Movie Reviews
Prince Of Persia Battles Into Cinemas Posted by Matt Smith 28 May, 2010 - 11:31 AM
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley.
Jake Gyllenhaal has made a name for himself as a serious actor, with serious good looks. His first real foray into action adventure sees him showing off more than his acting ability, which is sure to keep at least a percentage of the audience satisfied. Thankfully, there is a little more than just Jake’s torso to keep young at heart audiences happy.
‘Prince of Persia’ is ultimately a great flick for those that love a bit of easy going escapism, but not much more. It is a little like a cross between ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Tomb Raider’. Set in a far away land, it involves mysterious weapons that can destroy the world and contains enough action-adventure to keep the younger audiences on the edge of their seats. The two leads Prince Dastan (Gyllenhaal) and rival Princess Tamina (played by Gemma Arterton) are very likable, have great chemistry and are sure to become miniature, plastic action heroes.
‘Prince of Persia’ is the type of film you take your niece or nephew to, but certainly not one for a first date. That is unless you want to highlight the fact that you like your films to be ‘adapted from a videogame’ and pitched at 15 year old boys.
Three out of Five Stars.
The Losers
Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Idris Elba and Jason Patric.
After a special operations team is double crossed in the Bolivian jungle and labelled as fugitives, they seek revenge on the mysterious Max that orchestrated their demise.
In an age where action films have been smartened up with the likes of the Bourne Trilogy and the newer Batman films, ‘The Losers’ is like their dumb cousin. Fortunately, that dumb cousin comes in the form of a very funny, even if somewhat annoying, entity. ‘The Losers’ is like a throwback to the eighties when action films were based on ludicrous stunts, unbelievable shoot outs, semi-racist ideologies and super cheesy one-liners delivered by super cool heroes.
The main hero of the film comes in the form of Colonel Clay, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan best known as The Comedian from ‘Watchmen’. His sparing partner/would be lover is played perfectly by Zoe Saldana, last seen as the lean, mean, blue fighting machine Neytiri in ‘Avatar’. Chris Evans (Fantastic Four) gets most of the film’s best lines and Idris Elba finally brings his formidable acting talent (highlighted during the first three seasons of ‘The Wire’) to the big screen. The mysterious and super nasty Max is played by Jason Patric who should be commended for delivering such ridiculous one liners with a straight face.
For such a silly film, it still manages to throw in a couple of plot twists which will keep you guessing until the next explosion reminds you that you are not supposed to be thinking too much. ‘The Losers’ is big, dumb, full of fun and the perfect antidote for those seeking some easy going escapism. It will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoyed ‘Zombieland’ and Kick Ass!’ from earlier this year.
Four out of Five Stars
StreetDance 3D
Starring Charlotte Rampling, Nichola Burley, Rachael McDowell and Richard Winsor.
In an ultimate clash of cultures, a group of hipster street dancers in desperate need for rehearsal space are forced to join forces with some uppity ballet dancers in order to practice for the Street Dance Championships. Will they be able to work together or will it all go pear shaped? If you have guessed that they will work together, and along the way appreciate the differences of each others dance forms and become formidable opponents. You are not too far off the mark.
StreetDance 3D is Britain’s first foray into the ‘dancers keeping it real’ genre that has been popular in recent years, courtesy of American films like ‘Step Up’, ‘You Got Served’ and ‘Save the Last Dance’. Like all those before it, the film has disregarded the need for a strong script or original story and focused on what is important - the dancing. The amazing dance scenes have also been given the 3D treatment, which puts it into the ‘must see at the cinema’ territory.
StreetDance 3D certainly focuses on style over substance, but it is not let down by the fact. Scene after scene of incredible dance sequences can make the most cynical viewer appreciate the athleticism of those before them. As an advertisement for dancing, it does a pretty good job. Anyone dragged along to this film expecting to be thoroughly bored, should be pleasantly surprised. Those that enjoyed the aforementioned ‘dance’ flicks may find a new contender for the ‘best dance flick from the past few years’.
Three out of Five Stars.
