Rating of
2.5/4
Review: Prometheus
MikePA - wrote on 06/10/12
Ridley Scott's Prometheus is a big, bold, and mildly entertaining science-fiction horror film that will visually impress, but will bore in terms of narrative and characterization. It's been said that Prometheus is a prequel to Scott's 1979 film, Alien. It's also been said that it is not. Whatever it is, it still manages to entertain even though it has plot holes big enough to throw a football through.
That being said, I thought Prometheus was decent. Most of the positive aspects of the film fall under the technical elements. The visual effects are groundbreaking, and the 3D adds to the visual experience. The 3D is done well by Ridley Scott. It's effective and it doesn't distract. The cinematography is great, really capturing the essence of the planet they're on. You can sense whether or not there is danger lurking in the depths what they're exploring, which is because it's so elegantly shot. Prometheus is undeniably breathtakingly gorgeous to look at.
The performances from the majority of the cast is great, the biggest star being Michael Fassbender as an android named David. He's also the most interesting character. The only interesting character, to be honest. Noomi Rapace is very good as Elizabeth Shaw, presenting great heroism in her character. Chalize Theron, I mean, come on, she's Charlize freaken' Theron. The rest of the cast is fine.
The problem with Prometheus (which you may have read in 100 other reviews) is that it isn't done well in terms of narrative. The film sets up too many questions and ideas and concerns that are left unanswered and unresolved, which I thought was very disappointing. I don't want to spoil anything, but there is a scene in the middle of the film that involves the android character, David, doing something that gives you the idea that he's a completely different type of person (or robot). This has an impact on another character. And what's worse is that that side of the character David, which is kind of evil, is never again explored. Why did David do that? What gave him the idea and how did he know the effect? Well, don't ask me. Ask the writers Jon Spaihts and Dameon Lindelof who decided not to tell us. This isn't the only unresolved concern in the film, which is unfair and may disappoint the die-hard fans of the Alien franchise. All of these confused plot threads fall back on the script, which is poorly done by Lindelof and Spaihts. Speaking of script, the dialogue isn't even that good, and the characters are poorly developed. The chemistry between Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway felt weak.
The film has its good share of edge-of-your seat moments that are very well-executed. Two big scenes in particular are horrifying and cringe-worthy, and the ending is cool. There's suspense, but not enough that'll live up to your expectations. The movie constantly looses the tension its building by bouncing back and forth between the different plot threads.
This is honestly a hard movie to review. Prometheus is an intriguing movie from beginning to end, but you'll wish there was more. It feels like there's something missing. Maybe these unanswered questions will be resolved in the sequel this film clearly sets up, but at that point I honestly won't care anymore. This movie just feels so unnecessary. This is by no means a bad movie, but it's not so much a good one. Almost good, but not quite. If you're a big Alien fan, I'd recommend you see it in theaters in 3D because of the large-scale effects. Otherwise, it's better as a blu-ray rental. If you want to see it in theaters, go right ahead, I just don't think it's worth rushing to the theater for. Definitely get the blu-ray, or at least rent the blu-ray. I will certainly purchase the blu-ray mainly for its astonishing effects.
Bottom line: it just feels so blah. You may enjoy watching it, but in the end you'll just think to yourself, "was that movie actually necessary?"
2.5/4 (Rent It)
