+4
★★★★ 1/2 (out of 5)
Prometheus is a brilliant visual sci-fi marvel. Ridley Scott has given us an epic film that survives independent of the Alien movies even if it is somewhat of a prequel to the series. The look of the film is arresting from the onset. The opening sequence, presumably on Earth, sweeps through a massive lake and waterfall, up the cliff face and to a single living being. The being is human-like, but not quite human. He drinks something that causes him to decompose rapidly. Eventually, his DNA ends up in the water where it seems to recombine and, again, presumably, become human DNA.
While many films presumptuously try to take God or Darwins side, Prometheus side steps the issue by not trying to give us an answer. At the heart of the movie is a faith vs. science discussion between Elizabeth and her boyfriend, Charlie. Theyre both scientists searching for our origins, but for very different reasons. After finding proof that we are descended from some alien beings, Charlie states it as a proof for Darwinism. After all, we evolved from them. Elizabeth is quick to point out they dont know who made the alien beings.
There are a slew of characters surrounding these two on their quest. The Weyland Corporation shells out a trillion dollar spacecraft to aid in their mission as well as an android named David. In yet another amazing performance by Michael Fassenbender, David is one of the most interesting androids youll ever see. Fassendbender doesnt make the mistake of playing him as too robotic in his movements. After all, it is 2093. No, David is somewhat distant in his knowledge of what it means to be human on the inside, and in his dark humor delivery of words. Hes not like the Terminator. David learns fast. So fast in fact that he can learn almost anything from alien language to human motivation. Its his motivations that are a big secret throughout the film.
Weyland employee Meredith Vickers motivations are more transparent. Shes the boss. Shes in control and she makes sure people know it. Charlize Theron gives Vickers compassion. This type of role often seems to be the one dimensional cold hearted bitch, but what separates Vickers is that shes logical. She sees a contaminated member of the crew trying to board and without thinking burns them to a crisp with a flamethrower. Between Meredith and Elizabeth theres plenty of girl power on the ship.
Not to be completely outdone, the ships pilot provides a very much needed nonscientific member to the mission. Hes the coolest character, and for how little screen time he has, its quite amazing how much we see his character evolve. He may not understand fully why things unravel as they come undone, but he understands his role in the process.
The most interesting scenes are in a pyramid on an alien planet capable of sustaining life. Theres a great sense of tension and discovery in the pyramid. We dont know what were going to find or how were going to find it. We find holographic recordings from the past that give us a peek into what happened in the pyramid and David unlocks even more of its mysteries in a visually arresting scene where he explores one of the rooms by himself.
The visuals are what sell Prometheus. These are the best effects since Minority Report, and the cleanest since Jurassic Park. The 3D is also the best ever easily outdoing Avatar or Transformers 3. Theres no darkness or loss of contrast or color due to the 3D, and the depth of field is enhanced flawlessly without resorting to the jump out at you 3D effects. Whether the film is quietly taking us on a spaceship to another planet or delving into a horror nightmare in the third act of the film, the look is never sacrificed.
Prometheus is easily my favorite movie so far this year. Due to its highly philosophical nature, its not quite as mainstream as 20th Century Fox may have wanted it to be, but it is one that will please true sci-fi audiences for years to come.
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