Needs a bit to get going

Rating: 6/10 (26 May 2015)

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical before watching this. Science fiction is not particularly my favorite genre, I don't care much about the "Alien" movies, I do not like Theron or Rapace (plays the central character, but it takes a while to find that out) and I don't care a lot for Fassbender (the epitome of a sterile and emotionless robot here) or Pearce. I like Idris Elba though. This movie runs for over 2 hours (including credits) and the first hour left me fairly uninterested, but then things got better. The main plot of this film is about a couple of scientists who discovered a far distant planet and travel there to find out what's its secret. It may have to do something with the creation of mankind. And they find more than they bargained for. Much more.
This film got Oscar and BAFTA nominations for its visual effects, but lost twice to "Life of Pi". If you ask me, it could also have gotten one for its art direction and set decoration, both nicely done. The film is directed by Ridley Scott and he got help from a duo of writers, one of which did a lot writing on the successful television series "Lost" before. As I said, the film gets better after the 60-minute mark. Rapace's scene in the cabin with that wicked creature inside her is really well-done, maybe the best of the movie. The deaths of the crew members aren't bad either. Well.. bad for them, but not bad for the audience. There are several captivating fight sequences outside and inside the ship. That giant monster which tears off Fassbender's head is a great addition too and I wouldn't mind seeing it in his own movie. Anyway, I just saw they plan a sequel for 2016. We'll see how that goes. For this one here, given all the previously-mentioned negative factors for my very personal case, I have to say I enjoyed this film slightly more than I thought I would. There are some flaws in the script, for example why would experienced scientists take off their helmets only because it appears safe, but it's nothing really that ruins the movie. People with a bigger interest in science fiction films will probably really appreciate this film. Recommended and it's probably also a movie worth rewatching as you will always discover something new. If you are lucky enough to catch a viewing at the big screen again, almost three years after it hit cinemas, do not miss it. It's probably much more effective there than on a small screen.