UNCHARTED (2022) Reviews and overview of video game movie adaptation

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Uncharted is a 2022 American action-adventure film loosely based around the best-selling Playstation video game series by Naughty Dog.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer from a screenplay co-written by Rafe Judkins, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, based on a story by Rafe Judkins. Produced by Charles Roven, Avi Arad, Alex Gartner and Ari Arad.

The movie stars Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle and Antonio Banderas.

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Plot:
We are introduced to the young street-smart Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and witness his first treasure hunting adventure with wisecracking partner Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg).

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In an epic adventure that spans the globe, the two go in the dangerous pursuit of “the greatest treasure never found” while also tracking clues that may lead to Nathan’s long-lost brother…

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Reviews:
“There are moments when it jolts into life: a well-executed, lengthy single-shot tracking Drake as he freefalls from an aircraft; some Goonies-esque underground map-syncing. But only the final 20 minutes, with a pirate-ship battle that takes to the skies, lives up to the giddy, inventive spectacle of the source material. Otherwise, Uncharted plods around an all-too-familiar map.” Empire

“As an origin story, it was the perfect blend of world-building and gold-seeking exploration which I don’t think would have been as impactful without its two main stars. Uncharted is sure to please video game enthusiasts with its new take on the legendary treasure hunter, while also bringing in new fans who are familiar with that nostalgic pursuit of both greatness and the profound loot that awaits them.” 3.5/5 Get Your Comic On

“The lovable rogues bop around from glamorous location to glamorous location and the whole thing runs smoothly enough, with some spectacular touches. Holland gives it his all, but the rest of the cast look a little less committed. An efficient, soulless hologram of a film.” 2/5 The Guardian

“For fans of the source material, it may be disappointing to see such a rich series reduced to several heavily CGI-ed sequences of people clinging to things mid-air (and the lack of decent puzzles! What is an adventure film without puzzles!). For those new to Uncharted, they’ll just be left to wonder what all the fuss is about.” The Independent

Uncharted’s director, Ruben Fleischer, ensures there are no obstacles for the uninitiated – you don’t need to be a gamer to love Uncharted. You just need to have a very soft spot for buddy movies, maps, puzzles, pirate ships and Holland’s chest. That’s right. The chest of gold, here, is the 25-year-old actor’s torso.” London Evening Standard

“Blockbusters like this demand attention-grabbing set-pieces and on that note at least, Uncharted delivers, with a pair of truly spectacular action sequences […] Holland and Wahlberg both have movie star charisma to burn, though it’s fair to say that Holland has his turned up to eleven here, while Wahlberg’s is only on a medium setting.” Nerdly

Uncharted is lightweight, fast-paced fun during its first half in Boston and Barcelona. There are first-rate scenes of action and adventure across both cities, mostly accomplished using stunt work and practical effects. But Uncharted loses story momentum as it sets off for the Pacific, and it takes a stark tonal shift as well […] Wahlberg and Holland are both enigmatic in the leads and share some wonderful chemistry…” The Prague Reporter

” …the film revels in the adventure-movie genre, proudly wearing its cliches on its rolled-up safari shirt sleeves. However, Fleischer isn’t able to muster the right sense of momentum for what should feel like a thrilling race-against-time pursuit. Holland, at least, really proves his leading-man credentials outside of the MCU, bringing fresh-faced energy and physicality to a role that puts the ‘buff’ in ‘history buff’…” Total Film

“With plenty of action-adventure moments and great chemistry between Holland and Wahlberg – but also clunky world-building and dodgy visual effects – there’s just enough for fans of the games to enjoy in Uncharted. Fleischer succeeds in doing what he set out to do – creating a fun popcorn blockbuster that lays the foundations for more – but whether it has the legs to launch a fully-fledged franchise is another question.” We Have a Hulk

“the character-building banter between Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg is entertaining enough and wins you round to supporting their cause, but personalities soon fly out of the window as the plot spins increasingly out of control […] Uncharted is bursting with plot holes, inconsistences and corny tropes but it’s always visually interesting – if familiar – and it’s a more entertaining watch than it has any right to be.” 2.5/5 What’s Worth Seeing…

Release date:

Sony Pictures Entertainment will release Uncharted theatrically in most territories on February 18th 2022. But on the 11th in the UK!

Cast and characters:
Tom Holland … Nathan Drake
Mark Wahlberg … Victor Sullivan
Tati Gabrielle … Braddock
Antonio Banderas
Sophia Ali … Chloe Frazer
Patricia Meeden … Spanish Woman
Sarah Petrick … Young Woman

Fun facts:
In the early stages of production, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci were slated to be in the movie with David O’Russell directing.

Trailer 1:

Trailer 2:

Final trailer:

MOVIES and MANIA rating:

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