Prometheus lands in the wrong place...

Rating: 7/10 (9 June 2012)

God, I was waiting so much for this film and that feeling was finally satiated. After Scott's classic sci-fi Alien, here comes a prequel that provides answers to some questions that were raised in the 1979 classic. This film gets a mixed review. Some say it's poor story but great visuals. Some say it's Scott's best and it has great visuals. Some say it was thrilling yet boring still visuals were great. My opinion is somewhat mixed... Don't worry, there are no spoilers here.
What is Prometheus? Wikipedia says: "Prometheus is a Titan, culture hero, and trickster figure who in Greek mythology is credited with the creation of man from clay and the theft of fire for human use, an act that enabled progress and civilization. He is known for his intelligence, and as a champion of mankind." In the film, scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall- Green) discover clues on Earth that leads them to a half a billion away solar system where the "Engineers" of mankind themselves probably reside. The ship that takes them there is named Prometheus. It's a two year journey so the 16 crew members are kept in hibernation, guarded by an Android named David (Michael Fassbender). After they land, they discover extremely weird stuff which I won't reveal. What happens next is the search for answers, the truth, the truth about our creators which believe me really isn't so much satisfying.
Yep, everyone agrees that the film looks powerfully stunning thanks to the jaw-dropping visual effects equipped with a stunning cinematography and of course 3D. The film begins with a beautiful view of our Earth's geology but minus life. Here we see how we were engineered, how it all began. Another stunning element that adds up to the film is the ingenious electronic score. It's completely perfect for the experience. The sound design, being another important element in any sci-fi film, gets a perfect score from me. All in all, Ridley Scott's Prometheus deserves a standing ovation for the beautiful world that he has very realistically and smartly created just the way Alien and Blade Runner was.
Okay, now have a seat. Stunning visuals aren't going to save the film because instead of solving the questions (which it does) more questions arise like who created our Engineers? And the biggest one is: What happens next, dude? As many people said, the film has flaws. Yes, there are but I guess what they most probably meant by that was "This is another clichéd sci-fi that was not expected from a Director like Scott". I guess they are right. Like for example the whole crew. Now there are 17 of them. When the film enters it's intense last hour, it looks like they were simply lining up for slaughter, getting killed one by one. It sort of felt like they were expendable or something. Scott really treats them that way and the film kind of makes special arrangements for the key characters. In another scene, a character has a quick abdominal surgery to remove the Alien fetus. Surprisingly, with the stapled cut, she walks and joins the intensity of the film again in no time. I believe that most people were disappointed just because they were comparing it to Alien. Prometheus doesn't have a subtle style, a rich story, it seriously forgets common sense in some scenarios, etc. There are far too many flaws to overlook. You feel like "Hey what was the point of all those intense emotional and thrilling moments if you yourself don't see the point?"
I guess you will enjoy Prometheus a little more if you stop comparing it to the almost-perfect-thriller Alien. It's a Prequel, so treat it as one. The flaws did disappoint me, really unexpected from a director like Ridley Scott. More blame goes to the poor screenplay. But I think movies are sometimes made just for monetary purposes, not for serious art or to satisfy a die-hard fan's nostalgia. Prometheus is one of them. Come on, film-making is a business too right? I will still forgive and forget the flaws and say that it was overall a marvelous experience. I still believe Scott is a brilliant movie-maker. Prometheus is a good start to the series and the film, judging by the conclusion, promises another adventure which I doubt won't be possible.
As for the performances, Sweden's "Girl with the Dragon tattoo" Noomi Rapace has the same strong femininity that Weaver showed in Alien. I have always been strangely attracted to these kind of women in movies who show great survival instincts without forgetting their emotions. Fassbender is the best thing about Prometheus, very powerful in his performance of the Android David. These two were the best in the entire ensemble.
In conclusion, there are flaws and some moments will leave you scratching your head. Yes, it isn't one of Scott's best but I don't think it's worst either. For now, just enjoy and try to take in all the "entertaining" stuff that this film very ingeniously provides as it's not only mysterious but also freaking scary at times!
So now one excitement ends, another begins. Pixar's Brave is releasing on 22nd so stay tuned. This year we are really anticipating a lot of good movies, I just hope none of them lets us down. Have a nice Day and take care. Hope you enjoy this film nevertheless. Thanks for reading.
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