Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

"Everything changes with time."

- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Since I was in the mood for a good action type movie, I decided to check out this film based on the video game after reading Action Flick Chick's review (my fellow Filmgirl Force friend). I was not disappointed.

Going into the film, I had a feeling this one would be good. Rarely do Disney films disappoint me. And, I usually enjoy Jerry Bruckheimer produced films. This one was no exception.

The film had a great story to tell - it was full of twists and turns. I have to admit, there were quite a few unexpected surprises regarding the storyline which I really enjoyed - there were quite a number of unexpected moments.

(Note: For those that saw the film, one of my favorite quotes was "A true king considers the advice of counsel but always follows his heart").

I think Jake Gyllenhaal did a great job in portraying the main character, Dastan (aka The Prince of Persia). Personally, I've always enjoyed watching him on the big screen - I think he's a very talented actor.

Though, I found it interesting that he played such a different role from those that he usually portrays. Usually, I find him to portray the more smart, quiet, reserved type of character such as in this film. So, it was very interesting to see him play the more strong (physically as well as mentally) heroic type of character - he portrayed the role of Dastan quite well.

I also enjoyed the character of Princess Tamina (played by Gemma Arterton). She played a very strong female figure (mentally as well as physically) in the movie. I enjoyed her witful banter with Dastan very much - I think the two were very entertaining to see together on the big screen.

Apart from the story and the acting, what I really enjoyed about the film was the way it really played true to the video game. It felt like a big adventure and there were a lot of cool action scenes and of course, lots of jumping.

Regarding the action scenes, they were staged quite well. In a way, I felt that I was right there in battle - it all seemed like a video game full of strategy and action type scenes. There were some really great action scenes and stunts - it all played out very well to make a good action type movie.

(Note: For the fans of the video game, I think you'll be very pleased with the depiction of the film and how it stayed true to the game itself).

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. The storyline, the acting and the intensity of the acton scenes really made it a good solid film - it was very enjoyable to watch.

If you're in the mood for an action type film with a lot of adventure, I definitely recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

(Note: For another perspective on the movie, check out the following reviews from my tweeps and fellow Filmgirl Force friends:

Action Flick Chick - Review Link
Zen B. - Review Link

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



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Clash of the Titans (2010)

"A new era has begun, the era of man."

- Clash of the Titans

Since Greek mythology a topic that interests me, I was really excited to see this film remake based on the original movie.

Going into the film, I did not see the original beforehand. I'm glad that I didn't. (If you've seen the original, there have been a couple characters and things that have changed in the remake. Though, most of the themes and basic plot remain the same).

Before I go into the movie, I'm going to say that this is not a film for everyone. If you're not really into Greek mythology and history per se (or are a fan of the original movie), this may not be as much of an entertaining film for you.

(Note: The reason I say this is because there is some reference to Greek mythology as far as the history and myth, which tie into the story. If you're not really a fan of the genre, it just might not be as interesting to you as for others who are).

In the beginning, it goes into the story on how the Titans were overthrown and how the Olympians came into power, which also ties in to how "man" was created (i.e. by Zeus).

Then, it goes into how man is viewed as inferior to the Olympians (aka the Gods), and how man is subject to worship and obey their laws. This then goes into the story of a new era, the era of men, men who have had enough of being subjected and inferior to the Gods. It becomes a story of rebellion, of struggle, and lastly, of hope.

It's also a story of identity. As the main character, Perseus, played by Sam Worthington, struggles with his search for his own identity. (I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say it really is a struggle for him mentally as he just doesen't seem to fit in and be able to find his place in society).

After the mood of the story has been set and main characters introduced, the film really starts to become a real epic adventure. As the audience, we are drawn in to the journey Perseus and his men must face - it really is a roller coaster ride of a time encountering many different strange and mythical creatures.

While watching the battle scenes, it felt just like a video game while battling various and monstrous creatures. As the audience, I felt like I was right in the battlefield and the action.

(Note: I did not see this in 3D. Though, I can only imagine the effect it could have watching this film in 3D during the battle scenes - they were very well done, lots of action, and the scenes with the creatures very well rendered. If you've seen this film in 3D, I'd definitely be interested in hearing your thoughts on it).

