I would tend to think so.
Maybe it’s my love of all things Jake Gyllenhaal, or maybe it’s my appreciation for the beauty of the film itself, but I thought this movie was really enjoyable. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it was a pretty big flop, but I disagree.
Some assumptions most movie goers SHOULD have made before going into this film:
- Yes, it is a franchise starter. Much like the game, it is probably going to be destined for many sequels (if it makes enough money).
- Video game plots are generally not overly complex.
- It is Disney, so don’t expect much raunchiness or gore.
With those in mind, let’s have a look-see at some of the viewer comments, shall we?
“It plays too much like a video game.”
Perhaps that is because it is based on… wait for it… a video game. Part of its appeal to me was that it stayed very true to the feel of the game series. If you want a movie that doesn’t feel that way go and watch something else.
“A forgettable entertainment that might be worth a matinee if you can’t think of anything else to do–laundry, for example.”
Really? You’d rather do laundry? Here’s a huge heap of it, buddy. I’ll be off enjoying my afternoon at the movies. Thanks.
“Jake, so good bottoming in Brokeback Mountain, here lacks top appeal. Too bad gravitas can’t be sprayed on like a tan.”
I’m not sure I understand this review. If it is trying to imply that Jake Gyllenhaal lacks gravitas then that makes it even more confusing. Every role he has ever done has been intense and full of ‘gravitas’. This is one time that he’s decided to let loose and do an entertaining action role. Um… I’m not sure what you were expecting from this film. Donnie Darko it is not. Also… no Brokeback. This isn’t that kind of film, buddy.
“Jake Gyllenhaal as a swashbuckling hero who has insane jumping abilities and is destined to save the world? Really?”
Um… yes? And also YES.
“Tepid video-game fantasy flick tame enough for young teens.”
Ahem. DISNEY.
“Embarrassingly stupid costumed adventure has sand in its gears and fleas in its screenplay.”
On that note… I want to mention that I thought the costumes accurately reflected the style of the game and were quite stunning. They also showed off the lead’s super ripped arms. I give that one booming HELL’S YEAH.
| PoP: Warrior Within (VG): | PoP: Sands of Time (Film): |
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I’m sorry folks, I do understand that not everyone can enjoy the same movies. But in an age where Twilight is considered quality film writing, and comic books are our becoming our main inspiration for movies, I don’t get why this one was crushed to the ground so quickly by reviewers. As far as video game movie adaptations go I felt this was really well done. The only thing I had on my wish list was to see more wall climbing and acrobatic action. To be fair, though, Gyllenhaal has been training long and hard for this film and the fact that he did as much as this film called for was pretty stunning in and of itself. The story may have not been complex but it was fun, it moved quickly, and I didn’t feel confused or ripped off by the end of it. Which is more than I can say for some movies I’ve watched lately.
In all, I do understand why some of the reviews are negative. And I also understand that, as a female, my opinion *may* be slightly skewed by the fact that I simply enjoy watching a well muscled Jake on a big screen. However, if you are going to go to the theater to watch a Disney movie that is based on a video game plot I don’t think that “is lame enough for teens”, and “feels too much like a video game” are valid reviews. You knew what you were getting into, so find something else to bitch about, or better yet, go read an effing book.