Unchartedisn’t the masterpiece video game adaptation that is going to break new boundaries. It is a decisive piece of art among fans of the series. It does a few things wrong but overall it is a fun movie to watch. If this wasn’t calledUnchartedit may have even reviewed better.
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Naming something after a beloved franchise can be a double-edged sword. It may get fans to theaters, but displeased fans may be more ready to review bomb it if it doesn’t agree with them. There are some undeniable things thatUnchartednails, though.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
6Action Sequences
TheUnchartedgames are full of action and that is one thing this film nails down expertly. The set pieces are phenomenal. Some are more grounded, literally, like the chase involving Chloe when they first meet up. On foot, chases can be exhilarating in the games too. Even the auction had some fun moments like when Nate swung around on the light bulbs.
The best action scene in the whole movie was arguably the sky battle with the pirate ships. Did flying ancient shipswith helicopters make sense? No, but it didn’t have to. It was unfortunately shown off multiple times in the trailers leading up to the release. It would have been cooler if it were a surprise, but was still fun to see in full.
5The Plane Scene
It also did not make a lot of sensefor the filmto open with the plane scene. It then has a flashback to Nate as a kid followed by a flash-forward to the present. Except that it wasn’t the present because viewers already saw a future scene without any context. So, while the pacing of this plane scene has problems, it deserves to be noted separately from the other action series pieces.
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That’s because it is a direct homage to a moment inUncharted 3and a good one at that. It has become infamous in the series overall. Nate is thrown out of a plane and has to climb back in while shooting villains. The cargo strips are shorter in the film and Nate doesn’t seem to be in as much danger, but overall it’s almost there.
4Nate And Sully Chemistry
Nate and Sullyaren’t perfectly capturedon film. The biggest thing that might throw off fans is their age. Nate is supposed to be about Sully’s age and Sully should be much older. However, this is supposed to be an origin film, so they are trying to have it make sense that way.
It’s not only age. Sully is a bit goofier. These things may seem bad but the one thing the movie does nail about them is their chemistry. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg work so well together. Thecomedy of their bitsis priceless. Sure, Sully doesn’t have a cat in the games but it becomes a fun reoccurring thing in the film. Chloe, it should be noted, is 100% spot on.
3Tomb Raiding
Not everyUnchartedgame goes on global adventures. The first game, for example, is set on one island. It still managed to include multiple tombs to explore. This film not only has the tomb raiding nailed down, but it also expandsto many locations.
One of the best was the underground of Barcelona. This is another thing viewers could poke holes into. How did no one in Barcelona look in the sewers for hundreds of years? It’s not like the tomb was hidden that far beneath it. Logic issues aside, it was a cleverset of puzzles. The Papa John’s fight was like icing on the cake.
2The Look
Everything aboutUnchartedlooks like it could have been lifted from a set within the games. That’s a silly thing to say since the games are digital but it is true. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg may look off but their costumes are decent. Nathan Drake doesn’t have a lot to his design in the first place. He wears pants or jeans and an untucked shirt with a gun holster. Simple.
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It’s not hard to pull off but fans can appreciate the little things. The ring, for example, is nicely done. How Nate gets it in the film is different than the games though. Sam gives it to him in the film whereas Nate finds it on his own inUncharted 3during a flashback. That’s actually how Nate meets Sully. Fans can nitpick to death but again, the look is authentic.
1The Music
The set design would not be anything without a good score. The original work could fit right in with any game in the series. It takes a long time for the actual theme from the games to make its debut. It coincides with Nate getting his aforementionediconic gun holster. Using the theme at that moment was the right call.
Assuredly someone in the theater lit up when this happened. Maybe they even pumped up a fist or two. It may seem like a silly thing to cheer on but video games fans have to take every victory they can. There has yet to be a perfect recreation, butUnchartedcomes close on many levels.
