Admittedly, the first I’d heard of ‘Uncharted’ was when I caught a trailer for the new film, a larger-than-life action picture that’s probably more energetic than intelligent…..but hey, all in the good name of entertainment, right?
What I’ve learned….after less-than-exhaustive research, I give you that…is that ‘Uncharted’ is a massively popular video game series. Apologies to those who have been waiting with baited breath for this, the film adapation (what can I say? I just don’t live in that world) for my ignorance, and further apologies to that same legion of followers who, based on social media consensus, aren’t too pleased with this film. I kinda liked it.
Didn’t love it. Probably wouldn’t see it again. But add a big bag of popcorn and a lazy afternoon, and ‘Uncharted’ fits the bill.
If nothing else, ‘Uncharted’ proves, without a doubt, what a charming, infectiously engaging lead Tom Holland really is. It’s probably a little easier to win audiences over when you’re dressed as Spider-Man – tougher when you’re tackling equally ambitious visual stunts as yourself and having to carry a smirking Mark Wahlberg on your shoulders while doing it. (Hey, I’m a fan, and he’s always amusing to watch, but Marky Mark kinda phones this one in.)
Holland stars as Nathan Drake, the hero of the ‘Uncharted’ franchise. He’s a thief with scary impressive encyclopedia knowledge, especially regarding the department of ancient antiques. Teaming up with the shady Victor Sullivan (Wahlberg), the duo do some bold globetrotting in search of Magellan’s lost gold. There’s an accomplice (is she good? Is she bad?) in the form of Sophia Ali of TV’s ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and bad guy Antonio Banderas who hams it up to such a point that the only thing missing is one of those moustaches that he should be twirling when he announces his devious plans.
But at least he appears to be having a blast as the antagonist….and really, so do all involved – and it indeed rubs off on those watching if you manage to shelf your disbelief long enough to sincerely enjoy the implausible action. Think ‘Indiana Jones’ meets ‘Tomb Raider’ meets ‘National Treasure’ meets….well, continue to fill in the blanks. It’s not a reach to call ‘Uncharted’ B-movie entertainment – and that ain’t always a bad thing.