Overall, I enjoyed the film very much. The story, the action, the special effects, and the sound were all elements very well put together to create an enjoyable movie.

After seeing this movie, I did go back and watch the original. It was nice to see a comparison. In the original, there have been some characters and elements that were changed in the remake. Though, overall the remake seemed to stay with the main plot of the original.

(Note: With the original, I did enjoy seeing the character of "Bobo" the mechanical owl. I was a little disappointed that Bobo did not play a large role in the remake.

Though, he did make an appearance though only a minor one. If you've seen the original, there's an inside joke with the dialogue when Bobo gets introduced in the remake. If you caught it, let me know what you think of it, it definitely made for a good laugh!)

If you're into an adventure type film and have somewhat of an interest in Greek mythology, I'd say this one is worth checking out.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. If you continue to enjoy the reviews and the site, feel free to let your friends know about the site by sharing my Facebook page . Feel free to connect with me here and post up comments/questions on the wall. I will be updating the page with the latest posts and movie news. Looking forward to connecting with you!



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Sherlock Holmes

I had been thinking about seeing this film for awhile. When it first came out, I didn't get a chance to catch it being occupied with the holidays and all.

Though, I kept hearing good things about it. So, I decided to finally go ahead and check it out.

As many people know, the characters are based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes. Being an avid reader of mystery and detective novels as a kid, I was really excited to see this movie.

Going into it, I did have expectations. Mainly, I thought this would be a "who done it" type of film being based on the life and stories of a detective. Though, I was mistaken.

Mostly, the film focused more on the characters rather than a "case" per se. While watching the film, I felt that I found out more information about the different characters (mainly Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson) than trying to solve a case.

To me, it was more of an informational film that focused more on the characters and their backgrounds. It was interesting. Though, it was not what I had expected.

In all honesty, I was expecting to see a "mystery" type of film. In reality, I saw more of an adventure and comedy type of film. Sure, the action was great - it kept my attention. Though, I still felt that mystery side of things was missing.

Throughout the film, there were a few bits and pieces of mystery. Though, not enough to make it a "mystery" type of film.

I don't want to spoil it for you but most of these bits and pieces of mystery were more about "how" something was done rather than who was the one that did it. (If you've seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

Towards the end, they put more the kind of mystery I was expecting (i.e. who done it) when they introduced another villain.

And, the identity of the villain was kind of revealed but not so much information was given out. In essence, they left some questions unanswered about this new villain for of course, a sequel.

Overall, I would say the film was ok if you're looking to watch an adventure and comedy type of film. Though, it really didn't fulfill my expectations of being a "mystery" type of film.

If you're one who likes detective stories and mystery types of films, it may disappoint (in my opinion). On the other hand, as far as adventure and comedy goes - it was very entertaining to watch.

(Note: For other perspectives on the movie, check out the following reviews from my tweeps:

Action Flick Chick - Review Link
Kelly Whyte - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



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The Beach

I have to admit, I didn't expect much when I picked up this movie. I was in the mood for an adventure type movie and I do enjoy watching Leonardo DiCaprio on the big screen - I think he's a good actor.

To my surprise, I actually enjoyed this film. There were a lot of negative reviews about it. But, I think some people just didn't get it. It's more than a story of some kids going to an island and having parties all night. There's a deeper meaning behind it.

I really enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. It's a movie that made me think about life and the experiences we have. After watching this movie, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride and was glad to be back home.

It's one of those movies that makes you wonder about things you might and/or want to do and experience. It's one of those things - you take the good and the bad, have the experience, and come back glad to be back where you started.

If you're looking for an adventure type movie that questions the meaning of life, I'd definitely recommend this one.

Happy movie watching!



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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Being an Indiana Jones fan, I just had to see this movie. I tell you, they don't make many adventures movies like these anymore.

Overall, the movie was ok and the special effects were great. (If you saw the movie already, I think the "ants" scene was awesome). The story line was ok but I felt it could have been better. I wasn't sure what to think of the Crystal Skull and what it really was - it was weird. (If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about).

There was lots of action, the dialogue and story could have been better but overall it was an ok movie. I'd definitely recommend waiting to see this on video versus the big screen.



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