Prometheus is one of the most underrated and misunderstood science fiction movies in recent memory. Do NOT view this as a prequel to Alien. It is part of the same universe, but while the first 4 are action/horror films, Prometheus is a sci-fi adventure that explores the origins of mankind. This concept is something I've always wanted to see put to screen, and Prometheus delivers so well that I'm enthralled by it no matter how many times I watch it. The cinematography and score are Oscar worthy, and the direction and visuals are near perfect. I believe Prometheus would be much higher rated if more people went into it with an open mind. The first Alien did have mixed reviews upon initial release, and now it is an all time classic. I really think that one day Prometheus will have the same status, and I hope the sequels are more appreciated.
1,528 Reviews
Prometheus (2012)
SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain13 September 2012
Prometheus seems to have disappointed many viewers. Luckily for me I had no expectations, despite being a Scott film set in the same universe as the Alien franchise. The ship Prometheus goes looking for the beginning of mankind and what created us. It's a rather ambitious idea and the film should be given credit for trying to have some kind of theological and scientific debate. Unfortunately, the script also feels as though it has to give us the scares and frights that we associate with the Alien films. The majority of the film is intriguing but for every positive there is a negative. We get fascinating characters such as David, Vickers, and Janek. But they are mostly pushed aside to focus on the stupid scientist characters. Did the writers not realise how bad their work was? Rapace refuses to let one character take weapons on an expedition because it is a "scientific" mission. I call BS on that. No scientist would be so stupid as to explore a new planet, with no information on said planet, without a bit of protection. Characters decide to do stupid stuff, such as approach viscous looking new species etc. and it is here where the film annoyed me. The set design was beautiful, and I enjoyed the quieter moments the film had to offer, such as David's trying to understand emotions etc. The most interesting ideas the film has are delivered in single lines of dialogue, but are never explored. It's head and shoulders above many science fiction films of late, but it also needs a few sequels to clear things up. Unfortunately, that means it wasn't so great as a stand alone film.
IMDb members – you're such a jaded lot!
j-mparkin15 September 2013
Where's your sense of wonder,adventure, excitement, innocence?? I feel I have to respond the deluge of haters on IMDb for this film, and no, I'm not trolling, I genuinely LOVED this film – and find no fault with it whatsoever! I can't believe such negative opinion and vitriol for this film! I've read and re-read the same criticisms over and over again, and for me they don't hold water.
It looks like 99.9% of people have made their minds up, but he's my thoughts on the film, and if you'll indulge me, I'd like to try and change the world.
The Prometheus mission is classified TOP SECRET. Even the development of the ship would be done without publicity of any kind. Potentially, they are onto the discovery of a lifetime – like Howard Carter didn't broadcast to his competitors that he was going to go looking for Tutankhamun and where he was going to go looking for it. Weyland would not risk allowing their main rival Yutani to get there first. The "Magic Eye" viral posted prior to the film's release supports this, and suggests that Yutani, are constantly using covert means to spy on their competitor, stealing secrets, poaching technology – so as well as this mission being secret, the crew of scientists would NOT be briefed on mission specifics beforehand, or introduced to each other prior to the mission in order to maintain secrecy. Consequently, Weyland would probably not go directly to the scientific community, but rather hire people who could be sworn to secrecy, and their silence bought. Fifield's attitude confirms this, remember the 'scientific mission' is only a smoke screen. This mission is primarily to extend Weyland's life. Period. Science is secondary, it's just that Shaw and Holloway don't know that. That's why the 'scientists' are such a motley crew. Even beyond Weyland's motives, this is a commercial venture, first and foremost – Vickers pretty much spells this out to Shaw and Holloway.
In no particular order The nature of panic. When Vickers and Shaw are fleeing the Juggernaut, they are in BLIND PANIC – like when you are running away from a foe and likely run straight towards it. They don't have time to look at the orientation, they see the thing falling, see the huge shadow (remember the Jugernaut is B I G! and blindly run. Even if they ran to the side, that thing is falling heavily, they still might not get out of the way cos it's the size of two football fields!
Modern instrumentation in the 21st century When everyone takes their helmets off, they have A LOT of correlating info to support the absence of pathogens, and the presence of oxygen. That's how airline pilots don't need to see out of the window to fly planes. YOU RELY ON YOUR INSTRUMENTS!! So they know they can safely remove their helmets, because the area has been terraformed using engineer technology. Same thing with the head – the instruments indicate no pathogens, and the re-animating procedure would have been successful, but unbeknown to Shaw and Ford, it's the presence of the mutation that causes the head to be in distress and the molecular implosion is the result.
And the Pauling Medi Pod is expensive for a reason – don't compare it to a human surgeon, as well as the cutting being ultra fine and precise, besides the staples the machine sprays several fast-healing/flesh-bonding chemicals into the wound, Shaw does stagger for a few hours, but you're up and walking in a matter of hours.
Ridley decided to use Guy Pierce in old man makeup rather than hire an old actor in order to maintain continuity with the TED Talk Viral. Everyone says how terrible the makeup is, but I think it's because Weyland is VERY old so his appearance will be that more exaggerated.
When Milburn 'pets the snake' he's frightened to death – an analogy would be like when you chance upon a Doberman – you might say outstretch your hands, say "nice doggy" – fruitless, but you're trying to handle a difficult situation under extreme duress.
And this business with accelerated growth. In the original A L I E N –accelerated growth is shown right from the alien birthing from John Hurt, a few hours later it's "the size of a man", so it follows that the Progenitor(s) have this same characteristic. It's also possible that the black goo causes this acceleration/mutation.
And David's motives are for the most part not ambiguous, but rather pretty clear – he is first and foremost programmed to work towards the objective of Peter Weyland, all other considerations are secondary. His deliberate poisoning of Holloway is to use him as a guinea pig to observe the effects of the black goo before he advises Weyland on whether to ingest it or not, what exposure to it does etc.
And the Pauling Med Pod is programmed for the one person on the ship who might need a heart op bypass, this person is likely to be old - there is only one person who fits the bill, (and he's male!), so it's OBVIOUS the unit is set up for Weyland - the notion that it's for Vickers is laughable – she's shown to be tip-top fit with the push ups. It's just happens to be located in her room.
I think Weyland is on Prometheus in secret because no-one would insure a man of his age and condition to go into space, in fact the shareholders would probably forbid it, he would never pass the medical, so the only solution would be to go there in secret.
99.9% of people wanted a retread of Alien or Aliens – I didn't, so I wasn't disappointed.
And for those of you who want to bash Lindelof – read Jon Spaight's original script – everything that you blame Lindleof for is in Spaight's original script!
It looks like 99.9% of people have made their minds up, but he's my thoughts on the film, and if you'll indulge me, I'd like to try and change the world.
