MOVIE REVIEW
By Mike (The Movie) Sage
It'd be easy to dismiss the Prince of Persia as another vapid adaptation from the tragic videogame genre-where the only standouts are unadulteratedly cheesy exposÉs of Milla Jovovich and/or Angelina Jolie's best assets.
But this Jerry Bruckheimer concoction is a wicked fun adventure with a good script to boot.
The thrills begin with the deft casting of buffed up Jake Gyllenhaul and sassy beauty Gemma Arterton as the bickering would-be heroes/lovers. Sure they're not exactly the most "Persian" of thespians, but its based on a platforming videogame for heaven's sake. These two inject bucket loads more charisma and chemistry than Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightly ever had the Pirates trilogy, you'll even enjoy the furious bouts of necessary exposition.
The plot's pretty easy to follow. The dashing swashbuckler Dastan was made an honorary prince of some Ancient Persian empire when the king and his attendances witnessed the street urchin's daring heroism in the city slums.
Unfortunately, when someone decides to assassinate this benevolent ruler our young hunk is framed for the murder and must go on a prolonged chase through the exquisite Arab scenery.
To make matters worse, Dastan's kingdom is invading Alamut under the false pretenses that they harbor and intend to use weapons of mass destruction (don't worry, this political allegory takes a healthy back seat to the action).
The weapon in question is a magic dagger that contains sands to turn back time, and Princess Tamina (Arterton), its sworn protector is thrown into the mix when it ends up in Dastan's hands.
Needless to say, our cocky prince and feisty princess have little reason to trust each other, and must spend most of the film squabbling and dodging their Disney-friendly urges to give into their respective lust.
Sure it isn't believable for a second that these two looking as smoking as they do wouldn't kiss and enjoy the makeup sex amidst their long journey through sandstorms, seedy villages and guardian temples, but hey, if it ain't broke.
Yes the film is a tad predictable (one look at a certain royal heir and his overdose on mascara screams Super Villain) but Prince of Persia worksbecause it is big solid entertainment that sucks you in right until the unfortunate time-traveling conclusion.
The characters are all juicy and surprisingly developed, and Alfred Molina provides kooky comic relief as a tax-evading ostrich racer. The set pieces feature parkour rooftop jumping, throwing dagger shoot-outs and bladed whips more deadly than the cat-o-nine-tails of the Passion of the Christ.
It's all kid-safe and gore-free violence, sure, but Mike Newell's tight direction keeps it engaging nonetheless. Most of all, it's the imagination and polished storytelling that will keep you glued to your seat.
Rating: Three and a half stars out of five
