Release Date (USA): June 8th, 2012
Directed By: Ridley Scott
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Logan Marshall-Green
Prometheus marks director Ridley Scott's return to the universe of the Alien films; the first of which he directed. Prometheus isn't another Alien film, although it shares some plot points, its a very interesting (and at some times disgusting) exploration in to the origins of the Xenomorph we all know and love. Oh yeah, and that origin of human kind thing too.
Prometheus follows the story of archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Tom Hardy look-alike Logan Marshal Green) as they search for the origins of human kind. After discovering a similar star chart among numerous ancient cultures, the team is recruited by the Weyland corporation to form an expedition to the stars. Meanwhile, Ancient Aliens guy finds his favorite movie ever.
On board the spacecraft, Prometheus, we meet other members of our crew: Michael Fassbender steals the show as creepy android David, Charlize Theron is a hard line corporate executive, and a handful of other cliched characters that serve very little purpose other than to be killed halfway into the film.
My name is grouchy-guy-with-mohawk. Yes, I die.
Prometheus does start off at a slower pace. This isn't bad, its done just right. Its just enough to tug you into the story line. Scott's attention to detail is obvious, with almost every beautiful set being planned out to the tiniest detail. The second half of the film is considerably faster, as the action and gruesome on screen deaths speed up. The team discovers some interesting life forms, and things quickly go to hell. Bones are snapped, various bodily fluids are splashed about, faces are melted, and bodies are burnt to a crisp. They say that the original Alien film had a pretty obvious rape subtext, with the whole "man being violently impregnated" plot point. If Alien is about rape, Prometheus is a rape inside a rape, with a side of rape garnished with self administered abortion.
They came to see Madagascar 3. They didn't know they were in the wrong theater until it was too late.
The 3D effect in Prometheus is very easy on the eyes. It added depth to the film, but not much else. There was no gimmicky things that flew out of the screen at you.The focus was good and didn't cause any headaches. Its what 3D is supposed to be: an addition to the film that isn't obnoxious or over used.
Bottom Line: 8/10: Prometheus looses some points due to a bland supporting cast. That, and the last 30 seconds where it is painfully obvious they're setting up for a sequel. Everything else is pure gritty, violent sci-fi goodness. If you go into Prometheus expecting a direct prequel to the Alien films, you may leave a bit disappointed. Prometheus is very much its own film, with a few clever tie ins to its parent franchise.
