It brings some fire to the summer.

Rating: Null/10 (8 June 2012)

If you're looking for a summer treat and you thought the Avengers is all the good sci-fi available, then look no further, for Prometheus is a satisfying rouser not better than Avatar or the original Alien, but an unpretentious pulp delight.
Giants from the stars painted in Earth caves (see Erich von Daniken's Chariots of the Gods for a '70's take on the influence of terrestrial visitors) inspired the journey the Prometheus is taking to "meet our maker." It takes a couple of years to get there with the help of a Hal-like robot, David (Michael Fassbender).
Director Ridley Scott is the Alien helmer, whose image of severe indigestion resulting in a grotesque C-section of a xenomorph is forever enshrined in the memories of even the most temporary geek. In this version, it's probable that the late 21st century spaceship seeking out our makers is a prequel to the alien franchise, but no matter. While few lasting images occur since most of the creatures are derivative, the sets and CGi are splendid.
No wonder because H.R. Giger's designs and effects that won a 1979 Oscar are newly minted for Prometheus. Although large-headed insect-like attackers and cobra-like menaces are here again, they are wrapped around by a good, not great, story that at the very least stimulates argument about evolution, the role of science, and the origins and fate of mankind. In addition, the crew is largely scrappy, scruffy mercenaries who can provide a light moment but who generally serve as fodder for the monsters.
The crew goes easily to their eternal reward because they are so thinly drawn as to elicit no sympathy from us. However, Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) is drawn fully as she agonizes over her love, Dr. Charlie Holloway, a hot-headed colleague contrasting the level-headed and intrepid Elizabeth. Rapace is no Sigourney Weaver, whose turn in Alien gave her a permanent place in the heroic sci-fi actress pantheon. Yet Rapace has the intelligent, survival-prepared persona who serves as our representative aboard that calamitous vessel.
Charlize Theron, playing the self-centered Meredith Vickers, who represents the company that funds the trip, is a half-villain with much more restraint than her bad-girl dark queen in Snow White and the Huntsman. That was over-the-top acting unfit for an Oscar winner. Here she's relatively calm while still playing bad.
In all, Prometheus doesn't bring a whole lot of literary fire to the summer, but it is entertaining. Just don't expect to have a coherent discussion of the big philosophical questions; however, you do get a bunch of reveals that will titillate.
Including one that promises a sequel. See you next summer.