Directed by Ruben Fleischer | Released 11 February 2022 | Runtime: 1h 56m
Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg star in this live-action adaptation of the popular video game by the same name Uncharted – read on for the full review.
Uncharted is a treasure hunt heist movie similar to that of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, but with extra salt and pepper. Playstation Studios and Sony Pictures have joined forces to bring the popular video game to life and capture the adventure in live-action splendour. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, known for his efforts in Zombieland and Venom, brings Uncharted to the big screens with this flashy cast.
If you loved Spiderman: No Way Home then you might come to appreciate this one.
Our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman has found himself a new hobby in treasure hunting. Tom Holland is superb in this role as he suits up for his next journey as Nathan Drake; a good-natured hustler with sticky fingers and a thirst for exploration is on a mission to find his long lost brother, and perhaps pick up some riches along the way.
The cast is made up of several your favourite household names including, Tom Holland (Spiderman: No Way Home), Mark Wahlberg (Spencer Confidential), Antonio Banderas (The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard), and newcomers to the blockbuster scene, Sophia Ali (The Wilds), and Tati Gabrielle (Emoji Movie). All play their parts well but it is Tom Holland who is the star of this movie by a long shot.
The story begins with a young Nathan Drake and brother Sam attempting to steal the world’s oldest known map from a museum. When they are caught and returned to the orphanage Drake’s brother escapes, leaving a young Nathan behind. Several years pass and Nathan, all grown up, lives out his life as a bartender in a swanky spot in town, occasionally picking the pockets of the rich. It is the meeting between Drake and Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) that really sparks off this chronicle.
When Sully offers him an opportunity he can’t refuse of seeking out priceless plunder and as a bonus, the chance to find his long-lost brother, Drake embarks into a world full of deception and mystery.
The quest takes them on a journey across the globe to seek out the ultimate treasure. As if it wasn’t enough trying to decipher ancient maps and secrets, evade underground crypts and mazes, safely land out of a cargo plane whilst dodging bullets, they must reach the X spot before the bad guys get there. In a race to the finish the dynamic duo end up in a swashbuckling collision which puts out serious Pirates of the Caribbean vibes – we love it – and definitely revs up the action.
There is something strangely familiar about Nathan Drake’s character as he bounces around rooftops, chases down threats, has a flair for dangerous situations, and seems to be somewhat invincible. Remind you of anyone? Despite his spidey similarities, Holland manages to serve up the goods as his new character and fuels the film with energy enough to keep you entertained throughout.
Now we know not to expect a work of art when it comes to certain blockbuster movies and franchises, however, as a popcorn flick, this film ticks all the boxes: an all-star cast, thumping action sequences, stimulating combat scenes, a somewhat predictable storyline, cheesy humour, and of course, the bellowing potential of a franchise.
Uncharted is definitely worth seeing on the biggest and best screen you can find, just sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure.
In cinemas now.
