The Unlikely Persian Prince

 The Verdict:

 GO SEE!

REVIEW:

Jake Gyllenhaal seemed like the most unlikely actor picked to play the video gamed based character, Prince Dastan, aka, the Prince of Persia, in the film Prince of Persia: Sands of Time.

Gyllenhaal, known best for his homosexual role in Brokeback Mountain and his earlier work in the weird Donnie Dark--- playing an action hero doesn't fit.

With his big, blue puppy dog eyes and Mr. Nice Guy personality, Gyllenhaal doesn't ooze toughness one bit--- but his role as Dastan proves otherwise.

Decked out with long hair, a buff body and wearing gladiator type gear highlighting his new body, Gyllenhaal certainly has the look of a warrior. He carries swords and knows how to use them, and leaps around the screen effortlessly as if he's flying in most scenes. He's got the role of Prince Dastan down pat.

But with Prince of Persia being a Disney film, casting Gyllenhaal as the prince was probably a risk. Given some of his other roles, could he appeal to younger audiences? Gyllenhaal himself gives off a good guy aura and his portrayal of Dastan is likeable. He is the hero of the film and that would make him more than A-ok with the smaller filmgoers.

Gyllenhaal is joined by the relatively new actress Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) who plays the beautiful, headstrong Princess Tamina, the accomplished Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Shutter Island) as evil Nizam and Alfred Molina (Chocolat) a greedy ostrich racer. Persia is produced by blockbuster producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Carribean series, National Treasure series) and complemented with a perfect action felt score by Harry Gregson-Williams (The Chronicles of Narnia, Kingdom of Heaven).

Prince of Persia starts off to a slow start, but once it picks up, the action doesn't stop. As unlikely as Gyllenhaal comes across for the role of Dastan, he proves he was meant to play the Prince of Persia.

Trailer:

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810041991/video

*The Stars:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina

~Director:
Mike Newell

~Music:
Harry Gregson-Williams

~Rating:
PG-13

~How Long:
1 hr. 55 mins.

~Opening:
5/28/10