Critics’ reviews

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

15 reviews from 15 publications. Critics’ score 51: 2 positive, 7 mixed, 6 negative.

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51
Positive
2
Mixed
7
Negative
6

Most critics find Prince of Persia passable: a mixed, middling reception with few outright champions. The reviews agree that it is watchable and that the praise falls in two places. Alfred Molina’s comic turn is singled out again and again as the liveliest thing in it, and the real-world stunts, the parkour in particular, are credited with giving the action some pace. Several critics also like the look of the film, the detailed medieval cities and the cinematography, even when they like little else.

The reservations cluster around the story and the lead. Many find the plot convoluted and the whole thing forgettable, and a few call it plainly dull. Jake Gyllenhaal splits the critics: some think he has presence, others that he never gives the prince any edge. The spread is wide. Eye for Film says it exceeds expectations as a game adaptation, while Slant Magazine finds it lifeless and weighed down by effects-epic habits.

Screen Daily
10 May 2010 · John Hazelton
64*

The available page identifies this as a review, but its verdict is hidden behind the paywall. No specific praise or complaint is visible in the accessible text.

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The New York Times
23 May 2010
64*

The page returned only an access error, so the critic’s verdict cannot be verified. No praise or complaint from the review is available to identify.

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Empire
17 May 2008 · Ian Nathan
60*

Nathan finds it entertaining but held back by wooden dialogue and sloppy exposition. He praises the real-world stunts, especially the parkour and swordfights.

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The Hollywood Reporter
14 October 2010 · Ray Bennett
60*

Bennett finds it an enjoyable, family-friendly adventure that lacks epic scale and leaves little lasting impression. He praises the film’s beautiful cinematography and brisk editing, which help keep the far-fetched story buoyant.

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Time Out
18 May 2010 · ★★★ · Tom Huddleston
60

Huddleston gives the film 3/5, indicating a mixed verdict. The available text does not reveal what he specifically praises or criticizes.

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The AV Club
27 May 2010 · C · Scott Tobias
57

Tobias finds the film a thin, witless, generic adventure despite its commercial savvy. He praises Jake Gyllenhaal’s screen presence and the cinematography’s flattering shots, while criticizing the mythology, CGI, and heroine.

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Little White Lies
28 May 2010 · 3/2/1 · Matt Bochenski
40

The critic finds the film a disappointing, uninspired blockbuster that fails to deliver memorable spectacle. They particularly fault its second-rate effects and uninnovative action sequences.

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Los Angeles Times
27 May 2010 · Betsy Sharkey
40*

Sharkey finds the film spectacular but emotionally underpowered, with Jake Gyllenhaal unable to give its prince enough edge. She praises the visually mesmerizing production design, effects and stunts, while noting that Alfred Molina’s comic performance adds welcome fun.

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Variety
10 May 2010 · Leslie Felperin
40*

Felperin finds the film passably enjoyable but forgettable, lacking the originality and spark to stand out. She praises Alfred Molina’s lively comic turn, while criticizing the film’s overdesigned look and Gyllenhaal’s disappointing performance.

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The Guardian
20 May 2010 · Andrew Pulver
30*

Pulver finds the film silly and over-complicated, with its convoluted plot undermining the adventure. He praises its attractive visuals and fleeting excitement, but says even director Mike Newell cannot rescue the story.

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Slant Magazine
28 May 2010 · ★/4 · Bill Weber
25

Weber finds the film dull, lifeless, and weighed down by familiar effects-epic tropes. He criticizes its fragmented action and says the leads lack chemistry, while noting Gemma Arterton’s authoritative performance.

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Eye for Film
17 May 2010 · Jennie Kermode
75*

Kermode finds the film formulaic but entertaining, and says it exceeds expectations as both an action movie and a game adaptation. She especially praises the parkour action and Alfred Molina’s comic performance.

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HeyUGuys
21 May 2010 · David Sztypuljak
70*

The critic finds the film enjoyable and recommends seeing it, though it falls short of expectations and its story becomes confusing. They praise the action and parkour sequences, especially the opening assault on Alamut.

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Den of Geek
19 May 2010 · ★★★ · Ryan Lambie
60

Lambie finds the film entertaining but predictable, uneven, and short of a cinematic triumph. He praises Alfred Molina’s performance and the richly detailed medieval cities, while criticizing the lack of tension in the action.

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Digital Spy
17 May 2010 · Ben Rawson-Jones
30*

The review finds the film visually impressive but ultimately dull and uninvolving. It praises Alfred Molina and the ostriches for bringing humor and energy to proceedings.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate