Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

“Prince of Persia: Sands of Time” - what kind of a movie is it?

Seriously so-so in my opinion, and I was in a good mood.

First of all, while I totally like Jake Gyllenhaal, he’s no prince of Persia, in spite of bulging biceps, leather straps and greasy hair and leaping tall buildings in a single bound. I kept hoping for a Kurt Russell persona and face, but what we get in Gyllenhaal is a sad face, the face of sensitivity and compassion – all well and good for a contemporary flick full of 21st Century angst.

I realize that he can’t help it, so this is a casting issue.

If they simply wanted to build a showcase for Gyllenhaal, so be it, but if they wanted to make this a first-rate entertainment film, they failed.

Ben Kingsley is slip-sliding away, a parody of himself in former days when he could bring to the screen some depth of passion and mystery. But this character? Unconvincing – a bored actor playing a carboard villain.

The one who did it well – always does – Alfred Molina. Whimsical, greedy, boastful, with some remarkable bits and pieces of nobility. For me, Molina is by far the best.

The beauty of the story is Gemma Arterton … but, again, I think it all failed for her for want of fire.

Does anybody really care! What’s at stake in this story? Are nations trembling? Are the fates waiting? “Yawn … did anyone get popcorn?”

The whole thing lacked passion.

Special effects are good … but oh so typical. Music, typical. Buy the soundtrack? Sure, why not?

Worth seeing in the theater?

I don’t think so – save it for Netflix when you have nothing better to do … or better yet, go to the beach and enjoy some real sand!