Big things have small beginnings.
I didn't bother writing a review of Avengers Assemble because, if the box office is anything to go by, every man and his extended family has already seen it. Prometheus however will not be as popular but should still do enough to prove the recession is a myth. And for me Prometheus more than holds it's own with The Avengers.Scene
Prometheus is Ridley Scott's triumphant return to the sci-fi arena. The film falls within the confines of the Alien Mythology as a 'prequel' to Scott's 1979 masterpiece (however much Scott denies this, stop lying!), but thankfully steering clear of any Predators. From the opening shots of Prometheus you'll note it's similarities with Ripley's ship, albeit with a few more Apple-esque gizmos. The film charts the progress of a group of scientists and explorers who, using an ancient 'map' and trillions of Weyland Industries dollars, set out to meet their maker. However, inevitably, shit doesn't go to plan.
Take
The general consensus amongst the critical elite is that the film tries to tackle some grand issues but ultimately ends up a little muddled, and it's hard to disagree. It lacks the simplicity and directness of the original Alien films. Ultimately Prometheus explores a complex subject matter and asks some poignant philosophical questions, but the answers are watered down by confused lines of narrative and annoying plot holes.
Whilst not visceral then, it doesn't lack on the visual. In terms of cinematography the film is a behemoth. As you would expect from a reported $130 Million budget the CGI was fantastic. That budget probably went some way in securing the acting talent of Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba and the show-stealing Fassbender. The latter plays the android 'David' and, like in all good sci-fis, his ambivalent intentions are a constant tension builder. Rapace too was excellent. I expected her to be a modern Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) but she was surprisingly feminine, with an inner strength that grows with the need to survive.
It is difficult to discuss the plot without giving anything away and, like the trailer, I don't want to spoil the fun. What I will say is the film does aim at exploring the origins of the Alien species and tackles the almighty question of who created the human species. But as I said above the answers just seem contrived. I left the cinema in awe of CGI, not the storyline. Unlike Inception, which was both beautiful and thought provoking, Prometheus lacked precision in the script. My friends and I discussed various plot points sure, but for a film with a script of such grandeur, I wanted more. Reading more online I soon realised that I am not alone and various sources have drawn my attention to some upsetting plot holes. Obviously, you'll not want to read if you haven't seen it, but if you have this forum post is worth a read.
Director
I would have hoped that Ridley Scott would have stamped his authority and told the script writers Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof to buck their ideas up. But, out of love for the man's genius, let's just say he was overruled and told to focus on making it look breath taking. So he was a winner! Scott used 3D cameras for the entirety of the film and the results are remarkable.
With Prometheus critics and viewers are obviously going to draw comparisons with Scott's previous works, in particular Alien and Blade Runner. In this case Prometheus falls flat but this is hardly fair. If you view Prometheus as a standalone film it triumphs. Kind of. Even now, after giving it a lot of thought, the plot holes niggle at my insides like a chestburster [sorry]. If you forgive the plot's shortcomings, stick on your 3D glasses and leave your analytical mind at home, I think you can enjoy yourself. Maybe go hungover?
And... Cut
Don't listen to me, go and see it. Seriously, ignore what I just said about the plot holes and lack of satisfactory answers and go and see it. You'll love it, honest. That wasn't sarcasm, I genuinely think it was an excellent film. As Ben Child of The Guardian writes; "I enjoyed Prometheus, but I wonder if it may come to be seen as a textbook example of how no amount of money and talent can guarantee a great work of art." Negative yet annoyingly accurate. But it is important to remember that Prometheus is jaw-droppingly beautiful and has a plethora of excellent actors. This is not enough to make it film of the year, or mark it as another Ridley Scott masterpiece, but it is enough to ensure you should visit the cinema.
