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Let down by its illogical “found footage” approach, this remains an impressively compelling ride, which has more in line with classic storytelling than current fads.

Man On A Ledge

While Worthington doesn’t quite match the talent of his top-notch co-stars, this admittedly implausible but impressively dynamic thriller is exciting stuff.

The Artist

Beautifully made, surprisingly fresh, and there’s no denying its charm, but ultimately, it’s a slight case of style over substance.

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Driven by Elizabeth Olsen’s mesmerising lead performance, this languid and unsettling story buries deep into your mind

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Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time (Film)

by Erin Free | May 24, 2010 12:06 | Edited May 25, 2010 10:37

A silly but enjoyable romp from the experts at the Hollywood sausage factory.

With all of the requisite money and technological know-how in place, it doesn't take much of an extra push to jolt a Hollywood blockbuster into becoming a half-decent film. Starting off with the basics - some semblance of a story, and a little solid characterisation - usually helps, and that's where the surprisingly enjoyable Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time gets off on the right foot.

 

Though it's based on a video game (hardly a fine pedigree), the film moves along at a frantic clip, but never loses sight of the characters that so effectively drive the drama. Sure, it's not Citizen Kane, but the commitment of the assembled talent on display here - director Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire), screenwriter Boaz Yakin (Remember The Titans), leading man Jake Gyllenhaal - is undeniable.

 

Dealing with old Middle Eastern myths about adopted sons of kings, ancient armies, bloody battles, and betrayal in the royal court, Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time even throws in - wait for it - a heady lash of political allegory. The plot revolves around the invasion of an ancient city on the grounds that it houses a massive and potentially dangerous weapons forge. One character is tasked with finding said forge, and when he comes up empty, there is much discussion about the "unjust war" visited upon this seemingly guilty enemy. Though loopy and only half developed, this bizarre subplot at least shows the obvious intent from all involved to make something interesting.

 

On top of that, Prince Of Persia is a silly but enjoyable romp, and though the highly credible Gyllenhaal looks like he's slumming it here, his natural charisma and magnetism make things even more palatable. With its strong narrative sense, unpretentious humour and amusing self awareness, Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time is ample proof that in Hollywood, a little care goes a long way.