Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Movies based on games usually aren’t well-known for their great quality, for example Super Mario Bros, Street Fighter and Max Payne. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is based on the 2003 game with the same name (de franchise started in 1989). If finished the game and thought it was a really great game. The Arabian nights atmosphere, the beautiful environments, the acrobatics (running along walls, making incredible jumps) and of course the possibility to rewind time all impressed.

Unfortunately the developer (Ubisoft) decided to change the whole feeling with the Warrior Within. The games just misses the magic that the Sands of Time had. It seemed to be based on a rock/gothic vibe and the focus on platforming was changed and fighting seemed to be more important. After that game I actually stopped playing the Prince of Persia games. However I was very interested in this movie as it was based on the Sands of Time. Does the movie manage to be just as good as the game or is it as disappointing as the Warrior Within?

Jake Gyllenhaal (who previously played in one of my “imdb tens” films Donnie Darko) is prince Dastan. Together with his two brothers and uncle (Ben Kingsley) they attack Alamut, a holy city which they think is involved in selling weapons to their enemies. In the city Dastan manages to get the “Dagger of Time” which has magic powers. More people are aware of the powers en also try to get it.

The movie has beautiful locations (although a lot of CGI is used), beautiful sets and scenes in which a big number of extras are used. When watching it you are treated to a big number of spectacular action scenes.
Together with a good story, some humor the result is a successful one. I was very impressed and definitely entertained. A great summer blockbuster, which is highly recommended!

Score: 8