The Prometheus mission is classified TOP SECRET. Even the development of the ship would be done without publicity of any kind. Potentially, they are onto the discovery of a lifetime – like Howard Carter didn't broadcast to his competitors that he was going to go looking for Tutankhamun and where he was going to go looking for it. Weyland would not risk allowing their main rival Yutani to get there first. The "Magic Eye" viral posted prior to the film's release supports this, and suggests that Yutani, are constantly using covert means to spy on their competitor, stealing secrets, poaching technology – so as well as this mission being secret, the crew of scientists would NOT be briefed on mission specifics beforehand, or introduced to each other prior to the mission in order to maintain secrecy. Consequently, Weyland would probably not go directly to the scientific community, but rather hire people who could be sworn to secrecy, and their silence bought. Fifield's attitude confirms this, remember the 'scientific mission' is only a smoke screen. This mission is primarily to extend Weyland's life. Period. Science is secondary, it's just that Shaw and Holloway don't know that. That's why the 'scientists' are such a motley crew. Even beyond Weyland's motives, this is a commercial venture, first and foremost – Vickers pretty much spells this out to Shaw and Holloway.
In no particular order The nature of panic. When Vickers and Shaw are fleeing the Juggernaut, they are in BLIND PANIC – like when you are running away from a foe and likely run straight towards it. They don't have time to look at the orientation, they see the thing falling, see the huge shadow (remember the Jugernaut is B I G! and blindly run. Even if they ran to the side, that thing is falling heavily, they still might not get out of the way cos it's the size of two football fields!
Modern instrumentation in the 21st century When everyone takes their helmets off, they have A LOT of correlating info to support the absence of pathogens, and the presence of oxygen. That's how airline pilots don't need to see out of the window to fly planes. YOU RELY ON YOUR INSTRUMENTS!! So they know they can safely remove their helmets, because the area has been terraformed using engineer technology. Same thing with the head – the instruments indicate no pathogens, and the re-animating procedure would have been successful, but unbeknown to Shaw and Ford, it's the presence of the mutation that causes the head to be in distress and the molecular implosion is the result.
And the Pauling Medi Pod is expensive for a reason – don't compare it to a human surgeon, as well as the cutting being ultra fine and precise, besides the staples the machine sprays several fast-healing/flesh-bonding chemicals into the wound, Shaw does stagger for a few hours, but you're up and walking in a matter of hours.
Ridley decided to use Guy Pierce in old man makeup rather than hire an old actor in order to maintain continuity with the TED Talk Viral. Everyone says how terrible the makeup is, but I think it's because Weyland is VERY old so his appearance will be that more exaggerated.
When Milburn 'pets the snake' he's frightened to death – an analogy would be like when you chance upon a Doberman – you might say outstretch your hands, say "nice doggy" – fruitless, but you're trying to handle a difficult situation under extreme duress.
And this business with accelerated growth. In the original A L I E N –accelerated growth is shown right from the alien birthing from John Hurt, a few hours later it's "the size of a man", so it follows that the Progenitor(s) have this same characteristic. It's also possible that the black goo causes this acceleration/mutation.
And David's motives are for the most part not ambiguous, but rather pretty clear – he is first and foremost programmed to work towards the objective of Peter Weyland, all other considerations are secondary. His deliberate poisoning of Holloway is to use him as a guinea pig to observe the effects of the black goo before he advises Weyland on whether to ingest it or not, what exposure to it does etc.
And the Pauling Med Pod is programmed for the one person on the ship who might need a heart op bypass, this person is likely to be old - there is only one person who fits the bill, (and he's male!), so it's OBVIOUS the unit is set up for Weyland - the notion that it's for Vickers is laughable – she's shown to be tip-top fit with the push ups. It's just happens to be located in her room.
I think Weyland is on Prometheus in secret because no-one would insure a man of his age and condition to go into space, in fact the shareholders would probably forbid it, he would never pass the medical, so the only solution would be to go there in secret.
99.9% of people wanted a retread of Alien or Aliens – I didn't, so I wasn't disappointed.
And for those of you who want to bash Lindelof – read Jon Spaight's original script – everything that you blame Lindleof for is in Spaight's original script!
Prometheus extended version
danielcereto7 May 2020
I just rewatched Prometheus after watching previously the four Alien movies and I enjoyed more than the first time. The reason is because the extended version of 2 hours 31 minutes it's far better that the theatrical cut. More answers are shown and overall the movie script is better. So, if you want to give it a second chance to this, go for it. You won't regret.
eminently rewatchable film that provides new layers of meaning with each repeat visit
tarekali-1990928 February 2021
Prometheus is an eminently rewatchable film that provides new layers of meaning with each repeat visit. How often does a master filmmaker get to revisit their original oeuvre and recreate an even bigger world around and about it? The myth of the engineers and their world changing experimentation is absolutely romantic, compelling and terrifying at the same time. It hurts even more to see how badly utilized this new mythos was in the follow up Covenant. The true mark of success that Ridley Scott achieved was igniting years of debate around the origin and nature of the engineers and their creations. Deep connections to established historical finds on earth make this origin story even more personal - the myth of alien astronauts, benevolent or cruel giants from the stars with incredible, magical technology - creators and destroyers of worlds.
Getting back to the film itself - such gorgeous cinematography and production values. I recently rewatched in 4k format and developed a greater appreciation for small clues hitherto unseen - for example navigation hologram destinations in a reactivated ship of mass destruction.
David is himself a conundrum and a polarizing figure. Was his programming to blame, or the algorithmic output of his treatment at the hand of cruel masters. The android is a central theme in the alien mythos, an expression of creation and self awareness.
The only criticism I have of Prometheus and the sequel Covenant is the proliferation of human stupidity. Predecessor films did not showcase human hubris and blundering to such a great extent - protagonists always took calculated risks. If anything the buffoonery of crews almost seems to justify their fate and reduces sympathy accordingly.
Ridley Scott may still have time to catapult his mythos to legendarium, if his subsequent sequels after Covenant retain purity of spirit with his expanded universe. I for one look forward to seeing more of this wondrous unravelling and exposition.
Not in the same league as 'Alien' and 'Aliens', while heavily flawed it was still better than expected
TheLittleSongbird10 June 2017
'Alien' is still to this day a tense, shocking suspenseful and frightening masterpiece, one of my favourites of the genre. The bigger and bolder 'Aliens' is one of those rare sequels that is every bit as good as its predecessor. Both are two of my favourite films and the character of Ripley is one of the most iconic female characters in film.
To be honest, there were initial doubts about 'Prometheus'. Ridley Scott, as especially proved with 'Alien', 'Blade Runner' and 'Thelma and Louise' has shown that he has a lot of talent as a director, though his filmography is hit and miss. So that he was back on board as director and that there is a great cast promised much. There were worries however as well, due to some negative reception amongst audiences who criticised the script, story and notorious "plot holes".
Watching 'Prometheus' finally, it was a better film than expected though nowhere near in the same league as 'Alien' and 'Aliens'. That said, it was heavily flawed and there are criticised personally agreed with, though it doesn't deserve the 1/2/10 ratings which indicate that the film had no redeeming qualities at all which is not the case.
'Prometheus' best asset is the visuals. The settings look tremendous, of sheer beauty and with a real eeriness, the cinematography complements it perfectly and often powerfully arresting and the special effects are a feast for the eye. Scott's direction has moments where it is superb, if more in the visuals and spectacle than the narrative.
More than up to the level of the quality of the visuals is the cast. Noomi Rapace is an authoritative lead, and Michael Fassbender is even better in one of his best performances to date. Charlize Theron and Idris Elba also prove how talented they are as performers. Most of the rest are more than up to their level.
