A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
It is a muddled, intricate, spectacular film, but more or less in control of all its craziness and very watchable.
There's too much to process in a first viewing of Ridley Scott's Prometheus -- some of it good, some of it great, almost all of it mental.
Buffeted by a lack of suspense, threadbare characters, and a very poor script, the stunning visuals, gloopy madness, and sterling Fassbenderiness can’t prevent Prometheus feeling like Alien’s poor relation.
You can relax. Prometheus is very good. Not as frightening as Alien, not as thrilling as Aliens, but a 3D sci-fi blockbuster that’s easily the saga’s most spectacular entry.
Prometheus is immensely satisfying.
Packed with enough spectacle, big ideas, bleak laughs and squirm-in-your-seat moments to give both fanatics and normals like us a thrilling jaunt.
If this is just another sci-fi movie, it's certainly a rousing and very entertaining one.
Prometheus fails to deliver as a horror, and is unworthy as a slice of intellectual and speculative sci-fi.
Somewhat irritatingly, larger questions about mankind go unanswered, deliberately paving the way for a sequel, or rather a second prequel. After all the hype the truth is still out there.
“In space, no one can hear you scream,” the original Alien memorably noted. Well, in Prometheus the gurgling and yelling is loud and clear, and the sound will stay with you for a long time.
If Alien was intended as a spooky little horror movie, only for it to turn out to be a visionary classic, Prometheus gets things the other way round.
Prometheus is a strongly acted, superbly designed movie, an exciting and at times emetic experience.
Prometheus is more than watchable – in fact, it looks magnificent. But despite its self-generated viral promises, this is not the haunting metaphysical species we were expecting.
Go for Giger’s designs and the art department. Go for the technology, the effects and the visual beauty. There are a few spine-tingling moments and a couple of healthy scares. On these counts you will be satisfied. If only Scott had also opted for the minimalist dialogue and plotting of Alien he might now have added another masterpiece to his CV.
Prometheus isn’t a classic, unlike Alien and Blade Runner, but there are enough quality ingredients to make me hope Scott gets the money to make the sequel.
Inescapably, the film operates as a set of such discrete moments, rather than a fully-realised narrative.
Prometheus thrills, but doesn't frighten, which is disappointing.
This film will divide audiences with its content, and while Scott’s return to the Alien franchise is not quite perfect, it’s simply unforgettable.
Visually and intellectually promiscuous. Creatively unfocused. Narratively dismembered.
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Prometheus: the making of a new myth
General release. Check local listings for show times.
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Monday August 27, 2012, until Wednesday August 29, 2012. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
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