Review: Prometheus
Prometheus
- Starring: Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class), Charlize Theron (Monster), and Guy Pearce (Memento).
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
- Synopsis: “Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.” (Collider)
- Rated: R for sci-fi related violence, language, and intense images
- Trailer:
Director Ridley Scott returns to the franchise that helped define the “sci-fi/horror” genre. After the 1979 blockbuster, Alien, Scott presents Prometheus: a “prequel” of sorts that bears an entertaining resemblance in both style and scariness. Whether or not this movie is truly a prequel to “Alien” has been a subject of debate, however, the ample amount of foreshadowing and relation to the Scott film, allows for it to be enjoyed by fans of the series and genre.
With a fantastic cast, including Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Noomi Rapace, the stellar Michael Fassbender (Best character in the movie!!), and more, this story follows a group of scientists seeking understanding as to the origin of mankind. It begins right away with question-inspiring scenes full of amazing visuals and awesome “Scott-signature” cinematography. In Prometheus, as with most sci-fi thriller films, mankind’s never-ending curiosity of the origins of humanity often leads to answers and discoveries both desired and unwanted. But, Oh what answers Scott entertains us with!
Scott included much to love in Prometheus, however, some elements remain lacking. While the fun suspense, characters, horror, and gore (there were times I cringed from what was on the screen) fulfilled a level of expectation, the lack of development of certain other characters (Idris Elba) and subplots left a sense of disappoint. From watching the heart-pulsing trailers and the impressive viral campaign videos for Prometheus, the film carries and fulfills a promise of expected action and excitement. There remained an opportunity, however, for things to be explained better to audience members who, perhaps, may have missed the promotional materials as they served to strengthen the film and provide understanding about the significance of characters and events.
(The audience truly would have benefited from the inclusion/exposition of the promotional materials. Scott, undoubtedly, will have them in as part of the film in the Director’s Cut. Scenes like the vid below would have definitely served their purpose in telling the story to those unfamiliar.)
Prometheus begins with amazing promise, it then slows in momentum with a pace that, at times, bores, and builds up excitement in the details, plots, and direction towards the climatic final act. Much of the action occurs in the final act and then, very quickly, it ends with surprises, teases, and more unanswered/debated questions. In a very smart way, Ridley Scott presents a film that not only makes you blink, but also makes you think. Intermingling creation, science, religion, philosophy, and irony, Prometheus is uniquely engineered and delivers an experience and story that thrills and chills far after the credits roll.
As I said, visually striking and thought-provoking, an enjoyable journey in the mind and world of Ridley Scott’s Alien universe. So many “Prometheories” exist (I saw that term used by someone on Twitter…don’t remember who) when it comes to the meaning of different things, and I like that. Watch it for yourself, let me know what you think. But, you don’t have to take my word for it…
Check out what the First Fans from ReelzChannel (hosted by my friend Casey Messer for Hollywood Dailies). Thank you, @CaseyAtReelz
Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars for Prometheus
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
up next: Trailer Time Thursday!
All fair points.
However I’ll be looking forward to the sequel!
http://wp.me/p19wJ2-zI
Thank you for checking out my thoughts and sharing yours. I have read yours and replied. It seems we were similar in opinion
As I mentioned over at Flixchatter, I think it works very well in that large scale format and rate it higher than you, T. I plan on seeing it again this weekend. I favor the Cinema Blend’s Unraveling the Unanswered Questions piece concerning those unsettled aspects in the film. To tell the truth, I think there will be another director’s cut coming when the disc is released in the market. I just got that sense there are missing pieces in this RS work, or maybe I’m just intrigued by it all. Which means the filmmaker did his job . Well done review, my friend.
You know, you bring up a good point, I just felt that there was still too much missing. It very much lost my attention during the first half. I love Scott’s movies, I just wish he could get his point across a lot better a lot faster instead of seemingly making a different movie through extra footage in his director’s cuts.
Maybe it’s my fault for not knowing that this isn’t the only movie to come before “Alien”. I wanted to understand more, but perhaps more info will come in the next 2 (?) sequels. Then again, I shouldn’t have to have another source explain everything in a movie (imo). The movie should stand on it’s own. There’s a happy medium there I suppose. It’s fun, but Scott just left too much on the table. Thanks for the Cinema Blend link. I forgot about it. Now that I am done with my review I will have to check it out.
I’ll be sure to stop by your place too in my rounds. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I will be seeing it again and will let ya know if my thoughts changed.
Great review. HATE that top poster.
hahaha. Pete! I love that I can depend on you to tell it how you see it! I’ll agree, they def could have done a much better job! For sure!!
There’s something wrong with Charlize’s head in that poster. At least I think it’s Charlize. The photoshopping is epically bad!
LOL. yeah, it’s just an odd poster overall i suppose
I think i liked it more than you. Would have gave it a 4 out of 5
Yes, I agree: 4 sounds about right for me too.
the hated ‘first poster’
hahaha yes, that poster is getting some hate on it for sure.
It seems to be floating in between the 3 and the 4 star area amongst many reviewers. Thanks for chiming in! I’m glad you liked it and that you got to see it already!
This is such a great movie….and a nice review too.
Thanks for commenting today. did you have a favorite character? Let’s say, um, besides David the Android.
I’m amazed by the marketing for this, that first poster spoils quite a lot. As for the movie, I enjoyed it a bit more than you did and I’m actually thinking about going to see it again. That doesn’t happen often
I can see your point for sure on the “spoiler” poster, however, it can be argued that it really isn’t, given the trailer and the Alien movies.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the movie. Don’t worry. I’m about to go see it again myself.
Think I enjoyed it a tad more than you, but pretty much nodded my way through reading your review. I think it’ll be one of those films I’ll enjoy more on repeat viewings.
Well, thanks Jaina. I liked it…just the things I mentioned took away from it. By the time I ran it through my “movie rating formula” it ended with the score I gave it. Still worth watching though!
Loved the movie, I would give it 4 out of 5. I imagine the studio had something to say about it’s runtime. It’s nice to see a movie which makes you think smack dab in the middle of the summer blockbuster season. Plus it’s absolutely gorgeous! Makes me feel better about the Blade Runner project!
Yes, Scott should do well with the project, but I do hope he takes some of the criticism of Prometheus and the character development and makes sure that the final cut of the Blade Runner project for theaters is well-rounded.
Mind Blown. Some of the exact same questions I asked while watching.
I was a bit underwhelmed by the movie myself. Prometheus has some really interesting underlying themes and motif but Scott doesn’t do a very good job of developing them enough that they integrate with the premise of the story. At the same time, it feels like the story is undercooked because he isn’t showing enough. It’s a weird combination of showing/explaining too much and not enough and that kind of left me mildly disappointed.
Castor…you really hit the nail on the head with your comment. I felt exactly the same…you just chose the right words to describe it. Bravo.
It’ll all be corrected in the Director’s Cut I am sure
I haven’t actually seen the original Alien films yet but I do intend to at some point but despite that I recently watched Prometheus and I have to say that I was disappointed. I thought that the film started with promise and whilst I did enjoy the visuals I thought the characters were left lacking too much; there wasn’t enough character development or motivation which made it very difficult for me to care about their fates.
I see exactly where you’re coming from man. As a matter of fact, I think Castor really said it best. Now is a good time for you to watch Alien and Aliens though.
Good review, T. You’re right — it sounds like we have similar views on the movie. At the very least, flaws and all, it was an enjoyable way to spend two hours.
But man, what’s up with that first poster? Not a good move on their part.
haha..everyone hates that first poster. It’s pretty funny to see the response to it.