“Uncharted” is a highly anticipated action-adventure video game adaptation. The film was released on February 18, 2022 to mixed reviews. Director Ruben Fleischer, along with screenwriters Rafe Lee Judkins, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway, have crafted an origin story for the treasure hunter Nathan Drake (Tom Holland). It hits the notes you’re expecting — his childhood as an orphan, his first team-up with his partner Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg), and a globe-trotting treasure hunt that defies logic. 

After a not-so-chance encounter with conman/treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan, a younger, less experienced Nathan Drake is pulled into the jet setting, tomb raiding lifestyle. Nathan, a lonely bartender with a troubled past and no close family in the present, chooses to trust smooth-talking stranger Sully, who pickpockets better than he does. Sully lures him into a heist by connecting their adventure to Nathan’s brother, who disappeared years ago.  They steal the famous explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano’s diary, which contains details of Magellan’s hidden treasure. They swiftly encounter the wealthy Santiago Moncada, who is also seeking Magellan’s treasure; the harsh Jo Braddock (Tati Gabrielle), who imposes Moncada’s will; and an old colleague of Sully’s in Barcelona named Chloe Frazier (Sophia Ali). What begins as a heist quickly turns into a round-the-world, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Santiago Moncada does. 

Though the movie plot is an interesting attention-grabbing one, the movie itself feels a little empty and watered-down. Its green-screen performance ignores how much setting can matter in a film like this one. The design never once feels like a consideration at all. However, these deficiencies are made up for through the cast and their charisma. Tom Holland is an incredibly likable actor; his charms would, however, be better utilized in different roles. Wahlberg creates a nice balance between his charisma and the exhausting tone of a treasure hunter. Lastly, Ali is the one performer who gets that “Uncharted” should be fun. She gives the film some much-needed energy and unpredictability when she’s on-screen. 

Overall, as a person who hasn’t played the video games, the movie was decent, it just lacked depth. I give “Uncharted” 3 shields out of 5 shields.