HOLLYWOOD —“The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” is an exciting, over the top film that doesn’t have any real story, but is fun to watch anyway. Jake Gyllenhaal as Dastan is very handsome, certainly got fit for the role, but I was not sure he’d be able to pull off the campy-nature of this film. He sure succeeded in an almost cartoon-like character that dominates the storyline and the scenery of “Persia.”
Ben Kingsley as Nizam offers the very strong solid performance in the film, while Gyllenhaal becomes almost a superhero. Disney Studios can always be counted on to produce a visual spectacle and this is no different. The official synopsis states, “Set in the mystical lands of Persia, a rogue prince and a mysterious princess race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of time —a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world.”
Obviously a film like this captures the attention of young men, mainly high school and college age. Though young ladies will find a bit of romance as well. Gemma Arterton portrays Tamina, and she’s really a superb actress. The chemistry between the leading lady and leading man is sincere and very intense in many of the film’s scenes. Director Mike Newell kept the production very splashy and he utilized a lot of desert scenery. My favorite desert is obviously the American southwest, but the story had to be told on the Middle Eastern stage and he managed to capture the best aspects of it.
The film is family-friendly. Its plot is easily followed and Gyllenhaal really seems enigmatic and charismatic in this role. “Prince of Persia” Gets Four of Five Stars. The film opens on Friday, May 28, in theaters across the nation and worldwide.
