Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Reviews

This film I see has had a mixed reception. I am inclined to think that while it is flawed it was an entertaining and above average film. As I've said, it is flawed, the film is rushed sometimes, I personally would have liked more room to breathe, the script does have its weaknesses, some of it could have been more witty and less wordy and banal though there are some funny moments, and while I don't think Gemma Arterton is a bad actress-she was brilliant in Tess of the D'Urbevilles her chemistry with Gyllanhaal is rather dull and her character was quite vapid.

However, the visuals, cinematography, costumes, special effects and sets are all excellent, as is the rousing music and exciting action sequences. The story has some nice nods to the games but is essentially a stand-alone which I didn't mind at all, and for me it was a not-too-predictable and fun story. The direction is serviceable enough, and the acting apart from Arterton is good and the characters if slightly unoriginal and under-developed fun. Jake Gyllanhaal is a handsome and likable lead, Ben Kingsley is excellent and Alfred Molina steals the show.

In conclusion, I thought it was entertaining albeit with flaws. 7/10 Bethany Cox

amazing & creative graphics, awsome movie.

I wish they didn't shake the camera during the action sequences, give away the bad guy and include ninjas and pirates. The pirates needed to be more serious. Good for a game based movie.

During the last 5 years, Jake Gyllenhaal has becoming one of the most interesting actors of his generation giving some really acclaimed performances along the way ('Southpaw','Nightcrawler', 'Prisoners', 'End of Watch',...). However, at some point, his ambition seemed to be also a blockbuster star. Indeed, in fact, he was even set to replace Tobey Maguirre in 'Spider-Man 2' but, it didn't happen and, eventually, he finally got his shot with this massive Bruckheimer production. So far, most video-game adaptations had been pretty much useless so far but it could have worked with this video-game though. I remember playing the very first version which was very minimalistic at a friend's house when I was just a kid and this game was definitely one of my all-time favorites. Indeed, there was some great potential to create a neat story from this source. Unfortunately, the end-result was rather underwhelming. Basically, this movie was just a Pirates of the Carribean-wannabe. Again, Jake Gyllenhaal is a very nice actor and he tried very hard but he was no Johnny Depp (even though it doesn't mean much nowadays) and the story was rather convoluted. It could have worked but it just did not. So, there won't be any sequel this time after all, Mr Bruckheimer ! Anyway, for a blockbuster, it is still not that bad and I think it is still worth a look but don't expect anything really amazing.

Prince of Persia is a popcorn film which can be enjoyed if not taken too seriously. The film seems to have made especially for the teen audience in mind as it boasts of an ample amount of mindless action, magical escapades, running, jumping, hiding & chasing around. Two hours of timepass is guaranteed if you don’t give much thought to where the film is heading.The film has a strong Arabian flavour to it, thanks to its colourful exotic outfits, bronzed star cast and the beautiful picturisation of the sandstorm and deserts. The action scenes comprising of the sword fighting, snake fighting, horse riding and Ostrich riding is entertaining too. The special effects are not ground breaking but are decent enough to keep you hooked.

Not ground shaking, but an enjoyable action movie

made based on the basis of the game ,, nice story line and has got all the stunts in the game..
effects are simply superb and the stunts are out standing.i prefer you guys to either watch it in bluray or in theatres....

A young Persian prince comes into possession of a mystical dagger is forced to work with a rival princess in order to prevent the destruction of the world.

Prince of Persia is a humorous, action packed, lusciously filmed movie that managed to keep my interest in spite of the predictable storyline. If it weren't for a couple of glaring problems I would have been happy to give this movie a solid 7 out of 10.

I enjoyed the sexual tension between Dustan and Tamina but the romantic moment near the climax of the movie was out of place. I also really had fun with Alfred Molina's character.

One of the issues I have with Prince of Persia is how physically weak Tamina is. I don't need a Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2 type physique but as guardian to the dagger I expected Tamina to have some kind of skills in protecting it. Another thing I didn't like was the Deux Ex Machina for wrapping up the plot which negates the events of the movie prior to that point.

Still, I had a lot of fun watching most of Prince of Persia. A decent movie to escape the summer heat.

''You are a Prince of Persia...Chosen from amongst the people.''

Based on the video game, which follows an adventurous prince who teams up with a rival princess to stop an angry ruler from unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world.

Jake Gyllenhaal: Dastan

Being a fan of the Prince Of Persia game series by Jordan Mechner, which dates back to the 2D original in the 80s, I was eagerly awaiting the film version.
Directed by Mike Newell, with a colourful screenplay devised from Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro, and Carlo Bernard, including a story written by the Games creator, and a merging with Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer amongst the producers.
So how does Prince Of Persia: The sands of time fair upon the big screen? Well, sit quietly and I will explain via storytelling/reviewing mode.



A breath-taking prelude begins the affair, Mike Newel lights the fuse, by giving us luscious visuals, epic beginnings, and explaining the Empire of Persia in typical Hollywood fashion. A boy from the streets is shown jumping across rooftops, swinging like a monkey and showing great courage towards a child in need of help. The king, with his brother, sees the child and he takes him as his child.
Whilst this is in effect, Original Music by Harry Gregson-Williams blasts upon our ears while the Cinematography by John Seale teasingly tempts us with it's blatant unsubtly approach honouring the adventure roots that hails Prince.

