Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland; Gangster Squad; Venom) and starring Tom Holland (Captain America: Civil War; Spider-Man: Homecoming; Avengers: Infinity War; Avengers: Endgame; Spider-Man: Far From Home; Spider-Man: No Way Home), Mark Wahlberg (The Italian Job; Max Payne; The Fighter; Ted; Ted 2; Spenser Confidential), Sophia Ali (Faking It (TV series); Grey’s Anatomy (TV series); Truth or Dare; The Wilds (TV series)); Tati Gabrielle (The 100 (TV series); The Emoji Movie; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (TV series); You (TV series)); Antonio Banderas (Desperado; The Mask of Zorro; Spy Kids franchise; Once Upon a Time in Mexico; Shrek franchise; The Legend of Zorro).
Action-adventure; 116 mins; 12+
Based on the Naughty Dog video game series of the same name, Uncharted takes spectators on an action-packed treasure hunt around the globe. Watching the film in 4DX takes this experience to a whole other level: think of it as a mini roller coaster ride! Whilst the seats sometimes moved at times that seemed neither necessary nor appropriate, this immersive experience was synchronous, for the most part, with the many falls, jumps, turns and tumbles on screen. Spectators even got splashed with water when the characters did. Overall, it succeeded in enhancing rather than hindering the viewing experience, as evidenced by the palpable excitement and laughter that often erupted in the cinema hall. Mark Wahlberg’s effortless humour and charisma, paired with the boy-next-door charm of Tom Holland (one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars at present), certainly contributed to this light-hearted atmosphere – a much-needed escape from the continued doom and gloom associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The film first delves into the origins of two orphaned brothers, Nathan “Nate” (Tom Holland) and Samuel “Sam” Drake (played by Rudy Pankow), who are constantly looking for adventure… but often end up finding trouble instead. Sam attributes these traits to the fact that they are supposedly descended from the English explorer Sir Francis Drake. Before he can be kicked out of the Boston orphanage where both boys have been staying, Sam says his goodbyes to his little brother, promising he will come back for him, before sneaking out the window. Fifteen years later, a grown-up Nate, who has still not been reunited with his brother, is bartending (and picking pockets) when he is recruited by the older but not necessarily wiser fortune hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) for a treasure hunt. The goal? Find the legendary gold hidden by 16th-century Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew.
What follows is a fast-paced mission that takes Nate and Sully from Boston to Barcelona, where they are joined by the beguiling Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali), and on to the Philippines, all the while trying to outsmart and beat their rivals (namely Jo Braddock, placed by Tati Gabrielle, and Santiago Moncada, played by Antonio Banderas) to the gold and work out whether they can even trust each other.
Unrealistic at times (like many films in this genre) and lacking some character depth, Uncharted is nevertheless an enjoyable film for action lovers, including those who have never played the video game series. It does stray from the games in several ways: for instance, Sully first meets a teenaged Nate in the games and only later befriends the older Drake sibling, whereas in the film, Sully is portrayed as an old friend of Sam’s before he seeks out the help of Nate (who is in his mid-20s when they meet). In many ways, the film serves as a prequel to the video games, in which the characters are all generally much older. Overall, however, it remains reasonably faithful to the main character dynamics and storylines featured in the video game franchise.
Note to potential viewers: keep an eye out for the two post-credit scenes, which hint at a possible Uncharted film sequel.
Currently screening at Kinepolis (Belval and Kirchberg cinemas) in Luxembourg. Available in 2D, 4DX or Laser Ultra.
