Quickie Movie Review: "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"

Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action
Starring: Jake Gyllenhall, Gemma Arterton, and Ben Kingsley
Released: May 28, 2010 (US theaters)

Synopsis
Dastan (Jake Gylenhaal) was once a street urchin, but the King of Persia adopted him after Dastan's act of heroism saved his life.  When the Persian military is commanded to attack the holy city of Alamut, Dastan finds the beautiful princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) who claims that the weapons they're seeking don't exist.  After the king asks Tamina to give Dastan her hand in marriage at a lavish ceremony, Dastan innocently gives his father a robe as a gift...only for it to be poisoned, and for the King to be killed.  Dastan knows he is innocent, but the rest of the world doesn't think so.  His only salvation may be in a dagger that has the power to turn back time...but will that be enough to prove his innocence?
Based on the popular video game series.

My Review
Wow; what a rush! Right from the get-go, this flick moves at a breakneck speed, with plenty of action, heroism, and despicable villains.  However, this film is rated "PG-13" for a reason, and the violence does go over the top at times.  Still, the stunts, action sequences, acting, and choreography are outstanding; some of the acrobatics reminded me of Super Smash Bros. Melee! The ending was a bit of a head-scratcher, I thought; regardless, action fans will find plenty to love about this.

Content Concerns

• Sex: Kissing; a few crude remarks. 4/5
• Nudity: Tamina and other women wear clothes that show off their cleavage and/or midriff throughout the movie. 3.5/5
• Language: About as bad as it gets is the usage of the word "turds". 4.5/5
• Violence: Characters are stabbed, impaled, struck, and otherwise hurt or killed throughout the movie, and it is bloody quite a few times. 1/5
• Drugs: Wine is drunk once, and referenced once. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with what was mentioned under "Violence," the scene where the King is killed may be too much for some viewers.  Also, the climax is rather intense. 1/5
• Other: Polytheistic spirituality; spitting. 3/5

Score: 4/5