Regarding the cast of Prince Of Persia, it's easy to say they have chosen well known faces and undoubtedly rising stars from additional sources.
Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan, results in being a witty, handsome, humourous protagonist, while also a fitting choice for being transfomed into the somersaulting prince himself.
Throw in a beauty such as Gemma Arterton as Tamina, the love interest and guardian of the dagger time device, and you have a heroine whom embodies the voice and style of Oscar Winner Rachel Weisz. There is simply something very fun here, not seen since the daftness The Mummy invoked years ago.
Ben Kingsley as Nizam would appear to be one of the most impressive cast choices, as the nefarious Uncle figure, is he a villain? Or a friend? Kingsley clearly had fun in the role...And it shows. Just watch for instance, that sly, rat-like smile as he walks through a dark soldiery training room. What does this show us? It shows he's comfortable here. Ben Kinglsey can play a Jew, he can play an Indian, he can play a Doctor...Hell, he can even transform into a nefarious gangster without batting an eye lid.
It must also be said where would Prince Of Persia be without more injections of humour? Well, if the banter between Jake Gemma isn't enough, the film-makers throw in the talented Alfred Molina playing Sheik Amar, the Ostrich racer merchant, whom talks when he really shouldn't and many of us laugh when we shouldn't in equal doses.

It's frankly quite easy to say Prince Of Persia humbles itself by being alot of things, what it lacks in originality it makes up for with pure adrenaline, and charisma.
Granted, it does sometimes feel more English than Persian, it feels drenched with effects and an epic vibe that transcends that long ago period but... It does one important thing that eclipses all others. The aspect and success regarding the fruits and labours divulged? Of course, it is indeed keeping audiences entertained and enthralled with what it shows us.
I could say, a few more circumstances and sequences involving gymnastic jumping and scaling could have been served for fans in later scenes but that's me being a perfectionist. The dialogue and time travel plot regarding the plot always seems to be the focus that the makers strive solidify.

In all conclusion and fairness, my instincts and ultimate feelings upon reflection after experiencing Prince Of Persia were positive. I came out of the theatrical viewing feeling good and entertained while also in a romantic state of reminiscence. It's harmless fluff and dazzling fun, consistent in elaborately showing vast locations, costumes that are inspiring, and perhaps going a little crazy with it's usage concerning effects. What is indeed important is that it never loses sight of it's most important goal. Which is to bring to life the figure we know and love named by the people The Prince Of Persia.

Despite the fact I had almost no knowledge of the video games that this film is based on, I really wanted to see it! I mean, the games look amazing but the film looks an amazing piece of entertainment and guess what? It was! To be perfectly honest, those who haven't ever played the game, the game doesn't need to be played to see the film because the plot itself is very basic and it resembled other films that I have seen in the past. I think the film that Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time reminded me a lot of was The Lion King which did really surprise me. I like to call it the Disney Indiana Jones that I feel is combined with The Golden Compass, Pirates Of The Caribbean and The Chronicles Of Narnia.


Set in the Persian Empire during the 6th century, Prince Dastan is a street urchin who is adopted by the king as his heir so the king's two sons wouldn't fight over the throne. When the king is murdered and Dastan is accused, he flees but then comes back and teams up with Princess Tamina to stop his uncle Nizam from taking an ancient dagger known as "The Dagger Of Time" which could destroy the world. To be honest, I did think that Jake Gyllenhaal would be a cheesy actor to play Prince Dastan but he delivers a performance that I was surprisingly impressed by! In fact, because he played the part so well, he was probably the best choice for the role. After Quantum Of Solace, Gemma Arterton proves once again that she is one shit actress! I mean, yeah there were a lot of jokes involved in the film and a lot of romance between Princess Tamina and Prince Dastan but she didn't make the Princess very interesting. She was like an absolutely helpless idiot that was just chasing after him! Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina deliver good performances too.


Mike Newell already made a name for himself after directing Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire and I have to say that Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time is another fantastic creation of his! He is a director of dark, intense visual entertainment that will try to make his films for adults as well as kids no matter the plot. The comedy involved was quite cheesy at times but it did make me chuckle. It was that kind of humour where you'd laugh and you'd think "What the hell?" and carry on laughing. I am glad that Disney made something like this because it has its exciting moments, sad moments and magical moments which is something that appears in almost every Disney film. Also, it is like The Lion King and that is one of the ultimates from Disney so I couldn't see them not doing it.


Overall, Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time is an absolutely brilliant entertaining film that I would call a visual masterpiece like Alice In Wonderland but not one of the best films of the year. I wouldn't only call it as the Indy 4 of 2010 but also the Indiana Jones of Disney. I would like to see a trilogy based on the games seeing as the first was awesome! It was surprisingly like The Lion King so if you love that film (which is pretty much everybody), you'd be entertained by Prince Of Persia.