Cinema Review - Prometheus

It has been a while since I posted a review on this, my very own blog, and what better way to come back than with a film everyone has been talking about...


It’s amazing to think that in a blockbuster season consisting of two of the most popular comic book franchises ever, it is another film that seems to have ramped up the marketing and sent the hype factor into ultimate overdrive. Prometheus is the long-awaited latest entry into Ridley Scott’s Alien universe and has been one that fans of the series have craved since a series of misfiring sequels. Sometimes, though, where expectations hit their peak, films ultimately let fans down and in Prometheus’ case this could well be the biggest let-down of the year.


After Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and partner Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) discover identical markings on a number of cave paintings littered around the world, it sets off an expedition into an unknown world where the origins of mankind may finally be discovered. Teaming with individuals working for global colossus Weyland Industries, the 16-man crew embark on a journey into the unknown on their ship, Prometheus. Upon landing in the unknown territory, it soon becomes clear that they will get more than they ever could have bargained for.

Ridley Scott was always going to revisit the franchise that he so wonderfully set up way back in 1979, but even with today's advanced technology on his side, Prometheus is let down by pure loss of direction and mediocre scripting. Before we focus on why it doesn't quite hit the sweet spot, there are some plus points along the way.


Visually, the film is a beautiful spectacle; a grand ship the focal point for the opening scenes whilst making way for splendidly eery landscapes and moments of awe in which our characters find themselves in the midst of technology from the future. Admittedly, the 3D tends to give up after a mere 20 minutes of the film but is saved by moments of brilliance in the computer generated arena. 


In terms of star power, Prometheus contains enough heavyweight acts to breeze through but it is only a select few who come out unscathed. Charlize Theron's moody Weyland boss Meredith Vickers is a treat in terms of a character we can love to hate, whilst Idris Elba's ship captain offers sarcasm and laughs to the full. 


Coupled with these impressive performances, it is Michael Fassbender who steals the show as android David. An often misunderstood individual by his crew, David is the most interesting of the 16-man gang and Fassbender captures the feeling of a non-human somehow inch-perfect. Resulting in the character becoming the most intriguing of them all, David's persistence in uncovering the truth is both fascinating and keeps us guessing as to his motives on the mission. 

Moving on to the less-than-satisfying, and it is unfortunate that Noomi Rapace, as exceptional a leading lady she has proved to be in the past, is frustratingly ordinary. Almost as if she is holding back, Rapace never quite gets to grip with her role in the vain of Weaver's Ripley. At times likeable, but ultimately flat, Rapace never quite commands her scenes over her supporting cast and is often outshone by those who should not be in the limelight.


Moving on, the film's structure never allows a sense of fluidity and is often a misguidance in keeping the audience on track with the story. Partly expecting a similar feel to Scott's original, Alien, the plot wavers off plot from the Alien universe in some ways and this, in turn, provides more than a little disappointment.


Unable to fully maintain a claustrophobic feel to the proceedings and any real memorable sequences, Prometheus is a huge turn in direction to what many may have expected and because of this, fails to wow to its full potential. With further viewings, the thesis of Scott's world may be uncovered more but on first view it results in the hype machine failing to deliver the goods.


Film rating: 3 out of 5 F's