The film Uncharted, which was adapted from a video game series with the same name, is a light exciting treasure-hunting action flick, with a star-studded cast, that can’t quite live up to the classics because of its lack of creativity and passion from the actors and writers that results in somewhat dull storytelling.

The story follows Nathan Drake, played by Tom Holland, a likable teenager who grew up in an orphanage has a knack for history and an interest in treasure hunting thanks to his older brother who ran away after getting into some trouble. With an “I’ll what I need to, to make ends meet” mentality he attracts the attention of treasure-hunter Victor Sullivan, Sully, played by Mark Wahlberg who gives Drake the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, they run into some enemies, including Santiago Moncada, played by Antonio Banderas, and Jo Braddock, played by Tati Gabrielle, as well as the two-sided Chloe Frazer, played by Sophia Taylor Ali, who is a little bit of bad and a little bit of good. The plot while having some loopholes does a good job of keeping the audience engaged and on their toes, and most fans of the games will appreciate the aspects that mirror all of the installments.

With that being said, there were some big-time missed opportunities to involve the villains a little more in the storyline. Banderas’s Moncada got hardly any screen time at all while he could’ve been an incredible character to explore, and more of Braddock’s backstory could’ve added complexity. Another issue was the setting. With the large-scale use of CGI, the setting didn’t play a real role as a setting as it should in adventure, treasure-hunting tales. Any casual viewer will undoubtedly appreciate the interactions between Holland and Wahlberg as their chemistry is undeniable. That goes for most of the cast as well. Even though acting sometimes came across as dry and unenthusiastic overall they kept the film enjoyable through the rougher plot points.

Overall, although there was much to be desired with the plot, setting, and utilization of characters in Uncharted, the connections between the actors and unpredictability of the film did enough to keep fans on the edge of their seats for this adventure movie. It was an enjoyable action film and one that I would recommend if you are looking for an upbeat, easy watch to have a good time.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars