“Prometheus” is the first sci-fi/horror movie I’ve reviewed, at least that’s what it looked like it was going to be from the trailers. Director Ridley Scott’s latest is mostly just science fiction, not offering any of the ‘jump out of your seat’ moments I was expecting. In fact, there’s very little suspense as well. It’s a 2-hour film, set in the future, with a pretty good story, but is missing any of the elements it would take to make it extraordinary.
We begin in the year 2089, where two scientists discover ancient images on a cave wall that match those they’ve seen before in several locations around the world. Each includes the same group of plants and a figure pointing to them. They determine that the planets are millions of miles away, but they’re part of a solar system that has a sun and a planet similar to Earth that may be able to support life. A few years later the pair of scientists become part of an expedition to this planet, on a spacecraft called Prometheus. Their goal is to find out if the life on this planet could actually be the beginning of life, from which humans evolved. And when they arrive, they get more than they bargained for.
Noomi Rapace (the original “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) stars as Elizabeth Shaw, the true believer among everyone on the expedition. Others along on the journey include a robot named David (“X-Men: First Class”‘ Michael Fassbender), the captain of the ship (played by Idris Elba) and the woman in charge, played by Charlize Theron (in her 2nd blockbuster of the month). Most of the characters are interesting and likeable, and the performances are pretty solid (Fassbender stands-out), but it’s tough to get emotionally involved with any of them.
“Prometheus” is an action film, but the tone throughout is pretty subtle. Yes, there are a couple of creepy and gross scenes along with some disturbing “alien” creatures (in more ways than one), but nothing in this movie is what I would call “scary”. No scenes in which you’re tempted to cover your eyes or be afraid of what’s next. And at some of the more dramatic moments Scott let’s you see what’s coming a mile away.
But none of this means that “Prometheus” is boring. It clearly is not. The story of these explorers and what they might actually find holds your interest most of the way. Visually the film is impressive. I chose to see it in digital 2D over 3D and was not disappointed. And there are even a couple of chuckles mixed in. My problem with the movie, overall, is that I was expecting more.
“Prometheus” is rated R, but anyone 13 and up will be able to handle seeing this. I just wish the impact of the story and the suspense/thrill level was a couple of notches higher. Instead of being one of the pleasant surprises of the summer it’s, unfortunately, is one of my minor disappointments.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Prometheus” gets a B-.
For long-time fans of the genre there is a bonus scene right before the credits roll (which is rare). I’m guessing that Scott planned for this to have a major impact on audiences, but like the rest of the film, it’s o.k. but falls a little short.