While this week's big action release, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, is likely the best live-action film based on a video game ever made, it's still not a great movie. While at times the action was enjoyable and the settings were spectacular, Prince of Persia's plot is convoluted and it's characters one dimensional and lacking in chemistry.
Jake Gyllenhaal is cast as the title prince, Dastan, and seems out of place in a period piece, while Gemma Arterton, as the priestess, Princess Tamina, fails to impress. The best member of the cast is Alfred Molina, whose talents are wasted in the small role of Sheik Amar, a scoundrel who aids the prince in his quest to use the fabled Sands of Time to prevent the overthrow of the Persian Empire. Ben Kingsley rounds out the cast as Dastan's uncle, who isn't all that he seems to be.
Though it has it's share of problems, the movie isn't a complete waste of time. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams is sweeping and majestic. The stunt work and effects are top-notch and worthy of a summer blockbuster. Like a video game, Prince of Persia is a fun way to lose a few hours, but there are probably better ways to spend your time.
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