Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
15 years ago,Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and his brother Sam were forced apart. Since then, Nathan has kept hope that his brother is lost and not gone. His hopes of reuniting with his long-lost brother become more tangible when he meets Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). Sully recruits Nathan to embark on a dangerous quest to find the greatest treasure never found. Sully hints that finding the treasure may lead Nathan to Sam.
Uncharted feels like a mix of Indiana Jones with the stunts from a Mission Impossible film. Director Ruben Fleischer expertly shoots the enthralling action sequences so every stunt is clearly captured. There are two sequences that happen within the sky. These scenes are loaded with gripping tension and also humour.
Holland is no stranger to stunt work and heavy action scenes. So it comes as no surprise that he excels in Uncharted. Further, it’s his charisma that’s on full display as the witty Nathan. Whether he’s making a quick remark to an opponent or reacting to the predicament Nathan’s found himself in. The journey Nathan goes on is a heartfelt one. Yes, there is gold to be had. But for him, it’s about reuniting with his brother. In the emotional moments, Holland captivates and tugs on our heartstrings.
What makes Uncharted stand out is the undeniable chemistry between Holland and Wahlberg. They have quick rhetoric that never ends: they could be discussing a plan, hanging from a light fixture or fighting in a Papa John’s. Sully’s dialogue is written with a dry sarcasm that Wahlberg executes brilliantly. The Supporting Cast primarily is enhanced by intelligent characters played by Tati Gabrielle and Sophia Ali. Refreshingly, these characters are interested in one thing, the treasure, and don’t care who they hurt to get it.
Like prior Video Game film adaptations, Uncharted is a straightforward Action flick. However, it stands out due to the chemistry between Holland and Wahlberg and those gripping action sequences.
Sony Pictures Canada release UNCHARTED in theatres Friday, February 18, 2022.
*Please exercise caution observing COVID-19 protocols if seeing this in-theatre*
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