Bombastic set pieces and a likeable lead performance save this silly blockbuster from falling into the common pitfalls of video game movies.
★★★✰✰
The collective sigh that accompanies the release of new video game adaptations can be safely breathed with Uncharted, as Sony mostly sticks the landing with a passable re-working of series protagonist Nathan Drake’s origin story. Venom director Ruben Fleischer brings his trademark narrative incoherence along with a lacklustre script, but the film is largely saved by the walking ball of charisma that is Tom Holland. The Spider-Man actor offers a new, younger approach to Nathan “Nate” Drake that channels his nervous Peter Parker energy as much as it does the gusto of similar treasure hunting icons Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, and Rick O’Connell.
Nathan Drake (Holland) is a born adventurer and thief with an exceptional knowledge of ancient history and artefacts. After his brother Sam goes missing, Nate trades in his life as a New York City cocktail maker (and jewel thief) and joins Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to finish what Sam started. The pair team up with Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali) and come into conflict with billionaire Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas) and mercenary Jo Braddock (Tati Gabrielle) as they all search for the lost treasure of the ancient Magellan expedition.
Uncharted wears its silliness on its sleeve, which is absolutely the best way to go for a macguffin hunt adventure film. Its final set-piece throws logic out of the window and allows Fleischer to shoot visually exciting stunts reminiscent of the grounded absurdity of the original Pirates of the Caribbean films. Though Drake’s exploits are obviously impossible, they don’t dive into the realm of pure parody, and the film’s laissez-faire relationship with realism overall works in its favour. Paired with a mise-en-scene clearly inspired by the aforementioned Pirates films and the obvious influence of the Indiana Jones series, you have a gorgeous looking adventure film during a time when the genre is struggling to survive amidst a superhero movie epidemic.
Despite looking quite lovely, the film’s action is altogether a bit sloppy. Though one particular set piece during the third act is exhilarating, the generic kicks and flips that lead up to it leave much to be desired. Drake’s fisticuffs are rarely silly enough to match the hyperbolic style of the film’s more outlandish moments, and the camera lingers dully as the audience is forced to go through the motions of watching Holland go toe-to-toe with generic bad guy number eight. Needless to say, it is the sets and scenery that steal the show in Uncharted, not the drab action.
Fortunately for Sony, the film is kept constantly moving by the ever-charming Tom Holland. Though he admittedly feels about five years too young for the role, he pulls it off with his electric energy and clueless smile. Less compelling is Mark Wahlberg as Sully, who lacks chemistry with Holland and generally feels devoid of warmth. Though the character is meant to be a bit of a curmudgeon, there is never the sense that he grows to love Drake, and he instead feels burdened to have his back from start to finish. Equally uncompelling is Sophia Ali as Chloe Frazer, a fan-favourite character who feels utterly devoid of passion thanks to Ali’s lifeless performance. Thankfully, the screen-chewing villains played by Banderas and Gabrielle ensure that Holland’s Drake isn’t the only enjoyable character, as both deliver gloriously hammy performances that are perfect for the film’s campy tone.
Needless to say, it is the sets and scenery that steal the show in Uncharted, not the drab action.
It’s thankful that Uncharted is helmed by such a powerhouse actor, as many of its moments are marred by a clunky script and cringe-inducing jokes. Though one or two gaffes are passable, the lack of chemistry between the protagonists really shows in scenes where the script drowns without compelling actor interaction. More often than not, it bizarrely feels as if Fleischer cuts away from such scenes prematurely, as if to signal that he lacks confidence both in his stars and his script, and hurriedly wishes to usher the audience into the next exciting set-piece. In the hands of a better screenwriter, the film’s jokes could’ve improved the believability of the repartee between Drake and his allies, but they regrettably only serve to make this two-hour film feel much longer.
Fans of the Uncharted game series will notice more than a few winks and nods to its source material, beyond the obvious characters and narrative elements. The film’s use of music is particularly enticing, and the triumphant blast of Nate’s theme (the de facto motif for the series at large) provides one of the film’s few heart-racing moments, as it accompanies a fully “Nathan Drake-d” Holland emerging from an ancient wreck, cementing the actor as the cinema’s version of the role in a transparently cynical way. Yet, while it’s clear that the use of said music is manipulative, it remains an undeniable highlight that’ll have gamers everywhere squealing with joy.
Uncharted could have easily devolved into self-parody or taken itself too seriously. Though it occasionally walks the line on the former, the emotional stakes are just developed enough to give the film some well-needed heart. Of course, Holland’s always sensitive performance also helps, but it’s welcome that there is more to this story than just maps, relics, and cargo crates.
The Verdict
Uncharted is by no means perfect, and it lacks much of the charm of similar films such as The Mummy or even National Treasure. However, it is far from offensive and can be enjoyed for its campy action, its winks to the game-loving audience, and its strong lead performance. It’s doubtful that the film will be remembered in ten years’ time in the same way as its contemporaries, but it nevertheless represents an enjoyable return to a seemingly forgotten Hollywood genre. Give Nathan Drake a chance and enter uncharted waters, and you just might find yourself giving in to the charms of this flawed-but-fun adventure flick.
Words by Nathanial Eker-Male
Uncharted is now showing in cinemas