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!
