Prometheus?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

       After 33 years Ridley Scott decided to revisit the universe first created in "Alien", but this time around he decided on a (almost) completely different approach. Unlike the "Alien" which speaks of most primal human emotions, "Prometheus" is more concerned with human thirst for knowledge and answers to eternal questions. What is our purpose? Is there God? Is there extraterrestrial life? As all of you who watched the movie could see, it answers only part of this questions.The rest of them are likely to be answered in the inevitable sequel, but that's not of concern here. It's important to note that in spite of philosophical questions, "Prometheus" is mainly a science fiction movie, and like in most sci-fi movies, visuals and action play great part in it. So it's a movie that should work on many levels. Unfortunately it only works on some.

       The story is intriguing. Based on ancient drawings found all over the world the planet, where our creators supposedly wait for us, is located and spaceship Prometheus, along with its crew, is sent to investigate it. As you could imagine, when they land things go downhill. All this is preceded by a scene which is probably showing a creation of life on Earth (or some similar planet). We see a big white humanoid called "engineer" drinking some strange black liquid, throwing himself in the water and dissolving in it. Later in the movie we find out the DNA of these humanoids has the same structure as ours, hence the previous interpretation. Here we can note main problem of this movie in example. Elizabeth Shaw, one of the main characters, finds out about the DNA match and tells no one about it!? She does later share it with her partner and colleague Charlie Holloway, but it's some time later and you would think this kind of discovery is something she would immediately announce to everyone on board. This is just an example of illogicalities in the script, of which there are more than few and there is no point in writing them all here. These plot holes are main flaw of the movie along with poorly written characters. For example: A man who financed whole expedition to the planet of our makers (which, by the way, it turns out not to be) is one Peter Weyland. A very wealthy businessman and visionary who believes humans are the new gods but apparently still seeks the old ones. For one of such intellect and skills it's rather odd how he conducts a meeting with engineer, despite of his old age. There's also an android in search of answers to the questions it shouldn't even ask. Or should it? Or should I say "he"? In addition to plot holes and poorly written characters there are few over-the-top moments which seem really unnecessary. Shaw giving birth is the first one that comes to mind.

       But, surprisingly enough, it isn't as bad as it seems. In terms of visual effects, art direction, costumes, cinematography, sound editing, and all other related areas, the movie is flawless. Even it's use of 3D is very good, which can't be said of nearly every movie since "Avatar". The soundtrack also holds ground. Combined with wide shots of Prometheus crew in big spacious caverns it creates the feeling of anxiety filmmakers probably hoped for. At least they got something right. It should also be noted that the acting is pretty good considering how the characters are written. Kudos to Michael Fassbender for he showed us how to be the perfect android, Peter O'Toole AND Lawrence of Arabia all at once!

       What to say in the end? As you could see, the movie leaves you with (too) many questions. Some it should, some it shouldn't leave you with. Scott said that the blu-ray/dvd version will be 20 to 30 minutes longer. We can only hope that the extended version will eliminate part of the questions. Maybe even part of the scenes, although that is hard to expect. There is also the case of the sequel but judging by this one, they shouldn't jump right on it. At least not till they have all the answers they should have.