By Ethan Stinson
Video games have had a notoriously troubled past when being translated to the big screen. Save for rare standouts, video game films are often marred by poor screenplays, generic presentations and a lack of connection to the titles they are adapting.
Based on the acclaimed series of the same name, “Uncharted” follows suit with most video game adaptations. Contrary to its title, the action-adventure film mostly treads familiar waters. However, charming performances from its two leads may make the film a worthwhile watch for some viewers.
Intended as a prequel to the games, “Uncharted” sees Nathan Drake (Tom Holland, “Spider-Man: No Way Home”), a young pickpocket, embark on the treasure hunt of his dreams after being recruited by deceitful fortune hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg, “Joe Bell”).
“Uncharted” contains a formulaic story which may easily be compared to other adventure films, like the “National Treasure” series. The film finds its characters solving puzzles and dodging traps as they race to find an epic treasure bearing historical roots. A group of villainous rivals also in pursuit of the riches impede on their expedition.
For something marketed as a rousing adventure story, the film feels disappointingly anticlimactic. Despite multiple run-ins and skirmishes with the film’s antagonists, Drake, Sullivan and accomplice Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali, “Grey’s Anatomy”) move past the rest of their quest’s trials with relative ease. Few of the challenges the three face throughout the film pose a significant threat, thereby lessening the impact of the characters’ success whenever they overcome them. Though instances of deception between the three are included in an attempt to spice up the story, their frequent nature and quick resolutions render them redundant rather than meaningful.
Though they are described as being dangerous and powerful, neither of the film’s villains ever come off that way to the audience. The first, Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas, “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”) stands as nothing more than a typical, power-hungry antagonist devoid of any personality, character development or intriguing motives. The second, mercenary Jo Braddock (Tati Gabrielle, “The Owl House”) is even less interesting of a villain, representing the trope of a soft-spoken, cold-hearted killer showing little purpose other than to be a physical threat.
The greatest sin committed by “Uncharted” is found in its trailer. In most of its promotional material, a scene that is commonly highlighted is an airplane scene where Holland climbs plummeting cargo while fending off a henchman. Arguably the most exciting moment in the film, the majority of its playout is shown in the film’s multiple trailers. Thus, anyone who has seen these teasers will experience little suspense during the scene, given they will already know what happens prior to watching the actual film.
While the film greatly lacks in excitement, Holland and Wahlberg salvage any potential fun through their charming performances. Holland, fresh off his run as the heroic Spider-Man, shows a more mature side as Drake, rather than letting the character come off as a Peter Parker clone like some of his other roles have. Though Wahlberg’s interpretation of Sullivan greatly differs from the grizzled old man depicted in the “Uncharted” games, he still succeeds in giving a likable performance as Drake’s world-weary, reluctant father figure. As they should, the two also show good chemistry working together throughout the film.
Despite its ties to the iconic series, “Uncharted” resembles any run-of-the-mill adventure film more than it does a video game adaptation. While Holland and Wahlbergs’ performances and banter may be enough for some viewers to have a good time, others may find themselves disappointed by the film’s underwhelming story and lack of memorable thrills.
Image from Sony Pictures Entertainment via YouTube
