Gemma Arterton

CHICAGO – A simple glance at the trailer and poster for “Tamara Drewe” would lead one to assume that the film was a showcase for the largely untapped abilities of Gemma Arterton. At age 25, she’s already been wasted in three regrettable Hollywood blockbusters, emerging as little more than a low-rent Rachel Weisz. Her strong work in British productions like “The Disappearance of Alice Creed” suggests that she may merely be miscast.

CHICAGO – There is no doubt that Gemma Arterton is a pretty face. Her natural beauty is so intoxicating that it nearly always upstages whatever talent may reside beneath her scintillating surface. Her aggressively bland work in mediocre action fare like “Clash of the Titans” and “Prince of Persia” had convinced me that she was nothing more than a non-thinking man’s Rachel Weisz.

CHICAGO – There are some movies that are gut level great because of plot, atmosphere and pacing, and then there are movies like “Tamara Drewe,” which rely on the elusive star power of the performer to drive its engine. Gemma Arterton portrays the title character and lights up the screen with a vivid presence in this simple story of a woman’s homecoming.

CHICAGO – Director Stephen Frears is a storytelling legend who sneaks up on us. Besides his new film “Tamara Drewe,” which played at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival, Frears has a filmography that includes “The Queen,” “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” “High Fidelity,” “The Snapper,” “Hero,” “Prick Up Your Ears” and “My Beautiful Laundrette.”

CHICAGO – Jerry Bruckheimer has reached a point in his career where he feels capable of making a film out of anything. And not just a film, but a multimillion dollar franchise offering the mega-producer’s typically uninspired blend of sound and fury. He’s already worked wonders with an old theme park ride and an outdated action figure, so why not base his next popcorn epic on a forgotten video game from 1989?

Video Game Rating: 1.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Video games are arguably in their golden age with a landmark new title like “Red Dead Redemption” or “Heavy Rain” released on a consistent basis. Even ignoring the quality at the top of the ladder, the fact is that there are more enjoyable and entertaining games to play than there are hours in the day. The relative success of the form makes something as truly horrible as “Clash of the Titans,” the tie-in for the recently-released-to-DVD film starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, and Gemma Arterton, all the more frustrating.

CHICAGO – One might assume that the disappointing Jake Gyllenhaal summer action flick “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” would have a movie tie-in game that’s equally frustrating but Ubisoft’s “Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands” is actually unrelated to the film other than being a part of the franchise that inspired it. No, you won’t be able to play Alfred Molina’s ostrich races, although you may wish you could.

CHICAGO – Historically, video game adaptations are recipes for disaster when translated into film. While “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” with Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton has a blockbuster opportunity to buck the decades-old trend, we’re just subjected to more of the same soul-deadening time drain.

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Jake Gyllenhaal

CHICAGO – This 22-image slideshow features a selection of the official press images for Walt Disney Pictures’ “Prince of Persia” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina. It will open on May 28th, 2010.

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Gemma Arterton and Jake Gyllenhaal

CHICAGO – This 24-image slideshow contains red carpet and afterparty pics from the world premiere of “Prince of Persia: Sands of Time” on May 9th, 2010 in Westfield, London. Celebrities in attendance include Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Producer Jerry Bruckheimer.