Defective Dimensions

As an avid fan and long time player of the Uncharted series, I have mixed feelings towards this movie adaptation of what was easily Naughty Dog's best game franchises of all time. Did I have a fun time with it? Yes, I did. But over the course of the whole movie, it felt like something was off. And that's not even including the fact that the movie completely re-wrote some very important plot points throughout the game franchise on multiple fronts. I could have easily forgiven the alternate reality aesthetic, had the delivery and contents of dialog, and their respective characters been executed better. Essentially, it felt like the movie was trying, but ultimately failing to properly hit the mark. More times than not, jokes would often miss. There were a few good laughs here and there, but witty dialog as a whole was too few and far between over the course of the film. Over all, when the main stars spoke, they really didn't feel like the characters they were portraying. A large part of what made the Uncharted games so memorable were the characters, and how authentic, clever, and meaningful each of their lines were. I really just didn't get that vibe here. But all was not lost, the action sequences were great! Probably the most authentic moments in the film that had a true Uncharted feel to them were the action sequences! From bar fights, to one on one duels, aerial shots, firearms fights, and even a memorable nod to the classic button mashing quick-time event mechanic from the fourth game, the action was fun, and well executed. The movie even included a small list of easter eggs and game mechanics here and there, which I appreciated, but ultimately didn't really make up for it's short comings. In summary, the Uncharted movie was a fun watch. I enjoyed it for what it was, but I'm a little dissatisfied in terms of what it could have been. If you want to watch an action packed treasure hunt this spring, give it a look. But if you want a more authentic nod to the game franchise, give the "Uncharted Live Action Fan Film" with Nathan Fillion and Stephen Lang a look instead. I highly recommend you do it.

While not as in depth as fans would have liked, the movie is much better the second time around when you look at it from outsider stranded in an alien world perspective. As far as story and narrative goes, this is a slice of life meets survival in a foreign environment film as both The Hunter and Lt Artemis must work together to survive the darker side of the world of monster hunter. Everything is all fun and games in the world of Monster Hunter until you're stranded in the wilderness with nary a health potion or well-done steak in your inventory let alone a way back to base, making the world all the more hostile. That's just my take anyway. It's not perfect, but it's a decent re-watch if you love the world of Monster Hunter.