Promalien

Rating: 4/10 (8 June 2012)

For years it was rumored Ridley Scott was directing a prequel to ALIEN. Turned out to be a remake. A bulky spaceship full of scientists mixed with a working class crew; a crafty humanoid robot with a trick up his sleeve; an alien popping out of someone's belly; a tomboy heroine – ring a bell or two?
Actually the story's set in the ALIEN universe and the spaceship, rather than heading home, is destined for a planet with possible lifeforms. Two research scientists, including Dr. Shaw played by Noomi Repace, have discovered cave paintings with a similar theme – and a dying millionaire has backed their mission. The ship is called PROMETHEUS and the important crewmembers include Michael Fassbender as David, a robot who models himself after Lawrence of Arabia, and Charlize Theron's Vickers is the tough corporate head.
Although Repace's Shaw fills the Sigourney Weaver role, in one scene Vickers refuses a contaminated crewmember back aboard the ship. The planet consists of a or what seems like a "giant cave" wherein illuminated wraiths roam while hidden slimy creatures provide the necessary body count slaughters. There are a few action scenes and the special effects, particularly in 3D, look fantastic. But the problem are the characters, none standing out or likable enough for the audience to really care about their frantic survival which, after the searching has run its course, PROMETHEUS is all about.
In the acting department, Fassbender has a nifty look but lacks the sinister charm of Ian Holm; Repace only shines when she's fighting to live; Theron is more robotic than Fassbender; and the scruffy crew provide filler roles. Ultimately there are fewer answers than questions in a canvas stretched beyond its paint, which in a script co-written by LOST's Damon Lindelof isn't surprising.
And though it would be a sin to give anything really important away, the big finale twist isn't so much connected to the story itself, but the film's... promotion. We'll stop there.
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