Worthwhile in spite of its flaws...

Rating: 7/10 (2 February 2013)

I will make no attempt to argue with those who assert the presence of a number of flaws in Prometheus. But even taking all of that in to account, I still have to say that I like the film. There is at least a scene or two that does not really make sense within the story, but this is the type of story that can accommodate certain things that do not make sense. Posing questions is a big part of the point, after all. Now, I fully agree that it definitely could have been better, more concise and developed some of the characters better. Still, I think that it is worth watching, and holds my interests in repeat viewings.
Of course, the best thing about Prometheus is the visual element, particularly in the first 20-30 minutes or so. Gorgeously beautiful. In general, in spite of being imaginative science fiction it feels very real, which is nice for a change in today's filmmaking climate. The key cast members Rapace, Fassbender, Theron and Elba are all very strong. And the ending, when it finally comes, is very effective. I love the beautiful visual that accompanies the final character narration, and then the last image hits in a way that cannot help but elicit goosebumps in a sci-fi fan.
The biggest problems are that the middle section of the film is not nearly as tight as the beginning and ending are, and that some of the supporting characters do not add much to the story, and indeed take away from it a bit. I am a fan of the original Alien film, but I did not have a problem watching Prometheus as a standalone story. In that sense, again I enjoyed it in spite of its flaws. A little clumsy in places maybe, but I find it philosophically compelling when taken as a whole, demoralizing and a bit terrifying yet still hopeful. The final impression that rested in my mind when the credits rolled was more than worth the time spent.