Uncharted

Video games are designed to be played, not watched. Perhaps that’s why so many of them have stumbled in big-screen translations.

The filmmakers behind Uncharted give a modest effort in fleshing out the narrative structure and providing a back story for the protagonist of the eponymous adventure game without sacrificing the spirit of the source material.

However, the film struggles to develop meaningful character depth and emotional complexity amid its barrage of elaborate globetrotting set pieces that are its very reason for existence — settling for a standard-issue buddy comedy in the vein of the National Treasure or, um, Tomb Raider franchises.

For those unfamiliar, the story follows Nathan Drake (Tom Holland), a brash bartender and petty criminal who is recruited by a treasure hunter nicknamed Sully (Mark Wahlberg) for his latest scheme involving a centuries-old fortune once belonging to Ferdinand Magellan.

The plan spares no expense when the jackpot totals billions. As the duo jets to exotic locales in search of clues, the bigger issue becomes whether they can stop bickering long enough with one another and a quick-witted associate (Sophie Ali) to focus on the task at hand.

Then there’s the claim by ruthless aristocrat Santiago (Antonio Banderas) that his Moncada family is the rightful heir to the prize, citing a historical connection. From there, it turns into a high-stakes role-playing contest of finders-keepers, losers-weepers.

Keeping his action-hero credentials tuned up between Spider-Man installments, Holland flashes his usual charisma and physical dexterity even as the screenplay provides minimal rooting interest. Plus, the chemistry with Wahlberg feels strained.

Neither the heroes nor the villains — plus an alluring femme fatale (Tati Gabrielle) — are especially compelling beyond superficial means, even as they trade intermittently amusing wisecracks and self-aware Indiana Jones winks.

As directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland), the mostly innocuous and inconsequential film sparks to life with a visually striking collection of chases and confrontations and perilous near-death escapes. From rooftop parkour to a harrowing airborne rescue, the technical proficiency is stylish.

There are obvious hints at franchise aspirations along the way. Yet by falling victim to familiar genre pitfalls, the course for Uncharted only leads to a dead end.

Rated PG-13, 116 minutes.