Film Review: Prometheus

Posted on the 09 June 2013 by Donnambr @_mrs_b
Review of: Prometheus (2012)
Film:
Ridley Scott
Reviewed by: David M. Brown
Rating:
4
On June 9, 2013Last modified:June 9, 2013

Summary:

Prometheus is a strong prequel to Alien in many ways.

More DetailsAbout Prometheus (2012)After scientists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green, Devil) discover mysterious cave drawings that point to the origins of mankind, they soon find themselves aboard the spaceship Prometheus, sponsored by Weyland Industries and on a journey to uncover the secrets of humanity. Overseen by the imperious Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron, Snow White and the Huntsman), looked after by the android David (Michael Fassbender, X-Men: First Class), and backed up by a team of scientists, Shaw and Holloway arrive on the isolated moon LV-223 to discover an abandoned alien spaceship and the truth… that not all is as it seems…

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Runtime: 124 minutes

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Amazon USAmazon UKIMDB

Review: Prometheus

Ridley Scott returns to space for this prequel to Alien (1979). Beginning in 2089, archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and her partner Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover a star map deep in caves in Scotland. The images match those of other ancient cultures and civilizations across the world. Both Shaw and Holloway become part of an expedition to follow the map out into space to the moon, LV-223, where they hope to trace the origins of mankind. Many answers await them but there are also many dangers too.

Some of the crew of the Prometheus echo those that featured in the first two alien films. Meredith (Charlize Theron) is quite different, but we have an android in the vein of Ash and Bishop, David (Michael Fassbender), and the Captain of the ship is Janek (Idris Elba) who is the no-nonsense leader as with the head of the marines in Aliens. Shaw inevitably toughens up as the crew find themselves in danger but she is a very different character to the legendary Ripley. On LV-223 the crew venture from their ship and enter a network of caves where traces of a fallen alien civilization an be found. Many of these aliens appear almost human and it is later proved that their DNA matches that of humans on earth. What isn’t clear is how they have died out and what they were working on. Their advanced technology lays exposed with tubes leaking a strange black liquid proving of particular interest. The crew dig deep for answers and soon wish they hadn’t.

Watching Prometheus, it’s probably best to distance yourself from the Alien franchise somewhat and judge the film alone. This does link to the first Alien film by the end but prior to that it’s very much a stand-alone piece boasting some great visuals. The cast are well-chosen with Fassbender rivalling Bishop and Ash at times. Elba makes an amusing Captain while Theron was suitably ruthless as Meredith. Rapace was good here too. I initially was concerned about her accent but when she gets immersed in the story and has to prove herself more resourceful than the others she does it very well. This isn’t quite Lisbeth Salander but Elizabeth Shaw proves pretty tough by the end. While this is a visual extravaganza, the story is okay rather than excellent. It does tie in with Alien by the final reels but there are no major surprises as such, which is a shame.

Prometheus is a strong prequel to Alien in many ways. The visuals and settings are handled well by Ridley Scott, the cast are good but the storyline has many weaknesses which drags the film down somewhat. I understand a sequel is in the works which should prove interesting. Fans of the Alien franchise should try this but it’s very different to the films you’ll be used to. As long as you’re prepared for that there shouldn’t be too many disappointments.

Verdict: 4/5

(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)

About the Author:

I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.

David M. Brown – who has written 701 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.

 •  •  •  •  •