While the story is very problematic, it does have its moments. There is some tension, especially in the last act, parts are thought-provoking and there are some thrills. The music is suitably haunting.
However, there is a good deal that doesn't work. The script is often very weak, often rambling, clichéd and not very logical with some stupid decision making. The story does suffer from too many concepts not explored enough, some leaden pacing and at times a lack of cohesiveness.
Characters are also not particularly well-written, they seemed underdeveloped and there are too many of them, the decision making of some are a cause for extreme frustration. Not to mention lapses in logic, ridiculous science and parts that don't make as much sense as ought.
In conclusion, better than expected but heavily flawed and one may question the point of it. 6/10 Bethany Cox
To be honest, there were initial doubts about 'Prometheus'. Ridley Scott, as especially proved with 'Alien', 'Blade Runner' and 'Thelma and Louise' has shown that he has a lot of talent as a director, though his filmography is hit and miss. So that he was back on board as director and that there is a great cast promised much. There were worries however as well, due to some negative reception amongst audiences who criticised the script, story and notorious "plot holes".
Watching 'Prometheus' finally, it was a better film than expected though nowhere near in the same league as 'Alien' and 'Aliens'. That said, it was heavily flawed and there are criticised personally agreed with, though it doesn't deserve the 1/2/10 ratings which indicate that the film had no redeeming qualities at all which is not the case.
'Prometheus' best asset is the visuals. The settings look tremendous, of sheer beauty and with a real eeriness, the cinematography complements it perfectly and often powerfully arresting and the special effects are a feast for the eye. Scott's direction has moments where it is superb, if more in the visuals and spectacle than the narrative.
More than up to the level of the quality of the visuals is the cast. Noomi Rapace is an authoritative lead, and Michael Fassbender is even better in one of his best performances to date. Charlize Theron and Idris Elba also prove how talented they are as performers. Most of the rest are more than up to their level.
While the story is very problematic, it does have its moments. There is some tension, especially in the last act, parts are thought-provoking and there are some thrills. The music is suitably haunting.
However, there is a good deal that doesn't work. The script is often very weak, often rambling, clichéd and not very logical with some stupid decision making. The story does suffer from too many concepts not explored enough, some leaden pacing and at times a lack of cohesiveness.
Characters are also not particularly well-written, they seemed underdeveloped and there are too many of them, the decision making of some are a cause for extreme frustration. Not to mention lapses in logic, ridiculous science and parts that don't make as much sense as ought.
In conclusion, better than expected but heavily flawed and one may question the point of it. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Not what I was hoping for
wordclock17 June 2012
It's good to see that Ridley Scott still has the same vision for stylistic sets and atmospheric lighting.Lots of dripping water and eery shadows as one might expect from the old master. The special effects are impressive, the CGI is great, the technology is plausible for the turn of the next century. But - and I'm afraid it's a big but - the plot is disjointed, the characters two dimensional and the script is, well, not the best. Far too many things happen which simply make no sense at all, or just don't tally with "what we know already" about the Alien universe. Far too many plot mechanisms, bits of tech and even shots and scenes are borrowed from other films - Serenity, independence day, The Mummy, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, Pitch Black, X- Files. I won't go into detail because I can't do that without using spoilers, but try it yourself. Watch the film and see how many ripped off bits you can spot. Spectacular, yes. A great film? No. sadly not.
Prophetic & Visionary...
Xstal29 December 2023
Prometheus (2012)...
Allegorically and quite unintentionally a tale of a virus, ignorantly released its only aim is to destroy us, the wheels set in motion, a search begins for a new potion, but perpetuation has begun, and there's absolutely nowhere you can run - from the evolutionary transformations, variations and mutations, the prequels, sequels and un-equals yet to come.
Just like all great frighteners, there are links to the real world horror of what the world of science mixed with mother nature might have in store for us in the not too distant future, or indeed may well be incubating in a laboratory nearby already.
Prometheus (2012).
Allegorically and quite unintentionally a tale of a virus, ignorantly released its only aim is to destroy us, the wheels set in motion, a search begins for a new potion, but perpetuation has begun, and there's absolutely nowhere you can run - from the evolutionary transformations, variations and mutations, the prequels, sequels and un-equals yet to come.
Just like all great frighteners, there are links to the real world horror of what the world of science mixed with mother nature might have in store for us in the not too distant future, or indeed may well be incubating in a laboratory nearby already.
Prometheus (2012).
So much of this movie could have been easily fixed...
sandy-4626 June 2012
Don't get me wrong. It's gorgeous to look at, and I'm definitely going to go and see it again. It's really impressive.
But... It's stuffed with scenes without any payoff. Again and again it sets stuff up and then just... walks away from it.
In at least one unforgivably stupid scene, someone *literally* just walks away from an antagonist and leaves it there. And then doesn't tell anyone about it. Some of it's really effective. There are some scenes that are absolutely gripping. But so much of it doesn't make any sense...
Having said all that I think it's very clear that what I just saw was Prometheus part 1. It's very definitely supposed to have a sequel and I will certainly go to see the sequel. I think both movies taken together might score a 10.
But this movie by itself doesn't.
But... It's stuffed with scenes without any payoff. Again and again it sets stuff up and then just... walks away from it.
In at least one unforgivably stupid scene, someone *literally* just walks away from an antagonist and leaves it there. And then doesn't tell anyone about it. Some of it's really effective. There are some scenes that are absolutely gripping. But so much of it doesn't make any sense...
Having said all that I think it's very clear that what I just saw was Prometheus part 1. It's very definitely supposed to have a sequel and I will certainly go to see the sequel. I think both movies taken together might score a 10.
But this movie by itself doesn't.
Ridley Scott restores his Alien Legacy with the discovery of the origins of Mankind
stevenfreekin6 August 2014
WOW. This film was a breath of fresh air and a great restoration of the Alien universe. The franchise took an early hit in its line of succession with Alien 3, 4, and then somebody had a bright idea of mixing it with Fox's dead franchise, Predator. Well, we know how that went.
Anyway, Prometheus was over hyped and there was a lot of "oh it's a prequel, oh it's not a prequel" talk leading up to its release. Well, I saw the film opening night and I was amazed at how stunning the film was and how philosophical, spiritual, adventurous, captivating the story was. I just recently watched again on bluray and the film is very layered and complex than most people believe. The characters are well developed and have depth. The film is actually both a prequel but not at the same time. It has the same DNA as Alien and it doesn't really connect until the last 30mints but then it doesn't. Confused? Well, that's why you should checkout this syfy masterpiece.
A lot of people complain at how slow the movie was and yet they claim to be Alien fans. Hmmm I guess they never saw the first movie and they don't know Ridley Scott. If your a fan of the Alien Films, especially the first two, and have a great understanding of Greek mythology and have an open mind to asking the question of where we came from then I think you will definitely enjoy this movie like i did.
Anyway, Prometheus was over hyped and there was a lot of "oh it's a prequel, oh it's not a prequel" talk leading up to its release. Well, I saw the film opening night and I was amazed at how stunning the film was and how philosophical, spiritual, adventurous, captivating the story was. I just recently watched again on bluray and the film is very layered and complex than most people believe. The characters are well developed and have depth. The film is actually both a prequel but not at the same time. It has the same DNA as Alien and it doesn't really connect until the last 30mints but then it doesn't. Confused? Well, that's why you should checkout this syfy masterpiece.
A lot of people complain at how slow the movie was and yet they claim to be Alien fans. Hmmm I guess they never saw the first movie and they don't know Ridley Scott. If your a fan of the Alien Films, especially the first two, and have a great understanding of Greek mythology and have an open mind to asking the question of where we came from then I think you will definitely enjoy this movie like i did.
Standalone, prequel, or reboot? It doesn't matter, good job!
AdrenalinDragon1 June 2012
It is hard to say too much about Prometheus without spoiling it. First of all, those expecting to see the original Aliens are not seeing this movie for all the right reasons. Yes, it is part of the Alien universe and set before the first movie, but it doesn't feature those Aliens and instead tells a brand new story of merging the two worlds together.
With Ridley Scott back to directing, Prometheus used the similar setup of making researchers explore an alien world, only this time there is a longer setup and more suspense driven to events unfolding. The ship in this movie is very reminiscent of the one in Alien, although it is different in design and has some new interesting gadgets and pieces of technology we haven't seen before. There's no denying that there are things people will pick up relating to Alien, and I'm really glad they didn't tone down the violence for 12/PG-13 rated audiences. Either way, you can watch Prometheus first before the other Alien movies.
On the acting side of things, I found Michael Fassbender's Android character David to be the standout for the movie. I also liked the protagonist Noomi Rapace and the supporting cast of Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba. All strong performances, but perhaps if there's only one small complaint I could think of, is that maybe the supporting characters didn't get enough development time. Thankfully, Scott and the team keep the movie going at a very good pace with emotional depth at the right moments.
Overall, Prometheus on first viewing was what I expected, a movie using it's original base movie Alien as a structure to produce a new story with new characters/lifeforms to lead up to other Alien story lines. It is highly likely the references will become more obvious in sequels to this, but Prometheus manages to bring a story that works as a standalone but also a prequel at the same time, which is good for all viewing audiences, and I think Scott was trying to bring the grisly/dark atmosphere movies of Alien without being too in your face, which I thought was the right direction for this movie.
With Ridley Scott back to directing, Prometheus used the similar setup of making researchers explore an alien world, only this time there is a longer setup and more suspense driven to events unfolding. The ship in this movie is very reminiscent of the one in Alien, although it is different in design and has some new interesting gadgets and pieces of technology we haven't seen before. There's no denying that there are things people will pick up relating to Alien, and I'm really glad they didn't tone down the violence for 12/PG-13 rated audiences. Either way, you can watch Prometheus first before the other Alien movies.
On the acting side of things, I found Michael Fassbender's Android character David to be the standout for the movie. I also liked the protagonist Noomi Rapace and the supporting cast of Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba. All strong performances, but perhaps if there's only one small complaint I could think of, is that maybe the supporting characters didn't get enough development time. Thankfully, Scott and the team keep the movie going at a very good pace with emotional depth at the right moments.
Overall, Prometheus on first viewing was what I expected, a movie using it's original base movie Alien as a structure to produce a new story with new characters/lifeforms to lead up to other Alien story lines. It is highly likely the references will become more obvious in sequels to this, but Prometheus manages to bring a story that works as a standalone but also a prequel at the same time, which is good for all viewing audiences, and I think Scott was trying to bring the grisly/dark atmosphere movies of Alien without being too in your face, which I thought was the right direction for this movie.
Random and Confused
Hitchcoc18 April 2022
Most of what I would say has already been said. I especially agree with the fact that a crew trained in intergalactic travel probably couldn't tie their own shoes. They do so many stupid thing that could have terminated the voyage in a heartbeat. There is no caution, no restraint. I'm not sure we are ever very clear on the mission itself. And what's in it for some of these guys? By the way, did it seem odd that a guy is wearing glasses when this voyage was made?
Piece of Art
yannreckless10 January 2021
All about this movie is genius and excellence.
Special effects, casting, acting, sound, atmosphere, realness, second-to-none sense for details.
With Prometheus, Ridley Scott didn't make a movie, he made an intemporal gift : intense, sharp, generous, dreamy piece of art.
Thank you.
Curiosity killed the Crew
dharmendrasingh8 July 2012
This needed a second viewing, just to see if not being awestruck was my fault. Sir Ridley Scott's unintended (but obviously linked) prequel to his 1979 classic, 'Alien' is a hugely ambitious film; but is, in a word, meretricious.
The story is profoundly compelling, and is an example of why sci-fi can be the most noble of all genres. It's not afraid to ask the big questions – Where do we come from? What is our purpose? What happens when we die? – but cowers into the nearest black hole when it comes to answering them (or at least the last two of those). No film I have seen has handled analogous material better than Kubrick's '2001', and 'Prometheus' could have ensured similar stardom if it chose epiphany over escapist entertainment.
The year is 2093. Discovery of a recurring ancient cave painting has prompted a space expedition. A vessel called Prometheus carries a crew of 17 to a destination where it is believed the answers to human origin lie. Interweaving an alien story with the central plot is a major strength, a double-whammy concept. But the delivery is all devilry; pure Hollywood compromise.
Despite the voluptuous visuals, stunning production design and preference of manual over computer effects (including a memorable alien abortion sequence), what ruined it for me was the handling of this precious material. Perhaps it was inevitable. Between them, the two writers (Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof) have a limited repertoire which has space for the execrable 'Cowboys and Aliens' and equally distasteful 'The Darkest Hour'.
Discoveries are anti-climactic. When the crew discover something of importance, i.e. everything, they are remarkably insouciant. The effect on me was a mutual disinterest. All the elements for suspense are here: dark passages, inexplicable noises, prolonged moments of inactivity; yet there is a lack of the kind of suspense which gave Scott's 1979 film its reputation.
One saving grace is Michael Fassbender's David, the onboard android. He gives everyone an acting lesson; one that ship captain, Janek (Idris Elba) doesn't heed, choosing instead to remain impassive throughout. Guy Pearce (in heavy make-up) cameos as the CEO of the company funding the venture. He has only a few days of life left and presumes they will find a merciful rather than noxious God, and further presumes that he will be able to barter for an extension.
Other principal players are Doctors Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), and expedition manager, Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), who raises her voice to remind everyone who's boss (an interesting discussion point, evoking Scott's 'Blade Runner', is whether she's another android).
Once Darwinism has been negated, the crew, particularly Shaw, desperately seek other answers. This is where I felt cheated. Yes, speculation is often more enticing than revelation, but this film is fuelled by its revelations. We're not given the answers, ostensibly to add mystery. But I feel that the script writers had no more to offer. David asks Shaw why she so badly wants to know more. Her response is risible: 'Maybe it's because I'm human and you're a robot'.
