‘Uncharted’ provides a fun adventure

The film adaptation of the video game series is sure to please fans.

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IMDb

Tom Holland as Nathan Drake in “Uncharted” (2022).

Joseph Giddings, Staff Writer

True to its name, “Uncharted” takes you along for an action-heavy adventure that does it’s fun and thrilling video game source material and fans justice.

Based upon the video game franchise, “Uncharted” follows the origins of Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and his partnership with Victor Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). They hunt for hidden treasures throughout the world, all while met with threatening forces along the way, allowing growth and development for both characters throughout the story.

Whether it be jumping out of a plane or scaling a building, the action within the film, much like the video games, is often intense and at times whimsical. It portrays events and scenarios that exist outside of our own confines of reality and physics. This adds to the overall fun and entertainment experienced throughout the film.

 With such respect paid towards the action of the franchise, it also brings forth many easter eggs and references from the series that fans will appreciate seeing on the big screen, as well as the portrayal of fan favorite characters such as Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali). Therefore, fans should be on the lookout for even the subtlest of cameos and references, and be prepared, because there sure is a lot of them. 

Despite such inclusions however, these scenes are intended for nothing more than fan-service and a good time, so the average movie-goer shouldn’t feel too discouraged by their potential lack of Uncharted knowledge. 

The film’s weakest moments come from its casting choice, particularly in regard to the leads of the film. Although charismatic in their own right, Holland and Wahlberg fail to portray the charisma and overall characters of Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan as we have come to know and love them within the games. Instead, it feels as though they are simply portraying their usual roles with nothing more to add than the names of these iconic characters. 

Furthermore, the film’s antagonistic casting choices for Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas) and Braddock (Tati Gabrielle) are wasted by a weak plot and an ever-weaker conclusion, failing to leave an impression upon the film’s story and audience.

Fans of the franchise as well as the everyday-movie goers looking to experience a two-hour adventure showcasing the excitement of “Uncharted” should make sure to see the film. However, those looking for a true character portrayal may be better off rewatching the 2018 “Uncharted” fan film starring Nathan Fillion as Nathan Drake, which can be viewed for free on Youtube.