UNCHARTED (2022)
Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, Antonio Banderas
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins
Rating: PG (Some Violence)
Released By: Sony Pictures
Official Website:
Opening Day: 17 February 2022
Synopsis: Based on one of the best-selling, most critically acclaimed video game series of all time, Uncharted introduces audiences to the young street-smart Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and showcases his first treasure hunting adventure with wisecracking partner Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). In an action-adventure epic that spans the globe, the two go in dangerous pursuit of “the greatest treasure never found” while also tracking clues that may lead to Nathan’s long-lost brother.
Movie Review:
What a great time to be a Tom Holland fan. It wasn’t too long ago when we saw him web swinging in Spider Man: No Way Home. He is back on the big screen as Nathan Drake, a young fortune hunter from Uncharted, a series of popular action adventure games played by geeks worldwide on their PlayStation consoles. This writer would like to disclaim that he hasn’t played the game, and is merely reviewing this popcorn movie from the point of view of someone who is looking to enjoy a action adventure flick in the cinema.
Holland is paired with Mark Whalberg (looking fab at 50), who plays his mentor Victor Sullivan (another character from the game), and the two men travel the world to locate a treasure. Coming along for the ride are fellow fortune hunter Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali), mercenary Jo Braddock (a bad ass played by Tati Gabrielle) and ruthless baddie Santiago Moncada (a sneering Antonio Banderas).
There is really nothing new in terms of plot. The task is simple: the two guys are out to track down an expensive loot, and there is a relentless string of antagonists trailing behind them. They aren’t sure whether their female accomplice is trustworthy. Heck, they aren’t even sure whether they can trust each other. Cue the somewhat entertaining bickering and the mindless action sequences set against impressive international backdrops. Spain’s Barcelona and Madrid are gorgeous on the big screen, while magnificent islands in the Philippines are probably digitally created.
You may feel that you’ve seen much more superior movies of the same genre. You’re right – this movie directed by Ruben Fleischer isn’t going to be the most exhilarating adventure flick you’ll see (it’s hard to beat the Indiana Jones franchise, really), but you have to admit that Holland is a real charmer on screen. The 25 year old English actor shines in every scene he is in. The filmmakers also did not miss the opportunity to include shirtless scenes for him to show off his physique. Maybe we are too used to the on screen chemistry with his real life girlfriend Zendaya, but there is little spark between him and Ali in this movie. For the older viewers, Whalberg is a decent distraction from the serviceable storyline.
There are a number of impressive sequences though. The 115 minute movie opens with a gripping plane fight scene, where we see Drake fall through the sky after combating baddies on a cargo plane. You know everything in that jaw dropping stunt defies logic, but it is still quite a treat to enjoy on the big screen, especially if you are watching it in an
Fans of the video game series can spot Easter eggs, including a cameo appearance by Nolan North, who voiced Drake in the games. The movie went through a complicated production process, with various directors, screenwriters, and cast members attached at various points. The release was also postponed several times, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But one thing’s for sure – this will be a money making movie franchise and we’ll be seeing Holland and Whalberg charm their way through more globe trotting adventures in the future.
Movie Rating:
(The movie features a number of impressive action scenes, and a whole lot of charm from Tom Holland)
Review by John Li
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