Review: Prometheus

NOTE: SPOILERS
Viral Marketing is a tricky and dangerous thing to get involved with. Calculated and teasing, the creative strategies of the marketing team may get the attention of the diehard community, but it sets expectations at collosal heights. Doomed to dissapointed reactions, which will devestate the film just as effectively as the campaign itself. Last summer's "Super 8" comes to mind, for example. While the strategy worked for J. J. Abrams with "Cloverfield", he taught us that if one plans on shrowding a film in a cloak, one must make damn sure that it's going to live up to the hype. It is crucial that the reveal is as monumentous as the build-up.

"Prometheus", Ridley Scott's first sci-fi feature since genre classics "Alien" and "Blade Runner" is the latest to tempt fate with this tactic. Combined with the tease of something for fans of the original "Alien" and to address some of the mysteries of the feature, Scott had all eyes on him. Still, was he able to come through?

Had the plot to "Prometheus" been revealed, it could have been one of the must-see movies of the summer. Across the technical board, it is expertly crafted, with gorgeous visuals, hug-your-knees intensity and a carefully measured atmosphere, we are reminded what makes space exploration so terrifying. It must be acknowledged that his expertise with blurring genre lines is simply revolutionary: very few directors are as gifted with immersing the viewer into the state of the characters as Scott. "Prometheus" takes the horror and discomfort of "Alien" and mixes it with the high-octane thrills of James Cameron's sequel, giving us the best of both worlds.

But for those who were left expecting story-telling on par with said features, the film was like waking up on Christmas to the second best thing you asked for. So, to save the audience from setting the bar too high, I'll give a brief synopsis. Two scientists, Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway complete a final archaelogical dig which reveals the origin of our creators, whom they refer to as "the engineers". Joining a commercial ship commanded by the Weyland Corporation, who seem to have a hidden agenda with the discovery, they set out to meet the creators. When they arrive, they find the creators were creating something new- a species created to destroy humans. The crew of Prometheus immediately regret seeking out the questions they wanted answered.

I seem to be in the minority that appreciated the story and the ties it established with "Alien". Yes, there were plot holes, but it approached the series with a fresh gaze. Fassbender, who kills as the robot David, echoes the fascination and admiration for the alien species that echoes the android from the first "Alien". Theron, continuing her domination of 2012, plays the cold captain quite well. Still, being her 4th feature in a bitchy role, I don't see her shaking the industry role anytime soon.

For Scott to deny this as a direct prequel to "Alien" is asinine, considering the absolute truth of the statement. Not to mention, the ties with the original are what drives "Prometheus" home effectively. Still, the movie is entirely accessible for newcomers, and far more competent than recent horrible reimaginings of the classic alien.

"Prometheus" is a sincere return to form for a horror franchise in desperate need of revitalization. It's terrifying, gripping, imaginative, and bold: a worthy sequel to "Aliens". It's a shame that the film won't get it's due because of having just a good, not outstanding, story to match the epic talent the director brings to the rest of the film.

Grade: B+