Uncharted

 

Uncharted

Uncharted is based on a video game series by Sony Interactive Entertainment which means I had no idea about the movie before I saw it. Basically I was underwhelmed. The plot is simplistic, involving treasure hunters seeking the lost gold of a Spanish explorer. This is an action movie dominated by fight sequences and special effects. The special effects were eye catching especially the cargo plane scene. This movie is aimed at the male 18 to 35 focus group who have been starved by the pandemic for  mindless entertainment.

Tom Holland plays the lead Nathan Drake. Holland is fast becoming the new action hero de jour. He plays the role in his usual low keyed manner, effective for the character. His partner in played by Mark Wahlberg as Sully Sullivan. Wahlberg gives his trademark cardboard cutout performance. Spicing up the movie are Sophia Ali and Tati Gabrielle. Ali is a dark eyed adventures who sides with the good guys. Gabrielle is the dominant bad guy (gal). In the fight sequences the women give as good as they get. This is Hollywood courting the female 18-35 year old cohort. Antonio Banderas plays Santiago Moncada a ruthless treasure hunter and a descendant of the family claiming the lost treasure. His role was a walk on walk off. Mercifully for him, his screen time was short.

This film garnered a Rotten Tomato score of 40 but has a box office of $228 million, nearly double its production cost. There are teasers in the end credits for a sequel; but of course. This film has hints of the Goonies but without the fun and joy.