See the 2003 Playstation 2 game hit come to life in Disney’s Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes on all comers in an exotic adventure that links the past, the present and the future. With a stolen, mystical dagger and the rival princess it was snatched from, Dastan must brave all foes – including his family and empire – in order to save the world from the wrath of ancient powers and those who seek to wield them.
Falsely accused of murdering the king who adopted him, the former street urchin flees the freshly conquered Alamut, home to princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton), guardian of the mythical dagger and the sands of time, who aids in his escape. Once free, Dastan learns of the daggers powers and its origins. Both he and the princess journey to the location of the Sands of Time while being pursued by the Hassassins, the deadliest killers in the empire, sent by the true king-slayer and the secret architect of their drama. Sheik Amara (Alfred Molina) and his men join the desert trek after mention of gold, and provide well-timed comic relief, Ben Kingsley plays Nizam Grand Vizier, adviser and brother to the late king. Dastan seeks Nizam’s help to prove his innocence and regain his family and home.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an acrobatic epic set in large-scale fantasy settings. It is quick paced and designed to thrill. Though the structure of the film is formulaic and unoriginal, the visuals are gorgeous. The movie is straight forward and carries you through the action via Dastan’s perspective most of the time. There are no side stories or other people to get vested in, and the mission depends on the success of one man, instead of a combination of factors. It makes for an easily digestible movie, perfect for those looking to kick back and eat some popcorn.
Gyllenhaal and Arterton shared little sexual chemistry on-screen, but anything more intense would have felt out of place in the obviously Disney film. There were just enough lingering stares, insults and armed combats to get the point across. No doubt audiences appreciated the focus on action and design, considering it’s fairly two dimensional feel. Jake and Arterton did well in their respective roles. Jake as the parkour master, jumping from roof to wall to roof, evading would be Hassassins was great. Gemma was excellent as the stoic queen, and continued her strong performance as the abductee, slave, seductress and protector of the Chamber of the Sands of Time.
Prince of Persia is grandiose enough to be seen in theaters, but those who prefer the comfort of their own stains would enjoy this as a rental.
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