Composer Harry Gregson-Williams (Chronicles of Narnia, Kingdom of Heaven) infuses director Mike Newell's big screen adaptation of the popular video game Prince of Persia with all of the heroic grandeur and worldbeat romanticism one would expect for the tale of a magical dagger and the prince, princess, and villains who seek it. For the most part, Gregson shoots for a combination of Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean, employing Middle Eastern percussion and sweeping string motifs that conjure up images of a Michael Bay version of Lawrence of Arabia. There are subtle, dramatic arcs that recall the somber moments of Lord of the Rings, but for the most part, it’s a well-executed, spirited romp through popcorn land. Alanis Morissette provides the requisite credits ballad with “I Remain,” a surprisingly strong single that actually sounds like it was written to complement the film, rather than the other way around.
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