Videogame movie, anyone?

Film review:  Prince of Persia

MANILA, Philippines - A few days ago, I came upon a Hollywood report putting Shrek above Sex and the City 2, which, to my astonishment, had already been dislodged by Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in box-office ratings.

Prince of Persia? What Prince of Persia? How could it ever beat Sex and the City? My favorite Sex and the City!!! I just had to know the answer.

My son’s best friend, Miko explained to incredulous me that one of the reasons Prince of Persia is popular could be its being a film that hails from a cult-favorite genre of video game adaptations. Miko went on to explain that there had been other video game movies before, such as Street Fighter and Mario Brothers (considered as flops) and Pirates of the Caribbean, a smash hit. I was totally dumbstruck! Videogame movies? Since when?

Having gotten this unbelievable feedback, I practically dragged my 22-year-old son Jon, who had some knowledge on video games to the Eastwood cinemas. (Is it true that President Noynoy is also fond of this pastime?) With zero knowledge on such video game recreation, I went, not knowing what to expect, but prepared for the worst. Amazingly, I enjoyed the movie just like my son did.

The film revolves around a young Persian prince named Dastan played by the handsome Jake Gyllenhaal who leads a siege on the ancient Holy City of Alamut. There he meets the exotically beautiful Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton). Reluctantly and in order to save the world from impending doom, Tamina tells Dastan of a magical dagger that can activate the Sands of Time, an ancient artifact that can bring about Armageddon, should it fall into the wrong hands. Together, Dastan and Tamina race against all odds and against time in a formidable quest to safeguard the Sands of Time. Being so much alike in their characters, they fall in love with each other along the way.

Jake delivers a milestone performance in his career, stamping his own brand of action all over this movie. Displaying amazing acrobatics, and with his chiseled torso and gorgeous locks, he has really stepped into his own light as the upcoming action star of the year. Gemma, on the other hand, was equally fantastic. She brought into this film the very same sophisticated sexiness that won her praises for her performance in the epic movie, Clash of the Titans. Tamina glowed all throughout the film as the dashing leading lady because of Gemma’s great looks and gorgeous smile. (Rumor has it that Gemma is being considered to replace Megan Fox in the next Transformers sequel set to come out next year. And I say, what a superb choice!)

All in all, the Prince of Persia delivers as a great swashbuckling movie, epic in its special effects proportions and superb in its production design. At a glance, you would really feel transported to the ancient worlds of civilizations past. The story line keeps the audience biting their nails with up-tempo action sequences, and also invites the viewers to ponder what was about to happen next with its carefully woven story twists and character development.

Aside from the glorious special effects and action sequences that dazzle audiences and the attractive leading roles of Jake and Gemma, another actor makes a surprise performance that has both critics and audiences raving with praises. Alfred Molina — more famously known for playing the villain Doctor Octopus in SpiderMan 2 — steals the spotlight as the quirky and profiteering Sheik Amar. As Sheik Amar, Alfred plays the outlandish comic relief in the movie, providing the laughs in between the punches of this action-packed film.

That being said and seeing the more beautiful desert sceneries in this film, I now totally understand why Prince of Persia has overtaken the place of Sex and the City in the race to be the top blockbuster. The success, of course, mainly stems from the swashbuckling expertise of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and the infinitely imaginative minds of Walt Disney Studios that have clearly redefined the future of video game movies. Now, thanks to Prince of Persia, the entire viewing public has gained a deeper appreciation for this genre, as opposed to its predecessors that are said to have appealed only to the hardcore fans of the games. Needless to say, as a rousing adventure of a movie, Prince of Persia is another smash hit that is perfect for gamers (I believe there are millions and millions of them out there) and non-gamers (like poor, old me) alike.

(E-mail me at [email protected] or text 0927-5000833. Help build houses for the poor through the Gawad Kalinga by calling 718-1738 to 41 or text 0917-5239777.)