Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Genre: Action, Adventure
Directed by: Mike Newell
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal (Dastan), Gemma Arterton (Tamina), Ben Kingsley (Nizam), Alfred Molina (Sheik Amar), Richard Coyle (Tus), Toby Kebbell (Garsiv), Steve Toussaint (Seso), Ronald Pickup (King Sharaman)

Some films are termed blockbusters for good reasons. For all its commercial trappings, I truly enjoyed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. What’s not to like about this movie? Adapted from a popular video game in the 90s, the movie appears to be geared for a sequel and possibly a trilogy. Sure, the good looking main leads in Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton are one main factor for the success of this movie. Yes, yes, I know the complaints that they look nothing like the nationalities that they are supposed to portray, but what’s wrong with some eye candy in a blockbuster?

Orphan boy, Dastan, is adopted by the King who witnessed his bravery in rescuing the weak. Growing up with his two royal blood brothers, he appears to have more princely qualities than his brothers. Although not greedy for the throne, he is nonetheless embroiled in court intrigues and had to find a way to clear his name when he was accused of brutally murdering his adopted father, the King. Joining hands with princess Tamina, the two inevitably fall in love.

Although I have never been a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal with his dead-pan expressions in ALL his previous movies, his stint in Brothers (with Spiderman Tobey Maguire), did help to improve his acting credentials, at least in my eyes. Anyway, strangely, with his newly toned and bulging biceps and long hair, his usually dead expression seems to have been replaced with a new burst of energy! And Gemma Arterton? Absolutely stunning! You can tell she knows she’s beautiful and she’s proud of it. Unlike most stick thin actresses, she embraces her womanly curves without being over-the-top about her God-given assets.

Apart from the good looks of the two main leads, the impressive sets, gorgeous costumes will make your movie ticket well worth the price. The special effects used in this movie appears to be seamless unlike the cringe-worthy Beowulf. Looking forward to more adventures from the Prince of Persia!