“Prometheus”
The film is a feast for the eyes.
Director Ridley Scott elevates the visuals to a new sci-fi high in this tale of explorers following a map to the far reaches of outer space. From the holographic images on the ship to the massive beehive-like structures, the film is glorious in design.
The casting is nearly as perfect, with Noomi Rapace’s passionate performance balanced by the cold and methodical thinking of Charlize Theron’s character. There are a few minor flaws: Idris Elba, who plays the ship’s captain, is underused; and Guy Pearce works under mounds of makeup as the mission’s rich benefactor.
Grade: B+
“The Raven”
The works of Edgar Allan Poe become a blueprint for a serial killer.
John Cusack plays the character with a wonderful balance of creative brilliance and madness. The role calls for Cusack to go from a pompous, self-absorbed writer to a truly caring person. It’s a masterful performance wasted on a standard murder mystery. Had this been a biopic, we might be hearing Oscar buzz for Cusack.
Grade: C+
Also new
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition”: Re-released for the 30th anniversary.
“Bill &Ted’s Excellent Adventure”: Film’s now on Blu-ray.
“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”: Film celebrates 50th anniversary.
“Bones: The Complete Seventh Season”: Emily Deschanel stars in the procedural TV series.
“12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue”: Puppy orphanage must be saved.
“The Cottage”: Couple rents room to wrong person.
“The Courier”: A suitcase must be delivered to an assassin.
Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.)
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