Uncharted (2022) Review

Video games have come a long way from the late 1970s and the days of Space Invaders, Centipede, and Frogger.  Advances in graphic design have made the games and, by extension, their hardware more intricate and complex.  Over time developers have created layered characters with backstories and "quests" to go on.   Gamers have become more invested, and the video game industry is now a billion-dollar juggernaut. 

Twenty-five years ago, video games made the leap to the big screen, and the first of forty-two feature films were released.  This month, number forty-three, Uncharted, makes its way to theaters worldwide. 

Nathan Drake (Tom Holland; Spider-Man: No Way Home) grew up in an orphanage with his brother Sam (Rudy Pankow; Outer Banks) who taught Nate about being an explorer and a thief.  Fifteen years later, Nathan has barely heard from Sam, except for a few postcards Nathan periodically receives from all over the world.  Then one day Nathan is approached by Victor "Sully" Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg; Ted) who asks for Nathan's assistance in locating Magellan's treasure. Initially, Nathan refused Sully's offer but, as curiosity got the better of him, Nathan decided to join Sully's adventure.  Along the way, he questions every decision and trusts nobody.

Hot off the massive success of the latest Spider-Man film, Holland jumps (pun intended) right into another action film and it is obvious how much of his Spidey training comes in handy as he is running away from bad guys.  However, for those who are fans of the video game, many will complain that Holland is simply too young to portray Nathan Drake.  Obviously, a poetic license was taken possibly because 1) Holland is a box office draw right now and 2) if there is a sequel (or several) greenlit, the studio needs someone younger to start out but who will age over the years (Of course, if the movie is a one-off, then Holland may not be a fan favorite to play the main character) Wahlberg has played this type of character before so Sully certainly isn't a stretch for him.  Antonio Banderas (Desperado) is fine as Santiago Moncada, whose family believes they are the rightful owners of Magellan's treasure. Sophia Ali (Grey's Anatomy) does a great job as a fellow treasure seeker.

Unfortunately, the visuals are hit or miss throughout the film.  There are times when director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) offers magnificent vistas of exotic locations but there are also times when it seems as if he made the decision to make the picture quality similar to the video game.  While the idea is smart in theory, the execution is odd, making the film seem uneven. 

With the concept of trying to find ancient treasure, it has similarities to National Treasure - only not as well done in my opinion.  It also mimics 1985's The Goonies at moments but does so in a much more serious manner.  The film borrows heavily from the different versions of the video game as well which is to be expected. 

The big question is...does the movie pay fan service to gamers or does it do a mediocre job of honoring the game?  The answer is a little of both.  It's an enjoyable movie, even if you have never seen/played the game but it offers enough Easter eggs to hopefully make fans happy. 

Let's face it, it won't be up for any Oscars but as an adaptation from the source material, It's a decent way to spend a few hours of your time.

Grade: B-