Prometheus

Several scores into the future a cave drawing in Mesopotamia, predating any ever found, as been discovered, and whose consellatory figures point to an earthlike galaxy many light years away. A team of scientists and engineers led by a righteous doctor (Noomi Rapace), backed by a corporation run by an icy blond (Charlize Theron), and equipped with a lifelike, ultra intelligent cyborg (Michael Fassender) now embark on a perilous journey to the distant planet in hopes of discovering the origins of life. "Prometheus" is a stunning achievement from enduring director Ridley Scott who sets his film in the same world of "Alien", but succeeds in crafting a deeper science-fiction. From the intelligent screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof to the unbelievable special effects and camerawork, which act as a breath of fresh air in this age of glossy visuals, the films is a triumph on every level. The cast as well is excellent with Rapace and Theron purveying different elements of Signourney Weaver's Ripley and Michael Fassbender again contributing another remarkable role as David, a humanoid modelling himself on Peter O'Toole's "Lawrence of Arabia". Fassbender's performance channels Hal from Kubrick's "2001", the roguish and eeriely human robot, and it is amazing how he can inject just the right amount of mortal touches into the part. My one complaint here is how closely the movie references "Alien", mostly just in the final revelatory scene. Of all the movies, "The Tree of Life" came to mind when I was watching this, whose themes and subject may not be quite so different as appears at first glance. Both films are highly ambitious and have caused a rift in viewers, but for detractors of Scott's film I want to pose a question similar to the one I asked of those who didn't approve of Terrence Malick's masterwork: How can someone not connect to such a well-made, well-acted, thrilling, and far-reaching film, at least on one of these levels?