Prometheus is a 2012 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, and Charlize Theron. The film centers on the crew of the spaceship Prometheus who arrive on a world seeking the origins of humanity but discover a threat that could cause the extinction of the human species.

The story itself is really interesting yet uninspiring, especially in comparison to the mythos of which it’s derived from (yes, I admit that it’s not fair). Yeah, it’s set in the Alien universe but it’s not suppose to be a prequel to the Alien franchise (similar to how the first three Halo games focus on fighting the Flood, then in Halo 4 and 5 focuses more on the Forerunners and Prometheans). Despite this, it’s still a gripping ride with some pretty wild moments. I personally hated the lack of development for most of the characters, though I admit that there was a strong arc for David. There’s a twist during the second act of the movie but honestly, it doesn’t really feel like it’s a necessary addition. Actually, the story probably would’ve benefited more had that been included in the mission from the start. Still, the story’s just interesting enough to watch. I rather like the all or nothing stakes that builds at the end of the film into a great climax. (3 out of 5)

After watching Prometheus I couldn’t help but wonder, was a story about the Engineers actually needed? Honestly, the film doesn’t really explore the Engineers enough nor the origins of the Xenomorph (though it does tease something at the end), which is a disappointment on both ends. Who are the Engineers? Why did they create the black goo? How are they connected to humanity? These questions are like a fly in your ear. No matter how many times it pops up, you’re never able to get it. Now to be fair, the first Alien movie has a lot of unanswered questions so we’re not judging the movie too harshly about it. (3 out of 5)

Elizabeth Shaw was an okay character. The whole leap of faith, spiritual journey stuff wasn’t the best quality of her character. Though I will admit when shit starts hitting the fan she becomes a more focused character. She’s smart, capable, and lastly, resourceful. She’s no Ripley but she’s good enough to hold her own. Elizabeth isn’t alone in this endeavor, along with a bunch of expendable supporting characters, there’s also the android David, captain Janek, and representative Meredith Vickers, each with their own motivations and developing arcs. David’s probably the most pronounced as many of the sequences that happen are a result of his actions. I found David to be a mixed bag, sometimes liking his character and other times hating him. Of all the characters though, I think Meredith is kind of the most sympathetic. You find out that despite everything’s she’s accomplished her father likes the android more than he likes her. Some of her motivations are somewhat villainous and it’s easy to see how. There are a few that are okay but the rest are just canon fodder. (3 out of 5)

Features a fantastic cast with some A-listers such as Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Wong, and Guy Pearce. It’s safe to say that the two shining stars are Rapace and Fassbender. Having watched some of Rapace’s recent films she’s easily become a favorite and despite how poorly her character acts at times she great in the role. Fassbender just kills it as David. Despite many of their characters lacking enough depth, the performances were actually pretty good. Not award winning but pretty good. (3 out of 5)

Visually, this is rather a good looking movie. Everything from the ship design, to the desolate planet, to the interior of the Engineer’s spaceship looks exceptional. The quality shots of this desolate world have an beautiful ugly look to it which adds to the overall scale are just great to look at. The set pieces are great and definitely have a good production behind them. I liked the costume designs of the space suits. I’m sorry but the Engineers look stupid. For them to have been such an advanced race, well…I don’t see it. The technology, both on the side of the humans and the Engineers, was pretty impressive, (though I along with a great many people are wondering how the technology the characters had were more advance than the rest of the series). But despite this, the special effects look great. (4 out of 5)

Much like the visuals, the music is actually good. The music, by Marc Streitenfeld, is as grandiose in scale as the visuals are captivating. Sure it lacks the suspenseful focus of the previous films but it’s good because of the different direction this film takes (and boy is it different). (3 out of 5)

I was a fan of Ridley Scott’s original Alien film and did see much potential for the series. Scott’s idea of exploring the Alien universe without specifically focusing of the xenomorphs is a good idea but I can honestly see how people can be a little put off with the sudden change. Especially when many hoped this movie would bring the popularity back since the fall after Alien 3. I don’t think Scott’s direction is the problem. His vision gives the scope of the world and of the story a grand feeling. But I think the some elements of the writing is more of the problem.

The characters aren’t particularly written well, sometimes making illogical decisions. As a group of scientists you’d think they’d be more scientific in approach. There’s a scene where two men come across a mutated worm and instead of handling the situation like professionals they get themselves killed. There’s a scene where two characters are running from rolling ship and one gets crushed. I think that was a poor decision just to find a way to kill off a character, for all intents and purposes, could’ve had growth.

One of the biggest problems of the film is the Engineers and how they’re addressed. I get that Scott wanted to explore more about the Engineers but what I don’t understand is why was it decided that the Engineers were the progenitors of the human race or the xenomorphs? I get the black goo part and how it could be a contributing factor. There are a few more things that I’ll neglect to get into but I’ll say though the writing might not be perfect, the direction does wonders for the film. (3 out of 5)

In the end, Prometheus is one of those polarising films that have fans of the series split into two groups. Either you like the film or you hate it and honestly I can see why. Most of the movie’s shortcomings revolve around some of the poorly written characters and some aspects of the writing. However, I can admit that it’s a beautiful looking movie with good music, acting, direction, and an interesting story. Prometheus gets 3 out of 5.