Review of Prometheus (2012) by Dan S — 13 Dec 2014

A smart, slam-bang thriller that engages its audience from its mysterious opening shot all the way to its open-ended conclusion, featuring a team of scientists (led by Noomi Rapace) who journey to a distant planet in the year 2093 in hopes of uncovering hidden secrets regarding mankind's beginning and the meaning of life. Ridley Scott's visual scope is impeccable right from its opening tracking shot of the hills of Scotland, and the way he packs his film with atmosphere, tension, and absolute horror is a welcome surprise to the banal horror films (with exception to "The Cabin in the Woods", namely) we have received lately.

Sure, the film is not a mastery in how to develop characters (but neither were "Alien" or "Aliens", two films that are considered to be all-time greats by many, many people, including me), but it is an old-school lesson in how to properly freak out your audience, all while inputting a philosophical spin that is completely arresting. Although the film could have expanded on its "faith vs. science" battle, and there are some notable, inexcusable plot holes, it still works due to its cast. Everyone involved gives fantastic performances (Noomi Rapace, aka the original "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is outstanding, as is Michael Fassbender as the android David), there are tons of scares, all concluded with an ending straight out of Hell. Flawed, absolutely, but still an engaging, arresting, beautifully shot philosophical blast of a film whose ambiguity is frustrating and ballsy at the same time.