Any new addition to the “Alien” universe is doomed to be combed over, scrutinized and otherwise dissected for its perceived shortcomings and incongruities.
With something as ambitious as Ridley Scott’s eagerly awaited “Prometheus,” the attention is even keener. Scott directed the first “Alien” picture in 1979, and this new one would do nothing less than provide a prequel (and perhaps an “explanation”) to the entire saga.
Or so it was rumored. Scott chose to be coy about whether “Prometheus” was really connected to the “Alien” story line. (For the record: Yes, it’s all connected.)
If it has a few too many lapses in logic to hold together as a classic, “Prometheus” nevertheless exerts a firm hold on the back of the neck. I saw the film previewed in an IMAX 3-D presentation, which was quite a sensory extravaganza, but I suspect it will grip people in more traditional venues, too.
We begin with a space journey arriving at a distant planet in search of the key to a possible extraterrestrial origin for human life.
The crew members are awakened from their space-slumber by a robot (Michael Fassbender, excellent), whereupon they land on the planet, explore the sinister ruins of a dead civilization and unlock one of those Pandora’s boxes that science fiction movies are fond of unwrapping.
Stepping into the plucky-and-then-some heroine role is Noomi Rapace, the star of the Swedish film versions of the “Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” franchise. Also on board are her scientist beau (Logan Marshall-Green), a frosty corporate overseer (Charlize Theron) and a crusty captain (Idris Elba), along with various crew members meant as fodder.
The film’s sweeping visual design is easy to get caught up in and Rapace is a fittingly gutsy protagonist. And when I say “gutsy,” I mean it. There’s one long sequence that may inspire a few fainting spells, but I’m not about to give it away here.
The movie’s got so much technical dazzle, I could even go along with some of the inexplicable behavior of these supposedly professional people.
As for the movie’s metaphysical reach … well, let’s just say Scott has never been the profound thinker he sometimes thinks he is (and yes, that includes “Blade Runner”).
Still, the script by John Spaihts and Damon Lindelhof offers up enough stabs at heaviosity to justify the movie’s giant-sized stretch.
Even before it opened, the film was getting flak from “Alien” devotees for its plot holes and weak spots. Maybe I’m more indulgent to its shortcomings because I was never in awe of the ‘79 original, which was “Ten Little Indians” given a shrewd sci-fi coating.
“Prometheus” muddies the simplicity of that movie. And no, it doesn’t always make sense. But if a 2012 movie gets points for creating a world and then immersing you in it, hoo, boy, does this movie get points.
“Prometheus” (3 stars)
Director Ridley Scott sets the scene for his 1979 film “Alien” by creating a kind of prequel: a space voyage searches for evidence that humanity has extraterrestrial roots, only to find the ruins of a dead civilization. Or is it dead? Noomi Rapace does gutsy work as the heroine, and despite lapses in logic, Scott certainly creates an immersive world for his story.
Rated: R for violence.
Showing: Alderwood Mall, Everett Stadium, Galaxy Monroe, Marysville, Stanwood, Meridian, Thorton Place, Woodinville, Blue Fox, Cascade Mall.
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