Now onto the prequels! Continuing our Alien marathon, I rewatched Ridley Scott's Prometheus, which serves as a prequel to the 1979 classic Alien. The movie kicks off with an intriguing idea about the origins of life on Earth, leading a team of scientists on an expedition to a distant moon. They're funded by a huge corporation with some pretty shady intentions (like obviously lol). Visually, the film is stunning. Scott’s direction really shines through with impressive special effects and a sleek, polished look.
The story centers around Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (played by Noomi Rapace) and her partner Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green). They’re on a quest to find the origins of humanity, accompanied by a diverse crew. This includes the mysterious android David (Michael Fassbender) and the cold corporate executive Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). As they explore the alien terrain, they encounter all sorts of dangerous and mysterious situations, which raises more questions than answers.
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The movie tries to tackle big themes like creation, faith, and the essence of existence. However, it often gets tangled in its complexity and the need to connect to the "Alien" series. The script, co-written by Damon Lindelof, is a bit of a mess, filled with characters making bizarrely foolish decisions. This lack of coherence among the characters can be frustrating, especially when the plot relies on clichéd tropes and predictable twists.
That said, Michael Fassbender as David is a standout! He brings a nuanced and unsettling vibe to the android, making him fascinating to watch. Unfortunately, other actors, like Theron and Rapace, don’t get as much to work with, so their performances don’t hit as hard emotionally. The pacing also feels off, with a slow build-up that doesn't always deliver the expected payoffs.
One thing the film nails is the sense of awe and wonder. The visual effects are breathtaking, and the alien landscapes are beautifully crafted, creating an atmosphere that's both eerie and captivating. Despite these strengths, the movie struggles with its story and character development, which can leave you feeling a bit underwhelmed.
TSHC Score: 7/10
Prometheus is a visually impressive film with big ambitions that it doesn't quite meet. The themes it explores are interesting but not well executed, and the focus on spectacle over substance can be a letdown. There are moments of real tension and intrigue, but they’re overshadowed by a convoluted script and forgettable characters. It’s worth a watch for the visuals and some standout performances, but don’t expect it to blow your mind.
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