Should I Check This Out - Prometheus (2012)

Is it a prequel, is it a sequel, is it even in the Alien universe? These just a handful of the questions that were spreading across the internet when news came of Sir Ridley Scott's Prometheus, and without really spoiling anything, yeah it's a prequel as made obvious early on, or just from watching the trailers. To summarise, the film follows a space expedition to find out the origins of mankind, but as you'd expect, things don't go to plan.

Co-written by Damon Lindelof (to some that will be a warning) who also wrote Lost, I was looking forward to this film, but was disappointed to hear about its lukewarm reaction. There was praise for Michael Fassbender's performance and for the visuals, but the overall film, to some was disappointing, and to fans of the Alien franchise, an abomination to put it lightly. Maybe there was too much hype among the fanbase, but for a film that's meant to explore a universe that fans were eager to learn more about, it leaves you asking more questions than it answers.

After one good sequel to Alien, there were two more that were terrible and were then recently followed up by two crossover films with the Predator franchise, which were even worse. From there, the only way was up, and does Prometheus, despite its mixed critical reaction, manage to salvage the series? In a way, yes. This isn't classic Ridley Scott, but this is definitely one fine looking film that packs a lot to enjoy. It's only once you start to think about why that character did that etc, that it starts to kind of fall apart to an extent.

While admittedly there are problems with the film, the performances are generally pretty good, but a little more development here and there wouldn't have gone amiss. Noomi Rapace gives a solid performance in the lead role, particularly in that scene, which I won't spoil, and will certainly be on your mind after you finish watching. Other cast members including Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Logan Marshall-Green are generally pretty good, but I felt that the direction wasn't always there (sorry Ridley!), particularly towards the end with a really dumb scene that will, and I'm sure it has, sparked laughter. Idris Elba, on the other hand, does a great job with the few scenes he's in as the seasoned, baseball hat wearing captain, and I wish he had as larger a role as Fassbender, who's also great in the detached role as robot, David.

All that taken into account, Scott really knows how to create atmosphere and tension. Even the quieter moments are filled with unease, particularly as Elba's character watches several probes map out underground passageways, as he hopes to find something. The aforementioned visuals deserve a second mention as they are gorgeous to look at, even when the planet is empty and barren, there is always something to admire. Other technical aspects including CGI and sound are also fantastic, and really do add to the atmosphere, supporting the story as opposed to taking it over.

Despite the issues I've mentioned, it's still entertaining to watch and is accessible to those who haven't seen the Alien films. If you're a diehard fan of the series and haven't seen this already, it won't be quite everything you wanted it to be. With too many moments that don't really add up, whether it be characters acting, well, out of character doing things no one would do in their right mind, weird motives behind certain actions, and silly death scenes, this stops Prometheus from being great. That said, it's still a fun, enjoyable film with good pacing that you can watch with friends, and one that you can easily return to again.