Is this a re-boot, or a prequel?

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2011)

I went into this movie with the highest of expectations... and as a huge fan of the original film, a prequel seamed like a step in the right direction for the series.
However, optimistically, this movie only really works (imo) if they develop the story into a new trilogy... because otherwise it simply doesn't feel completed. The film has all the bells and whistles of a Summer Blockbuster, thanks to Franco and the amazing CGI staff from Avatar and LOTR... but it lacked the deepness I was hoping for. Unclear motives, lack of character development, and unfinished sub-plots leave the audience wanting more and getting less. From a "prequel-point-of-view" I don't think I would have given this such a high rating. As a reboot of a popular franchise... it certainly has a lot more potential, and hopefully (some better writing?) makes it work.
Overall, the movie is worth early-bird pricing to both fans of the older films, and newcomers alike.