“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” has it all — action, humor, romance and an attractive cast.
The film, based on the video game, stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan, an orphan boy who was adopted by the King of Persia and grows up as a member of the Persian elite.
After the Persians, led by Dastan and his brothers, attack the holy city of Alamut, Dastan realizes he has been framed as part of an evil plan. He teams up with Tamina (Gemma Arterton), the princess of Alamut, to protect the Dagger of Time.
Dastan realizes the dagger has the power to turn back time for short periods, and he and Tamina must protect the dagger to save the world from a sandstorm that threatens to destroy humanity.
This group later befriends Dastan and Tamina and helps them fight the Hassansins, the traitorous group behind the evil plot. The well-choreographed fighting scenes are entertaining, though a little outrageous at times.
The movie does have its pitfalls — it opens with an “Aladdin”-like scene where a young Dastan jumps from the rooftops to avoid the Persian guards.
The love story between Dastan and Tamina could also cause many people to roll their eyes. It is predictable, although Gyllenhaal and Arterton’s chemistry make it work.
The overall story line is entertaining, however, and the ending was a pleasant surprise.
Those looking for good action sequences will get their fill. Those looking for laughs will find them in the band of ostrich-racers. And those looking for a good time will not be disappointed.
Though Gyllenhaal will not win an Oscar for this performance any time soon, this film was a good start to the summer blockbuster season.
“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” manages to escape the cheesy Disney mold and give the audience a decent story line and a solid action-adventure movie.
