Prometheus

Release Date: Jun 08, 2012  

Runtime: 2 hr. 3 min. 

Director: Ridley Scott 

Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green.

The origin of life is a mystery within the secrets of our universe. Boundless and perplexing, it's a query with many explanations, and controversial conclusions. Yet, according to Ridley Scott, we may have just found the answer. Titled after the Titan credited with creating mankind, "Prometheus" explores the connection between creator and creation. Acting as a not-so-direct prequel to the 1979 sci-fi/horror film "Alien," it's a return to a genre that Scott knows best. Armed with a new cast and artillery of advanced technology, he brings us back to the infinite space where it all began. The set design by Arthur Max is nothing short of extraordinary. Larger than life and anciently immortalized, the breadth of work is immersive, even without the additional 3D environment that, personally, seemed too subtle to notice. In place of Sigourney Weaver's Ripley is Noomi Rapace as archaeologist Elizabeth Shaw. Just as the two actresses differ in their methods of acting, their characters are dissimilar as well, which allows Rapace to forgo comparisons with her own interpretation. Initially soft-spoken and intent on finding answers, she eventually becomes the empowered protagonist that defines the franchise. Furthermore, Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender both take impressive turns in playing the cold-hearted crew members. Fassbender, especially, is a marvel as the impassive android David. His automated persona and cryptic motives are just a part of the enigma that lies ahead. But in spite of the great cast and striking visuals, the plot is perhaps too over ambitious for its own sake. Even with the rather revealing trailers and clips, the story still leaves much to guesswork, making for a complex viewing that needs further analyzation. While "Prometheus" doesn't quite share the grandeur that "Alien," or more importantly "Aliens," emanated, it does pose an interesting premise that could be further explored. Where there is space, there will always be more questions left to be answered.

Rating: 3½ stars