The conclusion is impetuous and insipid. It is not too distant in tone and style than – I'm serious – 'Armageddon'. The best bit of the film probably won't even be talked about. It's established that Prometheus has actually landed on an installation, where aliens were being manufactured by our 'Engineers' (Gods) to create WMD. Their intention was to use these weapons to destroy Earth, but the aliens escaped captivity and massacred them. What a concept! If you were going to compromise, which this film does, why not show that story? Maybe they will in another prequel.
www.moseleyb13.com
The story is profoundly compelling, and is an example of why sci-fi can be the most noble of all genres. It's not afraid to ask the big questions – Where do we come from? What is our purpose? What happens when we die? – but cowers into the nearest black hole when it comes to answering them (or at least the last two of those). No film I have seen has handled analogous material better than Kubrick's '2001', and 'Prometheus' could have ensured similar stardom if it chose epiphany over escapist entertainment.
The year is 2093. Discovery of a recurring ancient cave painting has prompted a space expedition. A vessel called Prometheus carries a crew of 17 to a destination where it is believed the answers to human origin lie. Interweaving an alien story with the central plot is a major strength, a double-whammy concept. But the delivery is all devilry; pure Hollywood compromise.
Despite the voluptuous visuals, stunning production design and preference of manual over computer effects (including a memorable alien abortion sequence), what ruined it for me was the handling of this precious material. Perhaps it was inevitable. Between them, the two writers (Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof) have a limited repertoire which has space for the execrable 'Cowboys and Aliens' and equally distasteful 'The Darkest Hour'.
Discoveries are anti-climactic. When the crew discover something of importance, i.e. everything, they are remarkably insouciant. The effect on me was a mutual disinterest. All the elements for suspense are here: dark passages, inexplicable noises, prolonged moments of inactivity; yet there is a lack of the kind of suspense which gave Scott's 1979 film its reputation.
One saving grace is Michael Fassbender's David, the onboard android. He gives everyone an acting lesson; one that ship captain, Janek (Idris Elba) doesn't heed, choosing instead to remain impassive throughout. Guy Pearce (in heavy make-up) cameos as the CEO of the company funding the venture. He has only a few days of life left and presumes they will find a merciful rather than noxious God, and further presumes that he will be able to barter for an extension.
Other principal players are Doctors Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), and expedition manager, Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), who raises her voice to remind everyone who's boss (an interesting discussion point, evoking Scott's 'Blade Runner', is whether she's another android).
Once Darwinism has been negated, the crew, particularly Shaw, desperately seek other answers. This is where I felt cheated. Yes, speculation is often more enticing than revelation, but this film is fuelled by its revelations. We're not given the answers, ostensibly to add mystery. But I feel that the script writers had no more to offer. David asks Shaw why she so badly wants to know more. Her response is risible: 'Maybe it's because I'm human and you're a robot'.
The conclusion is impetuous and insipid. It is not too distant in tone and style than – I'm serious – 'Armageddon'. The best bit of the film probably won't even be talked about. It's established that Prometheus has actually landed on an installation, where aliens were being manufactured by our 'Engineers' (Gods) to create WMD. Their intention was to use these weapons to destroy Earth, but the aliens escaped captivity and massacred them. What a concept! If you were going to compromise, which this film does, why not show that story? Maybe they will in another prequel.
www.moseleyb13.com
True mystery and adventure
fletchy-5735424 March 2021
A great sci fi movie that gives you the scares of Alien and the mystery of Indiana jones. Underrated and slated for some small plotholes. You could rip breaking bad and godfather to pieces with nitpicking if you wanted to.
Stunning
james-26902 June 2012
Firstly if you don't know anything about Prometheus and the sci fi mythology that surrounds it all the better. Don't go into this film with any preconceived notions. I think the team that brought you this never had a plan to bring you what you expect and it's all the better for it. If you are hoping for the same old with a quick set up with xenomorph on human action and people running around corridors for the rest of the film while they are picked off one by one you may be surprised. If you expect it to spell everything out like there is some master plan, well as I said leave your expectations at the door. This a beautifully rendered film with a much slower pace than others of the same genre. Prometheus is its own film and I think it's all the better for it. The nods to others are nice and for me it was enough, I think in retrospect I'd have been disappointed and bored if they had gone the familiar route. For those that know Prometheus' pedigree notice how I've tried to avoid mentioning it! For those that are coming into the film with no idea what it is about keep it that way.
Perhaps the dumbest "intelligent" film ever made
IMPAwards19 July 2014
I am a fan of Ridley Scott and a fan of the Alien series. I had heard a few negative reviews of the film but was completely unprepared for just how absolutely awful the film was.
I am tempted to fill this review with a lengthy spoiler-filled rant picking apart all of the ridiculous story elements but you're probably better off watching the "Honest Movie Trailer" for the film instead.
It's always painful to watch movies about scientists that were written by people who have no concept of what science is all about. Throughout the entire film it is obvious that the writers have complete contempt for their audience, populating this scientific mission with the stupidest crew in the universe. The writers can then hide their own incompetence behind the incompetence of their moronic characters.
Nothing makes sense in this movie. The story is one giant heap of plot contrivances that shouldn't have even made it into a rough first draft. How such a mess could've been made by such talented filmmakers (and actually praised by major critics like Roger Ebert and Leonard Maltin) baffles me. Don't waste your time with this film unless you are prepared to pause it every few minutes to yell at the screen.
I am tempted to fill this review with a lengthy spoiler-filled rant picking apart all of the ridiculous story elements but you're probably better off watching the "Honest Movie Trailer" for the film instead.
It's always painful to watch movies about scientists that were written by people who have no concept of what science is all about. Throughout the entire film it is obvious that the writers have complete contempt for their audience, populating this scientific mission with the stupidest crew in the universe. The writers can then hide their own incompetence behind the incompetence of their moronic characters.
Nothing makes sense in this movie. The story is one giant heap of plot contrivances that shouldn't have even made it into a rough first draft. How such a mess could've been made by such talented filmmakers (and actually praised by major critics like Roger Ebert and Leonard Maltin) baffles me. Don't waste your time with this film unless you are prepared to pause it every few minutes to yell at the screen.
Attention, fans of 2001: A Space Odyssey...
rooprect6 January 2016
If you never saw "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1969), then run yourself silly in a giant hamster wheel for 10 minutes, watch "2001", then come back and read this review. 2001 is the one that started them all: those scifi epics that blended spaceships with the ontological questions of existence (and no, ontology has nothing to do with cancer. I looked it up). Kubrick's 2001 spawned an entire genre of film in the same way Darwin spawned an entire genre of science. Notable follow-ups to 2001 include Tarkovsky's "Solyaris" (1972) and Soderbergh's remake "Solaris" (2002), Robert Wise's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (1979), the recent Battlestar Galactica remake (2003-2009) and Ridley Scott's own "Blade Runner" (1982)... stories that hit on questions of existence, evolution and the creation of life. Here in "Prometheus" we have the latest foray into this small circle of films that blend suspense, philosophy... and big things that zoom through space without making any noise (AS IT SHOULD BE).
