Review: Prince of Persia (The Sands of Time)

Based on the previews, The Prince of Persia looked like a fun movie, and it certainly lived up to my expectations!

It is a fun, rousing, and completely unbelievable adventure that will satisfy just about every popcorn movie cinephile out there. The action sequences are well done, the CGI is top notch, and the storyline (not overly complex by any stretch) is easy to follow.

For the most part, Jake Gyllenhaal has tackled a character unlike any role he has yet done. He comes across very believably as the hero Dastan. Gyllenhaal pulls off the vocal aspect of this part quite convincingly. Physically, he looked as if he had been doing action movies over the entire breadth of his career. The only time Gyllenhaal looked like the goofy-faced kid from October Sky or Bubble Boy, was right at the end of the film. Otherwise, you know it's Jake Gyllenhaal as you watch the film, but he is not the same actor you are used to seeing.

The other star of this film, Gemma Arterton, is not only beautiful, but she also appears extremely comfortable. Arterton has a natural, relaxed screen presence that just comes across as genuine. This is her second sword and sandal project of the Spring. In April we saw Arterton play the role of Io in Clash of the Titans. Here in Prince of Persia, she plays Tamina, the entrusted keeper of the Sands of Time. I thought her acting was great, and her onscreen chemistry with Gyllenhaal was done with ease and grace.

The supporting cast is composed of mostly unknown (to American audiences, at least) British actors. Aside from Sir Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina, I was unfamiliar with the supporting cast; though they all did a wonderful job.

Directed by Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Mona Lisa Smile, Donnie Brasco, Four Weddings and a Funeral), Prince of Persia flows easily and logically throughout. Newell is obviously adept at directing this type of movie, and his experience really shows.

The Costuming, Set Design and Construction, Cinematography, and music were all superbly carried out. The crew hired for this movie was great from top to bottom.

Prince of Persia isn't a great movie by any standard, but it IS fun! You don't take it seriously because you aren't meant to! Go see this movie with the idea that it is just a fun, entertaining film, and you will walk away having had an enjoyable time at the movies. I will probably go see this at least one more time, then buy it when it is released on DVD/Blue ray.