Prometheus

Rating: 8/10 (10 June 2012)

Prometheus
PREQUEL, PREQUEL, PREQUEL, PREQUEL, PREQUEL, PREQUEL, PREQUEL. Regardless of what anyone says and whatever you have read, Ridley Scott's cinematographically magnificent Prometheus is a prequel to the Alien franchise. My opinion may be challenged with the words of the director himself, stating that the movie is not a direct prequel and is an original movie itself. Prometheus is about a group of doctors, geologists, and other scientific operatives traveling across the vast area of space, to reach a planet they think holds the truth of how humankind was created .This Sci-Fi Horror film has re-launched the combination of these two genres to a new level that was once reached by the primary, Alien. With an astounding cast featuring the enticing Noomi Rapace (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) and the always astonishing Michael Fassebender (Shame), our generation is lucky enough to view this mesmerizing experience most of us weren't able to witness in 1979.
Reference is an understatement when it comes to Prometheus "referencing" certain aspects of Alien in this film. Prometheus flourishes in giving homage to the first Sci-Fi Horror to really put such an everlasting effect on an audience. From the smallest visualization of the ship's monitors to the unforgettable chest-bursting scene, this film is a re-boot to show that Ridley Scott is still capable to impact an audience and to remind the world about the film he released 33 years ago. The hype of this film was very high and audiences across could possibly walk away with anguish on their faces contemplating why they paid $10 to see such a film. The reason why critics and movie viewers are so disappointed is because we've already seen this type of film before and it's nothing new. Yes a different story and a different cast with better developed characters, but what's different? It's not about being different with Ridley Scott, it's about sharing his updated newer version with a generation that always asked, "How did the Xenomorphs (Aliens) become to be?"
The cast of the film was brilliantly chosen. Noomi Rapace who is known for playing disturbing roles, played the role of Elizabeth Shaw just as impeccable as Sigourney Weaver did Ripley in Alien. The difference between the two women is that Noomi's character was dismayed by most of the situations while Weaver's character was a bit stronger and confident in her doings. The very humorously talented Idris Elba played the captain of the ship who had no care for the mission, he just flew the ship. His presence is the most likable because he gives off a jokingly sarcastic response to most of the crew allowing the audience to gain respect for this witty yet determined actions. Charlize Theron who is having an amazing two weeks in theaters, plays the very distant woman in charge, Meredith Vickers, whose job is to make sure everyone else does theirs. She's the antagonist of the film, always hesitating on orders and commands and has no care in the world for what is going on during the whole mission. Theron plays the role flawlessly, probably picking up some pointers from her villainous role in Snow White and the Huntsman. Last but not least, the man of last year Michael Fassbender, plays David the robot. Most human beings have trouble being themselves, so how Fassbender is able to play a robot so perfectly still haunts me as I'm writing this. This hopefully nominated for supporting actor performance is judged solely on the reason of emotion. David the robot is unable to apprehend emotions because he doesn't have a "soul". The actions of David are what drive him to do things that he is beginning to understand due simply to observing the ones who created him.
The movie itself was amazing and I'm still blown away. At first I was hesitant to watch this film because the writers wrote films such as The Darkest Hour and Cowboys and Aliens, two movies that didn't do extremely well in theaters. Knowing how well made and passionate Ripley Scott makes his films, I had no choice but to see this filmmaking pioneer. The story doesn't have many plot holes and the ending is a traditional ending that most audiences would expect but are still capable to blow us away because of how divine it looks. The biggest reason why I liked the film is because of the fact that it is the best prequel I have ever seen for a film and answered so many unanswered questions that I've asked. My high recommendation is to watch Alien first or after because you'll want to be like me after walking out of the theater and smiling to yourself saying, "Wow so that's why that... and that... and this."
This review was very simplistic because maybe I'm still very excited about the movie. I did leave out a lot of information that are very big spoilers because I want everyone to enjoy this movie and to see it for what it really is. I described some characters and how the film is definitely a prequel to Alien. I can't stress this enough and I'm annoying myself just thinking about the similarities both films have. I'm going to make a review later when the BluRay/DVD comes out and I'll do a full review with spoilers and all the good stuff I didn't post now. Here's simply what you should know,  Story - Nothing new, yet refreshed to our generation.  Characters - Each have an inducing different personality similar to the one's in Alien.  Cinematography - Beautiful  IT IS A PREQUEL - Marcel Urena