Prometheus

[RetinaBurnBlog]

The trailers, the campaigns, the hype and gossip seemed to promise so much, but Prometheus is a shade of the former Alien films with which it shares its Universe.

Scott has returned to the Sci-fi genre with a new bag of tricks and stunning visuals but in the process has forgotten imbue his characters with any life. The script doesn't help much, being primarily made up of curt job-focused exchanges while at the same time attempting to tackle the biggest conundrum of all, the origin of life.

Ironically, Michael Fassbender as the Android, David, was the most interesting character. The others were merely pieces in the game, to an extent that at the close of the film, there were characters I couldn't even name.

Viewers will often have a sense of acute deja-vu while watching as certain scenes or stylistic choices seem like they've been merely transplanted from the films later in the Alien franchise - even from those that Scott had no hand in.

The horror element has been reduced to a few quick shocks and an almost Marvel-like end-of-the-world peril. For me personally, I don't find humanoid aliens scary, even though it's integral to the story so unfortunately the film was just a solid sci-fi film rather than anything horrific.

It is lavish in places, and the 3D technology has been used creatively. It has enough to entertain, but I wouldn't expect anything dramatic and not really worthy of the creative marketing effort that has come before.


****

Here's a link to Total Film's 4 star Prometheus review. Added by Liz. Thanks.

****

[fortunesfool]

Awful. Actually depressed at how bad it is. Easily one of the worst movies of Ridley Scott's career, if not the worst.

The screenplay by Damon Lindelof is a fucking joke. The worst kind of fanboy dreck imaginable.

I...fuck it. I can't even be bothered complaining about it, i'm so shocked at how utterly mediocre it is.

[jaykays hat]

Originally Posted by fortunesfool

Awful. Actually depressed at how bad it is. Easily one of the worst movies of Ridley Scott's career, if not the worst.

The screenplay by Damon Lindelof is a fucking joke. The worst kind of fanboy dreck imaginable.

I...fuck it. I can't even be bothered complaining about it, i'm so shocked at how utterly mediocre it is.

Just got back from it, very disappointed!!!
It looked good but it was so slow and nothing really makes sense. I can't believe how disappointed I am.

[fortunesfool]

It didn't even think it looked that good. Workmanlike by Scott's standards.

[TheGuyver]

Cheers Chaps just saved me trip to the cinema

[morris]

Originally Posted by TheGuyver

Cheers Chaps just saved me trip to the cinema

Really, Guyver? You not even curious?

With a film this big, this significant, I must view it for myself. Not that I don't trust your opinions, but I have to see it.
I'm sure it will look very stunning on the IMAX screen and tbh I don't get out enough, so I'm still looking forward to Thursday. And I'm not just saying that. But I'm no longer hoping for a perfect film. A bad screenplay and script is no joke.

[RetinaBurnBlog]

I have to agree with morris, The Guyver it might still of interest to watch though I recommend plumping for a regular 3D viewing. There are some *good* uses of the 3D technology, and it is meant to be a significant release this year but it's been waaaaaay over-hyped.

[Jeffbiscuits]

I'm still interested. I know it could never rival Alien but my love of that film still has me hoping for a decent film set in the original alien universe. We've not had one for 20 years.

[jaykays hat]

To sum it up its all fur coat and no knickers.

[Kiba.]

Originally Posted by RetinaBurnBlog

There are some *good* uses of the 3D technology, and it is meant to be a significant release this year but it's been waaaaaay over-hyped.

Speaking of the hype, I think in this case we have our own fan expectations to blame. True, the film has been promoted with the precise skill and budget of a major military operation - a flawless marketing campaign.
But it's on the strength of Alien as a standout piece of cinema and Ridley Scott as an exceptional director that we built our hopes up so high.