Film adaptations of beloved video game franchises have an unflattering history. Sure, 2021 may have offered at-home audiences the certified fresh Werewolves Within (discussed here by Thomas Stoneham-Judge and Into:Screen’s Seth Eelen), but what we see most often in the mainstream are films ranging from middling visual effect marvels to big-budget blunders. With the likes of Mortal Kombat (2021),  Rampage, and Detective Pikachu vying for audience affection but falling short on critical acclaim, most video games adapted films seem stuck in the same rut. Is Uncharted able to buck that trend?

The short answer is no.

In Uncharted, Tom Holland, riding high on the critical and financial success of Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, plays Nathan Drake - a savvy thief sought after by seasoned treasure hunter Victor "Sully" Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg, Lone Survivor, Deepwater Horizon). Together with the additional assistance of Chloe Frazer played by Sophia Ali, they hope to recover $5 billion in treasure lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago by following clues and somehow figuring out how to trust each other. Standing in their way, however, is an adversary; the callous and unrelenting Moncada (Antonio Banderas) who believes his family is the rightful heir to the treasure.

Even basic exposure to Uncharted promo material could lead to the assertion that Holland and Wahlberg were miscast - a notion that ultimately rings true for those who know and understand Nathan Drake as a bulkier, more mature man than Holland is. Which makes the relegation of the more qualified actor down to the sidekick a bewildering casting choice. Still, there’s undeniable chemistry between the two as their love/hate relationship unfolds over the course of this harrowing adventure. Some of the best stand-out moments in Uncharted, in fact, are scenes involving the two bickering and debating; a comedic component that keeps the entertainment value of the film high. The VFX in the opening sequence leaves much to be desired but does improve as the plot progresses.

The narrative of Uncharted is like National Treasure meets Indiana Jones on steroids - Indiana Jones actually mentioned by name in the film. Twists in the plot are attempted, but after so many betrayals, it can be easy for audiences to tune out and the desired effect no longer resonates. Which ultimately makes Uncharted the quintessential “shut your brain off and enjoy” blockbuster film.

With the release of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on the horizon and many other video game-based film projects in production, Hollywood remains committed to bringing video games to the big screen. What we have with Uncharted, however, demonstrates that Hollywood also remains committed to an adaptation formula that favors visual appeal over narrative sustenance.  Holland and Wahlberg try to carry a tattered script to some semblance of respectability, but in the end, Uncharted's place among its fellow video game adapted films is less “uncharted” and more like a well-worn route to mediocrity.

Acting and Casting - 1 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 0 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 1 | What does this mean?