Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron
Directed by: Ridley Scott
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
20th Century Fox
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
According to the “Alien” time line, it was June 2122 (about 110 years from now) that the USCSS Nostromo ran into a little trouble.
In 2093 a group of space travelers, led by scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) awaken from a deep slumber to find themselves in route to what they hope is the discovery of the century. Their trip financed by the very wealth, but very old, Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), the reason for this mission comes from the various paintings found on ancient cave wall all over the world. To Elizabeth and Charlie the clues are unmistakable. “I think they want us to come find them,” Elizabeth comments. Maybe…..
Directed with the same master-touch he brought to such films as “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” Thelma and Louise” and “Gladiator” by Ridley Scott, “Prometheus” is a stand-alone film that may or may not have something to do with the “Alien” series. I’m hedging my comments because it’s truly up for the audience to decide Scott’s message to film goers. Co-written by long time “Lost” scribe Damon Lindelof, who also has “Cowboys and Aliens” and the upcoming “Star Trek” film on his list of credits, the story blends horror and mystery perfectly, greatly assisted by some first rate actors.
Fassbender continues his rise to the top of my favorite actors working today with a brilliant portrayal of David, a cyborg creature still trying his best to understand the world around him and the people he serves. Rapace is a revelation as a tougher then she seems character who actually “out-Ripleys” Sigourney Weaver’s character in “Alien.” Though Elizabeth and Charlie are technically in charge of the expedition the real boss is Meridith Vickers (Theron), a woman shrouded in mystery. As played by Theron she is very tough and self-sufficient. Other members of the crew include ship captain Janek (Idris Elba) and his first mate, Ravel (Benedict Wong).
Like with “Alien,” Scott depends on the atmosphere and sets to influence the audience’s emotions. His cameras move briskly through vast caves and hurtle down ship hallways as if he’s leading a roller coaster ride that you can’t catch your breath on. The production design by long time Scott associate and two-time Oscar nominee (“Gladiator,” “American Gangster”) Arthur Max is stunning while the musical score by Marc Streitenfeld helps set the films’ tone.
Really boring movie. Another “Hugo”, if you will. People want to be entertained when they go see a movie–on this point alone Prometheus fails miserably.
The worst part of this movie is that the story is so stupid and riddled with plotholes that it insults your intelligence and just kills your suspension of disbelief.
Ridley Scott hasn’t made a good movie since Black Hawk Down. I think part of the problem is that he has not chosen good scripts lately. Visually, Ridley Scott is a genius but movie audiences want a story and characters they can relate to–Prometheus is such a huge disappointment in this respect. Nice visuals but no heart. Prometheus never connects with the audience at any point, and this is a real problem. Even the corny Dances with Smurfs by James Cameron was miles better than Prometheus because audiences could relate to some aspects of the story and characters.
Honestly, since 1986′s Aliens, there hasn’t been a truly great sci-fi movie. Aliens just hit all the right buttons–great characters, solid plot, great suspense and thrills, and great action. Who can forget Ripley in mum mode kicking the alien queen’s ass? It just connects instantly with audiences–there was no need for tons of meaningless semi-mysterious dialogue like in Prometheus. Everyone understands how ferocious a mum can get when defending her child, people get this instantly. There is nothing like this in Prometheus, just emotionless dialogue and characters doing stupid irrational things.
Wish that movie directors in general would study Aliens and get back to basics. Seriously folks, this is not rocket science–people just want to be entertained. If you’re going to spend hundreds of millions on a movie, (1)don’t insult the audience’s intelligence and (2)make sure the movie is entertaining. Look at Avengers 2012, not a classic by any means but entertaining and it cleaned out at the box-office.
Heck, even The Artist 2011 was way more entertaining and thought-provoking than Prometheus–and it was made on a $15 million budget in black and white! If Blade Runner 2 is going to be more drivel like Prometheus, seriously Scott–don’t bother.
The best science fiction movie in the past 3 years remains District 9–made on a small budget yet was superbly entertaining and thought-provoking. Even “Moon” by Duncan Jones (another sci-fi movie made on a small budget) kicks Prometheus’ ass bigtime.
that other Jim doesn’t know his asshole from his mouth when it comes to science fiction…aliens 1987 the last good scifi movie? Jimmy Jimmy, you’re an idiot.
District 9 was pretty kick ass and really scifi up the butt.
but alas Jim