OK for kids 13+
Tepid video-game fantasy flick tame enough for young teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this fantasy adventure -- based on a popular, teen-rated video game -- is high on action, but relatively low on anything else potentially objectionable for young teens (though, like many big action movies, the marketing targets kids too young for this kind of action). The sexuality is limited to some obvious flirting (longing gazes and occasional chaste touching) and a couple of kisses, and strong language is virtually non-existent. Violence, however, is prevalent throughout the movie, with the protagonist constantly on the run, being chased, and having to dodge arrows, blades, flames, and snakes. Despite the amount of violence, it's still not as gory or bloody as comparable movies. Ultimately, the message of family and honor is a valuable one, and the lovely princess isn't just a damsel in distress.
- Families can talk about the movie's message about family bonds and being a person of honor above all else. How did Dastan act honorably? What sacrifices was he willing to make to save Persia? Who in real life do you consider to be people of honor?
- How does the movie compare to the video game? Are the same themes and quests involved? Do you think the movie is a giant advertisement for the video game, or does it stand on its own?
- Princess Tamina is sometimes in need of rescuing, but is other times quite capable of defending herself, fighting villains. Which "version" of Tamina do you prefer? What do you think about her arranged marriage to Dastan?
- Some critics have said it's wrong for white actors to play the main characters, who were clearly supposed to be Persian. What do you make of this?
- The film's marketing and toy-tie ins are aimed at kids who are too young for the movie. How does this impact parents who think the movie is too mature for their kid?
The good stuff
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Messages: The most important message of the movie is that the bonds of brotherhood and family should be stronger than greed, competition, envy. The king also espouses the idea that a great leader does what's right even if it's not popular.
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Role models: The king is a righteous and loving monarch who wants his sons to learn how to reign honorably (though he's in very few scenes). Dastan and Tamina lie occasionally, but they're ultimately brave and loyal, as are Dastan's royal brothers. Even the sheik and Seso act nobly after Dastan saves them from the Hassansins. Tamina wobbles between strong female figure and damsel in distress.
What to watch for
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Violence: As in most action adventures, there are a lot of chase scenes -- in the desert or marketplaces or castles. There are definitely deaths -- due mostly to swords and knives, and in one case an assassination by a burning cloak -- but the violence isn't grisly or overly bloody. The threat of violence is always present, however, and the assassin squad is creepy and frightening. They use snakes and ninja-like sword skills to track down and kill their intended target.
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Sex: Some flirting, mild innuendo, revealing outfits, and a couple of rather chaste kisses. In one scene, a harem-like group of bikini-clad women appear.
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Language: Some mild insults like "trash," "illiterates," "slave," etc.
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Consumerism: There are no product placements in the movie, but the movie could be considered one huge tie-in to the popular video game.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A character asks "Have you been drinking," when an archer misfires. Dastan looks a bit tipsy in one scene, but there's not a drink in his hand.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
far from princely by filmhead
The adventure movie as it has been over the decades demands thrills, spills, and chills as well as the romance interest all encapsulated in two hours. Most have achieved this style and form with the best comparison for something like Prince of Persia are the Sinbad movies of the 1970's or those Arabian movies of 1930's and 1940's. Unfortunately, this Prince falls short in the absolute magic and thrill those movies gave film goers. As a movie adapted from a video game Prince of Persia succeeds far better than most of those badly done flops in enhancing the material, though it is a predictable adventure story utilizing time travel as it main counter force in the usual man vs something adage. Jake G. does well as Dastan and so does Gemma A. Ben Kingsley is an okay villain. The actions is superb and has its thrilling moments but no "oh wow!" piece. I feel most of those people who see it will like it not love it. Overall, more could have been done to make this film better and wasn't, sadly.
5
A new Action Hero has been Born, with a Sense of Humor no less ; - ) by MoviesRF-U-N
This is one Prince who appears to be having way too much fun with his role, but then again, Why Not! Overall, Great Entertainment, just kick back & enjoy the ride - As the Story unfolded & the young Prince of Persia?s character develops. The Cast of Characters is riddled with enough recognizable Actors, allowing the fresh Talent to Stand & Shine. Our group was a mixture of Tweens, Young Adults, & not-so-young Adults. All were more then satisfied with the 2+ hours spent watching a very entertaining; Adventure / Epic; with sufficient plot twists & turns, predictable and the not so predictable. Just what a Summer Movie should be! Did someone say Sequel? I hope so
As an aside, the not-so-young-anymore Mr. Gyllenhaal?s talent & range has come full circle. Over the years, watching, & observing Him in such films as: ?October Sky?, ?Proof?, Brokeback Mountain?, ?Jarhead?, ?Rendition?, ?Brothers?, &, now, ?The Prince of Persia?; it is a treat to watch this Actor grow.
5
A Prince With a Heart of Gold by Filmgirl32
If i had to choose I would have saw this later this weekend and went to go see everyones favorite bff's in Sex and the City but my BF insisted on Prince of Persia! It's filled with action romance comedy everything to fill good about this summers mega blockbuster lineup.
Jake features well as the pauper turned prince. He soon finds out that his enemies are close and must clear his name. The romance and one liners are their through out. I suspect a sequel this is definitely a must see!!!!! Oh the stunt man who does all of jakes moves AMAZING !!!!!
5
Five Word Review by Movie_Buff_86
PRINCE OF PERSIA WAS AWESOME!
4
Prince of Persia Movie Review by vaanan_kannan
Captain Jack Sparrow...You are indeed irreplaceable! Prince of Persia, a potential candidate by Disney to mimic the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, is an enjoyable watch, but simply nowhere near Pirates class. Wall running, Ledge hopping, Sword Fights, stunning acrobatics and a few epic, large scale scenes, oh and not to forget the 'sands of time' scenes (though there should have been more of those...Prince Dastan barely uses/is in possession of the dagger for a large part of the movie), all stay largely true to the Prince of Persia, but at the end of it all, it could have been SO much more.There was still a little something missing...Something that would take Prince of Persia from the entertaining good (in some places, even better), to the simply great platform that Pirates of the Caribbean stands on. Prince Dastan can never be a Captain Jack Sparrow, and the Prince ends up as just another mildly entertaining watch.
2
Five Word Review by barbermg
Oh the sand blows alright