In 1979 when director Ridley Scott made his groundbreaking "Alien", it was apparent that he was stylistically influenced by Kubrick's "2001". He presented an ominously cold future full of enormous, sterile machines that reduced humanity down to a flyspeck. And from there he proceeded with a classic existentialist struggle of the human faced with an ominous, overwhelming conflict. Prometheus is visually and stylistically a continuing chapter of the Alien world, and in fact there are plot elements that tie into the Alien story as well (although some of those elements seem to be more gimmicky than substantial... tying this story with the enormously popular Alien franchise). From there we are led into an epic tale that blends good ole "2001" philosophy with "Alien" action. The question is: how do you prefer your balance between the two?
Another important question is: how much can you suspend your disbelief? Granted, all futuristic films require some suspension of disbelief, but in this case there are a few moments when you'll need a 50 story tower crane to suspend your disbelief. Others have covered some of these points in their reviews, so I'll just leave it and assume you can deal with it.
Regarding the deeper thematic elements (the meaning of life and all that jazz), here's where I'm speaking to the 2001 fans because I feel that's what "Prometheus" initially promises us. Much like 2001, it begins with a cryptic dramatic scene on Earth, eons ago, then soon jumps us to a colossal spacecraft of the future. The message being: this film promises to address the question of our existence by examining our future. But my personal feeling is, following this excellent introduction, the film gradually makes too many compromises for the sake of "momentum, pacing and time" (3 words which are used a dozen times in the DVD commentary to excuse the cutting of 37 minutes of film). And ultimately, the film delivers a wild scifi/action/fx ride that will certainly get your heart pumping, but not necessarily your brain cells firing.
I definitely recommend this film to scifi/action fans because it has an intelligent premise and manages to blend that with a fast-paced, classic blood & guts action story. But for any 2001 fans who might want more, I strongly urge you to watch the 37 minutes of deleted scenes. With only 1 or 2 exceptions, I think they all should have been part of the movie. Not just to further explain the story (which isn't really necessary) but to add dimension and meaning to the characters, expose what drives them and how it fits into the overall theme of searching for the meaning of life.
In particular there are 2 scenes between the captain of the ship "Janos" (Idris Elba) and the dragon lady "Miss Vickers" (Charlize Theron) which take these two characters out of their 2-dimensional, supporting-character roles and flesh them out as real human beings with internal conflicts and complexities of their own. In the commentary the cut was justified, saying that the scenes unnecessarily took away from the main hero's story. As if we're too stupid to handle a subplot. Other cuts were similarly justified for plot momentum (sanctioned by Ridley Scott himself, so we can't even blame some dumb corporate suit for butchering a masterpiece), and you soon understand that it was not Ridley Scott's intention to go so far into 2001 territory as it was to stay true to the "Alien" space horror formula.
And on that note, I felt a bit cheated because the formula in the 2nd half was almost identical to Alien, almost scene-for-scene toward the end, and I feel like it didn't offer anything above and beyond the original masterpiece. Noomi Rapace is an excellent actress, but she didn't quite fit the tough-as-nails Sigourney Weaver role that she was evidently expected to emulate.
Perhaps an unintended highlight of the film was the performance of Michael Fassbender as "David", an unusual character whose secret I won't ruin though it's revealed in the opening minutes. Fassbender was easily 50% of the reason why I liked this movie.
In the end I enjoyed "Prometheus" as I think every scifi movie fan will. But part of me felt let down because of what it could have been. I felt most cheated by the filmmakers' self-admitted compromises for the sake of moving the story along at a brisk pace. But at the same time, nobody can deny how majestic the visuals are, certainly the best scifi special effects I've seen in a long time, and the action succeeded in getting my pulse pounding twice as fast. "Prometheus" does make a very powerful, original statement. So yes, go see it. And maybe in a few years we'll get the "Prometheus full extended cut redux", or whatever it'll be called, for those of us who can take 37 minutes more. One way or another, I think this film is a step in the right direction for scifi.
In 1979 when director Ridley Scott made his groundbreaking "Alien", it was apparent that he was stylistically influenced by Kubrick's "2001". He presented an ominously cold future full of enormous, sterile machines that reduced humanity down to a flyspeck. And from there he proceeded with a classic existentialist struggle of the human faced with an ominous, overwhelming conflict. Prometheus is visually and stylistically a continuing chapter of the Alien world, and in fact there are plot elements that tie into the Alien story as well (although some of those elements seem to be more gimmicky than substantial... tying this story with the enormously popular Alien franchise). From there we are led into an epic tale that blends good ole "2001" philosophy with "Alien" action. The question is: how do you prefer your balance between the two?
Another important question is: how much can you suspend your disbelief? Granted, all futuristic films require some suspension of disbelief, but in this case there are a few moments when you'll need a 50 story tower crane to suspend your disbelief. Others have covered some of these points in their reviews, so I'll just leave it and assume you can deal with it.
Regarding the deeper thematic elements (the meaning of life and all that jazz), here's where I'm speaking to the 2001 fans because I feel that's what "Prometheus" initially promises us. Much like 2001, it begins with a cryptic dramatic scene on Earth, eons ago, then soon jumps us to a colossal spacecraft of the future. The message being: this film promises to address the question of our existence by examining our future. But my personal feeling is, following this excellent introduction, the film gradually makes too many compromises for the sake of "momentum, pacing and time" (3 words which are used a dozen times in the DVD commentary to excuse the cutting of 37 minutes of film). And ultimately, the film delivers a wild scifi/action/fx ride that will certainly get your heart pumping, but not necessarily your brain cells firing.
I definitely recommend this film to scifi/action fans because it has an intelligent premise and manages to blend that with a fast-paced, classic blood & guts action story. But for any 2001 fans who might want more, I strongly urge you to watch the 37 minutes of deleted scenes. With only 1 or 2 exceptions, I think they all should have been part of the movie. Not just to further explain the story (which isn't really necessary) but to add dimension and meaning to the characters, expose what drives them and how it fits into the overall theme of searching for the meaning of life.
In particular there are 2 scenes between the captain of the ship "Janos" (Idris Elba) and the dragon lady "Miss Vickers" (Charlize Theron) which take these two characters out of their 2-dimensional, supporting-character roles and flesh them out as real human beings with internal conflicts and complexities of their own. In the commentary the cut was justified, saying that the scenes unnecessarily took away from the main hero's story. As if we're too stupid to handle a subplot. Other cuts were similarly justified for plot momentum (sanctioned by Ridley Scott himself, so we can't even blame some dumb corporate suit for butchering a masterpiece), and you soon understand that it was not Ridley Scott's intention to go so far into 2001 territory as it was to stay true to the "Alien" space horror formula.
And on that note, I felt a bit cheated because the formula in the 2nd half was almost identical to Alien, almost scene-for-scene toward the end, and I feel like it didn't offer anything above and beyond the original masterpiece. Noomi Rapace is an excellent actress, but she didn't quite fit the tough-as-nails Sigourney Weaver role that she was evidently expected to emulate.
Perhaps an unintended highlight of the film was the performance of Michael Fassbender as "David", an unusual character whose secret I won't ruin though it's revealed in the opening minutes. Fassbender was easily 50% of the reason why I liked this movie.
