling adventure. A poor boy's selfless act catches the attention of a noble king who adopts the child and makes him a member of the royal family. Now grown-up, this prince of Persia, Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), enjoys the trappings of wealth and reckless youth. However, when his beloved father is assassinated, his is mistakenly charged with the murder and is forced to go on the run. Accompanied by the feisty and mysterious Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton), Dastan has the edge thanks to a powerful dagger that can manipulate time. And, time is something that is in short supply as he attempts to avenge the death of his father, save the world and reveal the true infidel in their midst.
Popular video game or not, audiences have been intrigued by such adventures since the dawn of culture. While film has given these exotic tales plenty of scope and design, which "Prince of Persia" does extremely well, how is it that said adventures have not been better presented since "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in 1981? And that's the main, nagging problem with "Prince." For all the breathtaking effects, parkour stunts and energy spent, it is curiously lacking in visceral thrills and wonder.
To be frank, it is almost unfair to cite the expected wooden dialogue, which hits a new high in "Prince of Persia," as the prime culprit. Almost. (A deadly first act is a test of patience and endurance, with the audience playing a waiting game for the all-important dagger to make its appearance.) While video game creator Jordan Mechner was involved in this "meant to be a franchise" effort, it took no fewer than three scribes to build upon cliche after cliche, which does contribute to its feeling so labored. Director Newell, who elevated "Goblet of Fire" into one of the best "Harry Potter" adaptations, does not seem as inspired by the material this time. Flashes exist, but they are far and few in between. And why is it when these films are cast, studios opt for the Royal Shakespeare Company treatment? Do they think hearing such stilted prose sounds better with an accent? Speaking of accents, what possessed people to think having Gyllenhaal adopt a "Mockney" sound was the best course of action?
Much has been discussed about the lack of cultural authenticity in the Anglo casting of "Prince of Persia's" lead actors. To be frank, if people want to see a film with ethnic veracity, it is a bit of stretch to expect it out of a film about a magical dagger that controls the sands of time. However, miscasting issues do exist in "Prince" The talented Gyllenhaal, who bulked up considerably for the rigors of being an action hero, is just not suited for genre. He felt strangely out of place and period, which can't be said for Alfred Molina, who is the film's one bright spot. The grand Ben Kingsley can rock eyeliner better than Bret Michaels, but restraint would have been nice. As for Gemma Arterton, she lands perilously close to Kate Capshaw-"Temple of Doom" territory in terms of shrill masquerading as strong-willed.
Disney has been seeking a means of replicating the booty culled from the massive "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise for quite some time. While producer Bruckheimer knows how to harness the best artisans in the business to make these big budget epics, he needs to start paying attention to more than just the hardware. Sooner or later, audiences will make sure such empty calorie pics like "Prince of Persia" will be swallowed up by the sands of disinterest.
PRINCE OF PERSIA: The Sands of Time (Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films)
Directed by: Mike Newell
Written by: Boaz Yakin and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard (Based on the video game series created by Jordan Mechner)
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal (Dastan), Gemma Arterton (Tamina), Ben Kingsley (Nizam), Alfred Molina (Sheikh Amar), Steve Toussaint (Seso), Toby Kebbell (Garsiv), Richard Coyle (Tus)
Rating: PG-13
"Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" is now playing citywide. L.A. moviegoers can click on Fandango, MovieTickets and NCM for ticket and theater information, as well information on IMAX presentations.
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Stop time and watch the making of "Prince of Persia" with the cast and filmmakers.
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