They went looking for our beginning. What they found could be our end.
Prometheus (2012) is a sci-fi horror movie directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, 1979). It is said to be the prequel to Alien and its storyline takes place in the same universe.
Synopsis: In 2089, archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover a star map among several ancient earth civilizations. They believe the map is an invitation from humanity's creators called the "Engineers". In 2093, they are traveling in stasis in star ship "Prometheus" on a mission to meet the "Engineers". The mission is funded by Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), CEO of Weyland Corporation. The ship's crew includes mission director Vickers (Charlize Theron), Captain Janek (Idris Elba), an Android named David (Michael Fassbender), a biologist Millburn (Rafe Spall), and a geologist Fifield (Sean Harris). Upon landing, they discover several alien structures. A series of events is triggered after the crew explores the structures, thus leading to what could be humanity's destruction.
I believe most of you have watched this movie and some of you might have been warned about how lousy it was. But before I continue, let's understand the context of the Prometheus' universe by asking these two questions: How did life begin on earth? Where did we (humans) come from? Answers to these questions form the basic premise of the movie.
So what are the answers?
Prometheus is supposedly based on one of sci-fi's most speculated premises: the possibility of mankind having extra-terrestrial origins. Note: Okay, I know. But for once, please take God out of the equation.
However, as grandiose as that may sound, I have to agree that Prometheus lacks of substance. Both Alien and Prometheus are directed by Ridley Scott. It maybe unfair but I have to say that Prometheus doesn't have the vibe as powerful as that of Alien. It doesn't live up to the audience's expectations even though its trailer looks so much more promising. In fact, the lack of a believable story is the main problem. Some plots are questionable, underdeveloped, and don't do the storyline any good.
[Spoiler alert] What's the significance of the opening sequence of an alien committing suicide? What's the reason David infecting Holloway with alien-contaminated drink? What's the purpose of showing us that Peter Weyland wants to become immortal by meeting the Engineers? These just don't make any sense to me.
Another point, character development is very weak. Charlize Theron (evil Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman) and Idris Elba (Heimdall in Thor) are clearly underutilized. What's with Guy Pearce playing the dying Peter Weyland anyway? Logan Marshall-Green is the most unconvincing scientist I have ever watched. His character (Holloway) died within the first hour of the movie and you won't remember him at all.
Also, there's zero chemistry between Green (as Holloway) and Rapace (as Shaw) although they are supposed to be THE archaeologist couple. Seriously, after Holloway died, you will soon forget Shaw had a boyfriend before.
However, kudos to Noomi Rapace! She's a really good actress in the Swedish trilogy - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, The Girl who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. Playing Shaw, she looks like the younger version of Sigourney Weaver. Her emotions of fear, helplessness, and "I-must-survive-to-find-out-the-truth!" are pretty believable.
[Spoiler alert] The best horrific scene involving Rapace in this movie is the "caesarean" scene. It's pretty gut-wrenching although not as memorable as Alien's "chest-bursting" scene.
Alright. That's enough.
To watch or not to watch? Well, it's really up to you to make the decision.
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