OK, this is the second review I've written on this movie as I'm still asking questions as to what I witnessed in this film. I've been waiting for this movie to come out since it was announced over 2 years ago. Needless to say my anticipation has been through the roof. Now it's here, I've seen it twice, and now for my honest review.
If you're not familiar with the mythology of the ALIEN series, that's OK, because even though this is considered a loosely based prequel, set in the same universe as the previous movies, it follows its own original storyline. The film opens with one of the most breathtaking shots of a planet, which one would assume is earth, with a ship hovering overhead, and a humanoid being walking towards a cliff overlooking a waterfall. It drinks a black goo substance in a cup, and proceeds to flinch in pain as its DNA begins to break down. Cue the music, and cut to the opening titles that are equally stunning (even in 2d) Fast forward to earth, in the not too distant future, and two doctors uncover cave paintings that hint at ancient civilizations pointing humanity towards the stars. This is the basis for the films storyline, and the reason the primary characters of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway, with the help of a rich company owner, are able to travel to this distant planet, in search of our "makers". You follow me so far? I'm not going to break down the plot any further but point out that you MUST have an attention span for this kind of film. If you get lost or confused at different happenings, it's quite possible you will leave the theater feeling short-changed. This is a film full of big ideas, and plenty of mystery regarding how humans were created, as well as the familiar aliens from the previous films. The visuals are incredible, the music suits the mood of the film perfectly, and the acting is for the most part, top notch. The set-design is as lifelike as a film can be. For example, early on in the film, when the Prometheus ship is headed towards the distant planet, you see the ship's android David, played so effortlessly by Micheal Fassbender, wandering around the ship, keeping an eye on members of the crew in hypersleep, watching movies, playing basketball, and overall trying to stay entertained. The set's are so convincing you really believe this is a real ship, on a real mission, with a dude who is really a robot acting as a caretaker, and none of what you see is make-believe. Movie making at its finest if you ask me.
Now, if you're a die-hard fan of the Alien films from the 80s, don't expect the link to those films spelled out in cookie cutter fashion. If you blink, you'll miss the subtle nods that lead to bigger ideas as to how everything strings together. Trust me, the hints are there, but you actually have to use your brain to figure it out. Not only that, but trying to figure out how this race of engineers you'll see halfway through the film, and what their motivations were for creating or destroying humans, is a challenge as well. However, that fits the theme of this movie to a tee. Asking the question "why?" and not necessarily getting a clear answer is the focal point for the characters. As far as traumatic death scenes, they're aren't as many as found in previous Alien films, but the graphic ones you do see in this film are extremely well done. And in the end, the story is left open for a sequel. However, I think the questions raised in this film leave enough up to the imagination to decide for yourself what happens after the events in this film, and how it all ties to the first Alien film. That's what makes this film work. Even after you leave the theater, you may find yourself debating about not just the events within the story, but what comes next? That is the mark of a great film.
Lastly, it should also be noted, it was obvious in some parts that the films director, Ridley Scott, had to make some tough decisions in the editing bay. Some scenes standout as being awkwardly chopped, or dialogue that seems like it came after something we didn't get to see. I suspect this will be resolved in the now rumored "extended cut" that is in the works for home-video releases. I also suspect it will only make a great film, that much better. I don't think I've ever read such a split of opinions on any highly anticipated film before. Some love it, some hate it, and there doesn't seem to be much middle ground. Imagine how this film will be remembered 20 years from now? Bladerunner shared the same controversy during its initial release, and it's considered a masterpiece in some circles now. Either way, this film has great acting, great visuals, moments of the highest tension imaginable, and a plot that continually keeps your brain wanting more answers, in the best way possible. Go see it! Nuff said.
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