Uncharted review

 

Video game to movie adaptations have always been a see saw of quality. From the rather great Sonic and the more recent promising Resident Evil on the flip side there is also truly horrible adaptations like Doom and Monster Hunter. But with what is arguably Sony Playstations greatest franchise can Uncharted live up to it's giant game series?? the answer isn't a resounding yes but it's definitely a yes as Uncharted is bold, fast paced, funny and relentlessly entertaining from beginning to end. That's not to say it's without it's hiccups along the way but for the most part this is one of my favorite video game adaptations to date. Tom Holland and Mark Whalberg star as Nathan Drake and Victor (Sully) Sullivan respectively. Our journey begins with a young Nathan and his brother Sam who are descendants of Sir Francis Drake a famous sea captain, explorer, politician among other things. When Sam is forced to leave the orphanage both him and Nate are staying in after their parents both pass away Nate is left to fend for himself for years and years only getting postcards from his brother who makes an escape before he is sent away. 15 years pass and in modern day Nate is working at a bar has become a pretty petty thief stealing necklaces, keys and other things from people all without them noticing. His life changes when he meets Victor Sullivan in the bar where the two sort of hit it off. Sully ends up offering him some work on a job that he has long been trying to attempt and succeed at. Little does Nate know that not only did Sully work with his brother Sam but he also may know what happened to Sam and his current whereabouts. This job turns out to lead Sully, Nate and another character named Chloe on a globe trotting adventure looking for almost 5 billion dollars worth of gold. That's the story in a nutshell and it's fine, a bit standard but the video games aren't exactly known for world class storytelling it's the action and set pieces that are the main draw here. 

Speaking of the Uncharted video game series, there is more than enough for fans of it to sink their teeth into here. There's so many nods and easter eggs to developers Naughty Dog to Nate getting his iconic gun holster later on to jumping and swinging abound. Tom Holland isn't perfect as Nathan Drake but he brings a sense of charm that works just enough and although he doesn't get the wit and goofiness of Nate every time he does a great job here. As for Whalberg as Sully he's also good here playing a strong backup to Holland's Drake. It's not a perfect action comedy duo but it has potential that's for sure. The only downside I thought performance wise was a rather lackluster Antonio Banderas who was just too cliche and formulaic who ultimately didn't even factor into the ending which was a tad disappointing. 

Uncharted isn't a perfect movie but did anyone really expect that?? but what Uncharted does deliver is a big, blockbuster type feel almost effortlessly. It's incredibly enjoyable from the get go and may just be my favorite video game to movie adaptation to date. If you love the games like I do you'll get so much enjoyment out of this, if you haven't played them you'll also get enjoyment out of this as it's at standard just a action adventure, treasure hunting movie done right. Nathan Drake and co were for the most part done justice in what is arguably the most entertaining movie I've seen this year not something I thought I would've said once I came out of the theater. Press X to continue.

★★★★