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Here's a look at last week's big new released, the sci-fi odity "Prometheus."

Prometheus
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba
Synopsis: In 1979, Ridley Scott left his mark on sci-fi films with “Alien.” Event more than 30 years later the film remains a classic and a significant benchmark for the genre. That’s what made everyone so interested in his latest sci-fi offering, “Prometheus.” Little was made public about the film prior to its release. It has long been rumored as a prequel to “Alien,” something that Scott neither confirmed or denied. And other that cryptic trailers, interviews, and descriptive stories, there hasn’t been much to illuminate the plot. On Friday, when the film was released, audiences finally got answers. While Scott still has a deft director’s touch, those hoping to see the next landmark film in the genre are likely to be a bit disappointed. In the midst of a mysterious planet, the crew of the Prometheus discovers something unexpected, which takes their mission on a dark, twisted journey. Those hoping this would be a part of the “Alien” legacy will likely be somewhat pleased with the film. There are, indeed, some connections to the “Alien” mythology Scott established in 1979. In addition, the film is paced in a similar fashion, shot in a similar fashion, and bears some of the hallmarks of the epic space odyssey that helped found Scott’s reputation. And he still has a knack for telling these kind of stories. That being said, “Prometheus” doesn’t feel visionary or special in the way “Alien” did then, and still does today. The story feels like it’s reaching too far, trying to make some kind of cosmic statement that’s not all that compelling or all that well fleshed out. Damon Lindelof, who co-wrote the screenplay, is largely revered in the sci-fi community for his contributions to the TV series “LOST.” While that was a revolutionary series that grappled with similar topics, it unfolded at a much slower pace and, arguably, was unsatisfying in the end. Prior to that work, Lindelof worked on the TV series’ “Nash Bridges” and “Crossing Jordan.” And subsequent to “LOST,” he penned the screenplay for last summer’s underwhelming blockbuster “Cowboys & Aliens.” This film is better than that, and it has loftier aims, but it’s not “Alien.” “Alien” was a chilling story. It was focused on the element of man versus alien, and it was told in the confined space of an isolated ship in deep space. “Prometheus” seems more interested in exploring these cosmic themes of the origin of life, the meaning of the universe, and whether there is a God. It doesn’t really answer these well, then it takes on some elements of the “Alien” film in its climactic sequences, leaving a somewhat muddled feel. As a pure prequel, it somewhat bridges the gap to the “Alien” film, but it doesn’t totally answer the questions. There is a fun reveal near the end that is a nod to fans of that franchise, but for most of its run this feels like a movie committed to its own idea. But it’s hard to say what, precisely, that idea is, and at the end of the day it certainly doesn’t feel like it was totally worth the journey to get to the film’s closing statement. The performances are fine, and the film has a strong cast. Scott, as I said, still has a deft touch as a director, and he maintains similar visual style to his classic work. But a film like this rises and falls based on the quality of the characters and the narrative, and in that instance “Prometheus” doesn’t live up to the hype. This is a good film, a somewhat entertaining film, but it’s certainly not a great or memorable film. And it’s hard to see how “Prometheus” will develop a loyal and devoted following 30 years from now.
Rating: R for sci-fi violence including some intense images, and brief language. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

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