Hey gang -
* Caught "Prometheus" after reading way too many vague or implied references to
"Alien." Entering its third week, the theater was still 2/3rds full - with
about half its patrons looking north of 40. Up front, I have to say that while
this film is nowhere close to the 1979 classic, I still think Ridley Scott is
the greatest living director - who has NEVER won an Oscar.
* The link between "Prometheus" and "Alien" is NOT implied. It is SPECIFIC.
Without giving away the ending, you walk out of the theater knowing both films
are inextricably linked. There's nothing fuzzy about it. The story in
"Prometheus" is set 77 years from now. The story in "Alien" happens well after
that.
* The first half of "Prometheus" - which suggests humans may have been created
by aliens and placed on Earth for a purpose not yet known - is intriguing,
introspective and cerebral - with stunning, big-screen visuals. It feels like
a hybrid of "Alien" and "2001" - quietly creepy and cynical, complete with H.R.
Giger-inspired art direction to create a sense of impending doom. The voyagers
are interested in science and money - but the lead character wears a cross
necklace and is interested in science AND the notion of a Creator. Meanwhile,
Michael Fassbender plays the best robot since the Hal 2000 computer and has the
most fascinating role in the picture.
* The second half of "Prometheus" postpones further exploration of this "where
did we come from?" lineage - (perhaps to be picked up in a sequel) - and goes
off the rails a bit, turning into a conventional action-fest with the usual
thrills and gore that made "Prometheus" - like "Alien" before it - R-rated.
While it's not a classic like "Alien," Ridley tops what happened to John Hurt
in "Alien" - with a singularly original/intense gross-out scene in the second
half involving Noomi Rapace that blew my mind.
* "Prometheus" got mixed reviews from critics, hence my expectations were
lowered. If you plan to see this film, keep 'em low. I'm not sure kids over
17 will like this picture because the action doesn't come until the second half
- and its pretty tepid stuff compared to "The Avengers." But for the rest of
us who remember "Alien" (remember, Ridley never directed the sequels) - this is
way better than the Lucas-directed "Star Wars" pre-quel, "The Phantom Menace."
* I walked in thinking I was going to see a pic that was a "6" on a 1-10 scale
- and walked out feeling like it was an "8." Ridley Scott is 74 and he still
has "it." For technical and visual excellence, this picture gets an "A+." The
story gets an "A" in the first half and a "C" in the second half. But it does
have an ending that worked well with me. -d.
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