An intriguing science fiction film from a master director

Rating: 9/10 (11 October 2012)

Ridley Scott, who created arguably two of the greatest science fiction films ever made in Alien and Blade Runner has long been absent from the genre he has helped make great. While he has made some excellent films since his exit from science fiction, his return has long been awaited. His return, a big budgeted film called Prometheus is a must see. This R rated 130,000,000 million dollar film seems to be worth every cent put it into and more.
While not quite as fearsome or tense as Alien and perhaps not as thought provoking or visionary as Blade Runner, this film is no doubt worth watching. The title itself is extremely provocative and speaks to the core and themes of the film, such as warning us of the danger of overextending your grasp, and the consequences of our thirst for knowledge. And the dangers of the quest for answer, one that might beyond our comprehension or ability to accept. It asks us the question of what happens when we go looking for answer and find something more horrible than anything we could imagine. The plot is fascinating. A group of scientists travel to a distant planet in a space ship called Prometheus to search for the origins of the human race.
The cast is excellent. Noomi Rapace, the original Girl With the Dragon Tattoo stars as the heroine Elizabeth Shaw. Thought not exactly a tough character she proves her grit throughout the film. Rapace is excellent as portraying Shaw as an educated scientist and later a women in a desperate battle for survival. Michael Fassbender is nothing short of amazing as David, the android aboard the ship. The android David is brilliant, arrogant,and harboring his agendas behind a cool and sometimes expressionless face. His favorite film is Lawrence of Arabia and he models his hair after Peter O'Toole's Lawrence. Charlize Theron, Idris Elba all are excellent in supporting roles. Guy Pearce is also excellent thought not easily recognizable as the old Peter Weyland. He looks authentically old and wrinkly.
The special effects in the film are nothing short of incredible, as are the costumes. While Prometheus's story can be sometimes a little predictable and the movie is a little slow moving, the film is very good. While elements of Alien are used and fans will notice similarities, at no time did this feel like a sequel or prequel. It works well on its own. The alien's designed for the film are very grotesque and creepy looking and they look fantastic. The visual effects team deserves a lot of recognition. This film while not a masterpiece is fascinating, thought provoking, and intensely entertaining. Make sure to see this film.