In the end I enjoyed "Prometheus" as I think every scifi movie fan will. But part of me felt let down because of what it could have been. I felt most cheated by the filmmakers' self-admitted compromises for the sake of moving the story along at a brisk pace. But at the same time, nobody can deny how majestic the visuals are, certainly the best scifi special effects I've seen in a long time, and the action succeeded in getting my pulse pounding twice as fast. "Prometheus" does make a very powerful, original statement. So yes, go see it. And maybe in a few years we'll get the "Prometheus full extended cut redux", or whatever it'll be called, for those of us who can take 37 minutes more. One way or another, I think this film is a step in the right direction for scifi.
Great
dantelnf12 December 2023
Ridley Scott never fails to disappoint (most of the time) and his 2012 movie Prometheus shows cases that. From the beginning I'm captivated by the landscape. Every movie has yourself questioning where are we? Who are the main characters really? And the nature of the events. But more so than most movies Prometheus makes that feeling. The casting is pretty good, the highlight of course is Micheal fassbender as David. Everything down from the way he walks to his unblinking souless eyes portray an android perfectly. I guess you could say the same about Meredith, which is later used for a "getting laid" joke. Some minor issues are that 1. Most of the characters in this film are complete idiots and 2. The movie seems to have a pacing issue? Like there is a important plot point in the film that is explained by a character that should know nothing about that, and it feels like it could have been explained better by the alien himself. Also that's another issue, the aliens feel like brutes instead of sophisticated lifeforms. Like they should have made them at least talk a bit to explain their reasoning for their actions. However where the move highlights is in it's philosophical questions and of course, visuals (always count on Ridley Scott to create one hell of a stunning and atmospheric image) I like how the movie displays the questions of where do we come from, who made us, and what happens when we die. Making the main character Christian is also a nice counter to this. However in the end the movie feels a little unsatisfying, as it doesn't answer the main question posed at the end. Overall great movie with fantastic visuals, good depth, a few oversights, and an unsatisfying ending.
This film strangely works better when revisited...
slobinchair23 November 2022
On first viewing I gave this film a begrudging 5/10. It is visually stunning, the larger than life engineers stuck in my mind and I wouid think about them from time to time. This would prompt me to rent Prometheus every couple of years and watch it again. I realised on the third viewing that my initial disappointment was because Scott hadn't made the Alien related film that I wanted to see... it didn't answer any questions that were promised in trailers and advertising blurb so I felt let down. He did however make a good film that is atmospheric, energetic and above all entertaining. This review is based on my third viewing and I really liked it, I wasn't hampered by what I wanted anymore. I allowed for plot holes, various errors in continuity and suspended disbelief, the result was a most enjoyable and much needed escape from reality for a not too long 2 1/2 hours. Oh... and... yes the tall engineers still haunt my mind 😊
I just can't understand why people hate this movie.
alvaro_callupe30 October 2012
As the title says, after seeing two times this great movie, i just can't really understand why there are many people who doesn't like and more than that HATE this movie, in my case all the entire movie i got stick to the screen enjoying this fantastic movie experience, I liked the argument, it's original, new stuff to explore in the sci-fi world. At least 2 very emotion scenes that i remember (cant spoiler he he). If any people ask to me to recommend a very well made sci-fi movie i surely recommend this one, and i really hope that could exist a sequel, i would love it.
And if you tell me, yeah we are a lot of people who doesn't like this movie, that probes this is bad, ill tell you that good taste is not a democracy.
Thanks for this movie guys.
And if you tell me, yeah we are a lot of people who doesn't like this movie, that probes this is bad, ill tell you that good taste is not a democracy.
Thanks for this movie guys.
This is actually NOT a new Aliens franschise
MantisTobagan11 September 2012
So first i watched it in the cinema and i've never seen a movie from the Alien franschise before, and after the movie ended as felt abit "meh, special effects nothing more" Then a friend told me i at least should watch the 2 first Alien movies and so i did and now i re watched Prometheus and it is SOO much better if you've seen at least the 2 first ones. It comes of as a new franchise but to be honest, a lot of the things explained and seen in Prometheus were something you wondered about from the 2 first films.
So in the end, watch at least the 2 first ones (both really good, the others are not so) before you watch Prometheus
So in the end, watch at least the 2 first ones (both really good, the others are not so) before you watch Prometheus
Provokes the imagination. Bench mark setting visuals
LeedsPokerGuru31 May 2012
If you manage your expectations then you will be in for one of the best sci fi experiences in recent years with some killer visuals.
I'm not what you call an Alien trilogy fan boy. In fact I'm not exactly even a fan. Couldn't tell you the last time I watched one of them. They've never hit home with me. From my point of view they are monster movies than anything else. If the originals were set in a research lab in the south pole it wouldn't have changed much.
Prometheus is a sci-fi movie at its very core. It provokes the imagination. It will ask questions such as how where we made, why, by who, for what purpose?? The movie will take you on an enjoyable, thrilling and philosophical science fiction experience. Simply put Ridley nailed it. So much so he has simply set a new bench mark in movie experiences.
The visuals of this movie are amazing. Proof if anything that when it comes to special effects and eye candy none do it better than Ridley Scott. In my opinion the best use of 3D to date. Couldn't fault the cast. Having said that its clear to me Fassbender turned in the best performance. I feel thats largely due to the uniqueness and quirks of his character vs the more straight up working professional crew. Either way he turned in the performance.
Going forward I hope we see Ridley revisit the Prometheus story arc and treat us with some more outstanding science fiction cinema. If he doesn't then it would detract anything from what this film IS. My only fear is this film will draw criticism for what it ISN'T and the disappointment of the fan base for the more tried and tested formula of the Alien movies.
I guess that goes both ways though. The original Alien movies weren't for me where as Prometheus was. I guess only time will tell but at the time of writing this review there is a ground swell of fans who's expectations of "an Alien" movie were not met. Happily my sci-fi journey with WOW visuals expectations were met.
I'm not what you call an Alien trilogy fan boy. In fact I'm not exactly even a fan. Couldn't tell you the last time I watched one of them. They've never hit home with me. From my point of view they are monster movies than anything else. If the originals were set in a research lab in the south pole it wouldn't have changed much.
Prometheus is a sci-fi movie at its very core. It provokes the imagination. It will ask questions such as how where we made, why, by who, for what purpose?? The movie will take you on an enjoyable, thrilling and philosophical science fiction experience. Simply put Ridley nailed it. So much so he has simply set a new bench mark in movie experiences.
The visuals of this movie are amazing. Proof if anything that when it comes to special effects and eye candy none do it better than Ridley Scott. In my opinion the best use of 3D to date. Couldn't fault the cast. Having said that its clear to me Fassbender turned in the best performance. I feel thats largely due to the uniqueness and quirks of his character vs the more straight up working professional crew. Either way he turned in the performance.
Going forward I hope we see Ridley revisit the Prometheus story arc and treat us with some more outstanding science fiction cinema. If he doesn't then it would detract anything from what this film IS. My only fear is this film will draw criticism for what it ISN'T and the disappointment of the fan base for the more tried and tested formula of the Alien movies.
I guess that goes both ways though. The original Alien movies weren't for me where as Prometheus was. I guess only time will tell but at the time of writing this review there is a ground swell of fans who's expectations of "an Alien" movie were not met. Happily my sci-fi journey with WOW visuals expectations were met.
