Review of Prometheus (2012) by Christopher H — 17 Dec 2016

To set the record straight, this movie is indeed an 'Alien' prequel. It offers insight to the origins of the alien creatures, the derelict ship, and the dead space jockey pilot from the first film.

However, these insights are only part of the plot to Ridley Scott's return to the sci-fi genre. The film holds a lot of promises in the first twenty minutes with it's "humans were created by aliens" concept but the theological and philosophical implications are only touched upon.

There is no denying that 'Prometheus' is a great looking film. Scott's manic attention to detail is on full display with the spaceship interior and vehicles. The cinematography and top-notch visuals give the film's universe a sense of vastness.

As great as the film looks, it is taken down by a cliche and very convoluted script. The film sets out for new territory to explore but only ends up treading over the same ground as it's predecessors.

The film becomes such an 'Alien' knock-off that it even has the 'crew member having a secret agenda' twist. Aside from the android David (played fantastically by Michael Fassbender), the rest of the characters are bland, with most existing just to be alien bait.

Plus the number of confusingly ridiculous moments and un-answered questions plague the film as it plods along. It's a shame that even with Ridley Scott back at the helm, this latest entry in the Alien franchise can't escape mediocrity.

In all honesty, it should have stopped with 'Aliens'.