The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, Unveiled

Most would never consider watching the movie Prince of Persia, simply on the basis that the idea was adapted from a popular video game. This within itself, some would say, is a set up for disaster. Especially considering all of the failures that have precedented it: Alone in the Dark, Hitman, Doom, BloodRayne, and Resident Evil, to name a few. While this might not be enough to turn some viewers off, Prince of Persia is also a Disney movie (one of the only four ever produced rated PG-13). Somehow, a Disney video game movie does not enter anyone's mind as being a quality film worth spending 5 minutes over, let alone the running time of 116 minutes (almost 2 hours!)

Despite all of these "obvious" flaws, I am telling you now, run past the skepticism and the doubt; sit down and watch this movie. I guarantee 90% of you won't regret it. I'm the type of gal that loves hardcore adventure/action movies, (Gladiator, Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, and Ben-Hur, etc.) and while Disney doesn't allow too much gore, it's enough. And not only are the action scenes packed with awesome stunts and cleverly timed clashes, the movie has some depth to its plot line as well. It may not be 100% original but the movie itself was well written.

The movie's cast, led by Jake Gyllenhaal, is surprisingly well-rounded, including: Gemma Arterton (Quantum Solace, Clash of the Titans, RocknRolla), Ben Kingsley (Ghandi, Schindler's List, and Shutter Island), and Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2 and The DaVinci Code). These talented actors and actress form the movie into the great spectacle it is. The director, Mike Newell (Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire) had always considered Jake Gyllenhaal as the perfect fit for the role of the prince, having known him for years. Finally, he had his chance to cast him as the hero, the prince of Persia in 2010. Let me just say, the director was absolutely right. Jake Gyllenahaal does the Prince Dastan justice. He's charming, attractive, athletic, and witty with the exception of a few expected cheesy lines. He even does most of his own stunts after having built his body up on a strict diet to get those arms you see onscreen.

His chemistry with Gemma Arterton, Princess Tamina, also contributes to the spark this movie already has. They play off each other very well, with sharp comebacks and clever responses. While Gemma Arterton did not get the chance to fully prove her skills in Clash of the Titans, she has a chance to redeem herself as an actress in this movie. Even if few people can take her seriously. Her breathy voice and elaborate costumes are only to be expected from a Disney, beautiful princess living in the desert. Something that shocked me the most was the lack of noticeable CGI. Most of the stunts done by the characters, that looked virtually impossible, appeared more realistic than I would have ever dreamed, CGI or no. The special effects are something the crew is to be congratulated on; they are especially well done.

On to the actual movie. It begins with the quote: "It Is Said Some Lives Are Linked Across Time.....They Are Connected By An Ancient Calling that echoes through the ages.....
Destiny." This is the movie at its the core, believe it or not, come to your own conclusions. What follows is a scene introducing the king of Persia and his two sons, Garsiv and Tus. It then cuts to Prince Dastan (Prince of Persia), as a young bratty street rat who defies the law and is rewarded by being adopted as one of the king's sons. While the dialogue could use some work, the point comes across. This is also helped by all the stunt work done in the scene, not to mention the fantastic soundtrack by Harry Gregson-Williams all throughout the movie. The exotic and exciting music makes half the movie. It's just that good and Gregson-Williams is a master at orchestrating the perfect desert theme.

After, the movie runs smoothly, showing Dastan all grown up. While he seems to be slightly scruffier with somewhat stringy hair, it's clear he's definitely toned. The movie proceeds with Dastan proving to the audience that he is both reckless and courageous, leading a charge on an innocent "holy" city (Alamut) and discovering Princess Tamina and a mysterious dagger in the process. They both go rogue after a terrible incident occurs for which Dastan is blamed and declared guilty. Dastan comes up with an elaborate plan to meet with his "trusted" uncle, Nizam (Ben Kingsley), to prove his innocence while explaining the powers of the dagger of time, the center of this movie. Although some would argue the plot, does not move fast enough, dwindling on pointless occurences along the way, such as the ostrich races and the focus around the Sheik Amar ( Alfred Molina), it is filled to the brim with twists and turns, some utterly predictable, others...unexpected.

The ending particularly is thrilling and definitely shocked me, taking a whole new turn I never expected at all. The whole movie flowed together very well. There are movies with frankly really dull parts that you must skip over. In this movie, there is never one to be found, not for me. Prince of Persia's cast works together spectacularly, the director clearly worked hard to make this movie unforgettable, and the music was the best soundtrack I've heard in years. Really, it pieces together the whole film. At times, the banter between Princess Tamina and Prince Dastan can be ridiculous as well as corny, some slow-mo parts for Prince Dastan are almost laughable, there isn't as much action as there should be, and the dialogue could use some work. However, those only prove to be minor flaws in this otherwise exciting worthwhile adventure.

It's definitely worth seeing Jake Gyllenhaal, in what I think is one of his best roles. I too, doubted and scorned the movie from the previews, but I now regret judging a movie by it's cover. This movie is well worth spending two hours for.