Prometheus a solid, if not great, film
rparham10 June 2012
Over the last year or so, fandom has been awash in hope and desire that Prometheus, the new film from Ridley Scott, and his return, if perhaps somewhat peripherally, to the Alien franchise he began in 1979 would be a welcome return to form for that series after a spiraling set of latter sequels and the infantile spinoffs in the form of the odious Alien vs. Predator films. Well fans, rejoice to some extent: Prometheus is certainly a fair sight better than the above mentioned films. It, however, will leave those who are expecting both a horror film and a very Alien-centric picture disappointed to a large extent, as Prometheus uses only the framework of the Alien universe to tell a wholly new tale, one that is more interested in asking questions than in giving you shocks.
Opening in 2089 on Earth in Scotland, archeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) have discovered a similar pictorial representation of a star system at multiple scientific digs. Using this information, they have convinced aging wealthy industrialist Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) to fund an expedition to the star system depicted in the images in the hopes of making contact with what Shaw and Holloway refer to as the "Engineers", aliens they think may have helped engineer the beginnings of life on Earth. Once they arrive on the planet, the team discovers large structures that contain various chambers and artifacts, mostly small canisters, as well as one decapitated alien body. In the course of engaging in their research and exploration, they find themselves hampered at times by the limitations placed on them by their corporate boss, Vickers (Charlize Theron), and are also helped by android David (Michael Fassbender). But, as things unfold, the motivations of some of the crew begin to come into question, and the things they discover on the planet make them begin to wonder if it was a trip that was wrong to make.
Prometheus is very interested in tackling some "big" issues: the origin of mankind, the mix of faith and science and the search for immortality. Unlike many other modern science-fiction films, it isn't all slam-bang, hyper edited action. In fact, much of Prometheus is comprised of scenes of dialogue and moments of characters pondering what they have discovered. Science fiction movies with a degree of wonder and introspection are a rare creature these days, so the fact that Prometheus seems genuinely interested in exploring some of these themes is impressive in and of itself.
Prometheus doesn't completely skimp on the scare quotient. While I would hardly describe it as a full on horror film, Prometheus has more than its share of jumps, tension and squirms, albeit these moments are often secondary to other elements in the film, but they deliver when necessary. Prometheus definitely benefits from impressive visual design and cinematography from Arthur Max and Darius Wolski, respectively. It also does an exceptional job of revisiting the designs of H.R. Giger that were originally crafted for Alien. While there isn't much new design material here from Giger, seeing his ideas on screen again reminds you of what a unique and interesting designer he truly is.
Where Prometheus falls down, largely, is in the character department. Almost none of the main characters are really developed or given more than a cursory amount of personality. They are not neglected completely, but the audience doesn't really connect with them. Most of the development is given to Shaw and her search for answers about man's creation, but almost all the rest are provided with enough dialogue to serve the plot, and not a lot else. One of the most interesting characters in the film is actually the android David, who vacillates between being a helpful assistant to some of the humans to also having ulterior motives that may or may not be in the best interest of the crew. Fassbender does an exceptional job of making David have the outer appearance of warmth and congeniality, while hiding a cold, calculating core beneath the surface. David is a fascinating at times, and proves one of the more memorable elements in the film.
For those who are looking for Prometheus to give them some Alien action, they will have to make do with the suggestion of the film setting up some of the material of the first entry in that franchise. Prometheus does borrow some of the feel of the first Alien at times, especially in some middle scenes involving secondary crew members whose curiosity gets the best of them, but this film is not really an Alien movie, but a prequel in the truest sense of the word: it sets the table, but leaves before the meal is served.
Prometheus is a good, if unspectacular, science fiction film from director Scott that wants to play in the field of ideas and not just the space fantasy that many other films seem to be only interested in doing. While the lack of depth to the characters can at times keep the viewer at arm's length, in terms of look and feel, Prometheus delivers the goods. May Ridley Scott not wait another 30 years to re-enter the science fiction realm.
Opening in 2089 on Earth in Scotland, archeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) have discovered a similar pictorial representation of a star system at multiple scientific digs. Using this information, they have convinced aging wealthy industrialist Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) to fund an expedition to the star system depicted in the images in the hopes of making contact with what Shaw and Holloway refer to as the "Engineers", aliens they think may have helped engineer the beginnings of life on Earth. Once they arrive on the planet, the team discovers large structures that contain various chambers and artifacts, mostly small canisters, as well as one decapitated alien body. In the course of engaging in their research and exploration, they find themselves hampered at times by the limitations placed on them by their corporate boss, Vickers (Charlize Theron), and are also helped by android David (Michael Fassbender). But, as things unfold, the motivations of some of the crew begin to come into question, and the things they discover on the planet make them begin to wonder if it was a trip that was wrong to make.
Prometheus is very interested in tackling some "big" issues: the origin of mankind, the mix of faith and science and the search for immortality. Unlike many other modern science-fiction films, it isn't all slam-bang, hyper edited action. In fact, much of Prometheus is comprised of scenes of dialogue and moments of characters pondering what they have discovered. Science fiction movies with a degree of wonder and introspection are a rare creature these days, so the fact that Prometheus seems genuinely interested in exploring some of these themes is impressive in and of itself.
Prometheus doesn't completely skimp on the scare quotient. While I would hardly describe it as a full on horror film, Prometheus has more than its share of jumps, tension and squirms, albeit these moments are often secondary to other elements in the film, but they deliver when necessary. Prometheus definitely benefits from impressive visual design and cinematography from Arthur Max and Darius Wolski, respectively. It also does an exceptional job of revisiting the designs of H.R. Giger that were originally crafted for Alien. While there isn't much new design material here from Giger, seeing his ideas on screen again reminds you of what a unique and interesting designer he truly is.
Where Prometheus falls down, largely, is in the character department. Almost none of the main characters are really developed or given more than a cursory amount of personality. They are not neglected completely, but the audience doesn't really connect with them. Most of the development is given to Shaw and her search for answers about man's creation, but almost all the rest are provided with enough dialogue to serve the plot, and not a lot else. One of the most interesting characters in the film is actually the android David, who vacillates between being a helpful assistant to some of the humans to also having ulterior motives that may or may not be in the best interest of the crew. Fassbender does an exceptional job of making David have the outer appearance of warmth and congeniality, while hiding a cold, calculating core beneath the surface. David is a fascinating at times, and proves one of the more memorable elements in the film.
For those who are looking for Prometheus to give them some Alien action, they will have to make do with the suggestion of the film setting up some of the material of the first entry in that franchise. Prometheus does borrow some of the feel of the first Alien at times, especially in some middle scenes involving secondary crew members whose curiosity gets the best of them, but this film is not really an Alien movie, but a prequel in the truest sense of the word: it sets the table, but leaves before the meal is served.
Prometheus is a good, if unspectacular, science fiction film from director Scott that wants to play in the field of ideas and not just the space fantasy that many other films seem to be only interested in doing. While the lack of depth to the characters can at times keep the viewer at arm's length, in terms of look and feel, Prometheus delivers the goods. May Ridley Scott not wait another 30 years to re-enter the science fiction realm.
Not worth spending your time on
alinadimafb3 June 2022
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