Sony Pictures’ action-adventure film “Uncharted” was released on Feb. 18 and stars actors Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg.
According to the film’s website, the newly released movie is based on PlayStation’s series of treasure hunting video games. It follows Nathan Drake, played by Holland, and Victor “Sully” Sullivan, played by Wahlberg, who team up to travel the world, searching for a $5 billion fortune and Drake’s long-lost brother, Sam Drake.
The film also stars Antonio Banderas as enemy Santiago Moncada, Sophia Taylor Ali as Nate’s partner Chloe Frazer and Tati Gabrielle as villain Jo Braddock.
“It’s based off of a video game series, which means that they can expect to see some viewership from an older gamer demographic,” said junior Nikolas Falco.
According to PlayStation’s website, the “Uncharted” series gives players a cinematic experience where they can uncover mysteries and travel through various environments. People can portray Drake and Frazer as they search for lost treasures.
According to Insider, movies based on video games often fail commercially and critically. “Uncharted” has a 40% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, but a 90% audience score and debuted well at the box-office.
“Basing it off of such an iconic series means that there’s added pressure based on the expectations of gamers due to their nostalgia with the series, meaning that basing a movie off this title makes it hard for this movie to live up to the hype,” said Falco.
Previously, Holland starred as Peter Parker in the three newest “Spider-Man” films: “Homecoming,” “Far from Home” and “No Way Home.” He also portrayed the damaged son of a disturbed World War II soldier in the drama film, “The Devil All the Time.”
Despite having popular actors like Holland in “Uncharted,” some people believe that the film will fail because it won’t meet video game players’ expectations.
“I personally doubt it will because Hollywood ruins everything it touches,” Falco said.
Further, critics argue that the film differs significantly from the video games, according to Screen Rant. For example, the games portray Drake as cocky, but he is naive and timid in the film.
The “Uncharted” games and film give Drake and his brother differing backstories. According to the “Uncharted” Fandom Page, the games show Sam Drake being imprisoned and disappearing during an adventure, but the film shows Sam Drake leaving Drake behind at the orphanage they lived in, breaking his promise to return and rescue him.
The film also introduces Santiago Moncada and Jo Braddock as new characters who were not in the video games. According to Forbes, Moncada, aided by Braddock, competes with Drake and Sully for the treasure that he believes is rightfully his because his family funded the Spanish Inquisition.
In addition, journalist Elena Fisher, who works with Drake and marries him, is left out of the film. This led viewers to believe that there will be an “Uncharted” sequel where Fisher appears.
Although many people have negative opinions on certain films because they expected them to match the video games or books they originated from, others enjoy films simply because their favorite actors are in them.
“The fans would like the movie because Tom is a lovable actor,” said junior Gediyon Prince. “I don’t think there’s a lot of pressure to make good movies based on video games.”
Despite mixed reviews on “Uncharted,” Holland said in an interview with Game Informer, “I am really grateful for the opportunity that Sony has given me and it’s been a wonderful adventure so far.”
