Prince Of Persia (2010)

Jake Gyllenhaal gets a lifetime free pass from me for being in 'Donnie Darko'. So I will try to be nice to him while I watch 'The Prince of Persia' based on a video game I have never played. It does have 'parkour' in it which I enjoy watching but only for the less than complete jumps the people attempting it suffer.



"Adopted from the streets of Nasaf by King Sharaman of Persia, young Dastan grows up amongst royalty and quickly earns his place as a mighty warrior and prince. As his brothers Garsiv and Tus plan battle strategies, a spy sends word that the Holy City of Alamut has been supplying weapons to enemies of Persia. Taking matters into his own hands, Tus orders an attack on the sacred city and upon its fall Dastan encounters the beautiful Princess Tamina. When King Sharaman dies under mysterious circumstances shortly after, and Dastan is accused of his murder, he flees with the princess on a harrowing mission to clear his name. Learning from Tamina the true motives behind Alamut's invasion, Dastan must embark on a perilous quest to stop an evil mastermind's plot for ultimate power with a mystical weapon that can control the very fabric of time."

Jerry Bruckheimer, the same guy who produced 'Pirates of the Carribean' is in charge here and he has the full weight and skill of the 'Disney Studios' behind him and it shows. The production is lavish in both setting and costumes.


Gyllanhaal, with his faux British accent, is quite good as the roguish prince Dastan (who they call the 'Lion of Persia') and is more than able to bring the action and the funny to his role. Ben Kingsley is his reliable slimy self as Dastan's evil Uncle. Gemma Arterton is ravishing in her beauty and totally believable as a princess who would provoke men to reckless behavior.

In many ways this is an old fashioned adventure tale with great action scenes and special effects. The dagger of time that forms the basis for Dastan to be hunted and the key to his redemption is a neat piece of magical weaponry.

The film is a bit long but I was entertained the whole time. It didn't need the 3D additions - in fact most movies these days don't.