Showing posts with label prometheus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prometheus. Show all posts

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Film Review: Prometheus

prometheus-movie-image
Source: Gamingshogun.com

I have been thoroughly excited about the release of Ridley Scott's new film Prometheus in the UK for sometime now. Lase week I dragged my husband and in-laws to to the cinema to feast my eyes on this 3D beast.

So, how was it? Beautiful, well made, and very open ended. Hmm. Is that good or bad?

Well, I remember leaving the cinema thinking that it wasn't quite what I was expecting. My husband asked me what exactly was I expecting, and I couldn't quite answer. But it's been a week now and the film has been rattling around in my head for all this time. So there must be something to say for that.

I've heard a few people give similar reviews - that it didn't quite live up to the hype or was a little bit flat, but I think that people who left the theatre with a ho-hum feeling, like I did, might have been expecting something more along the lines of the definitive, philosophically driven, sci-fi that has come to light since The Matrix. Films like I Robot, Minority Report, Avatar, District 9 and even Disney Pixar's WALL-E, all come heavily laden with thinly veiled political agendas that Michael Moore would be proud. By the end of these films, you feel that the director has told you something and that you job has been to absorb this message.

But Ridley Scott is old school. His last sci-fi film was Blade Runner and the reason why that's one of the best sci fi films of all time isn't because he gives you all of the answers, but because it's a good film. The acting is stellar. The cinematography is beautiful. The the story is timeless. And you want to watch it again because you're confident that you'll get something new from that second or third viewing. I believe that to be the case with Prometheus.

[Spoiler Alert!]

I can't stop wondering, what exactly are the android's motivations? Or what the hieroglyphics were supposed to mean? What exactly is that black stuff? Are there more makers on the planet? Within the film, what exactly is there relationship to us? What was going on in the beginning with the bowl?

I like films that make me think. I like films that spark interesting discussions. I like films that make me want to watch them again, not for the one liners, for the experience and the opportunity to dissect it's nuances.

So how is Prometheus? It's beautifully done with gorgeous cinematography. The acting is superb throughout. And like a proper film, the the story leave much to the imagination.

See it this week in Exeter, as it's still the best thing out, at The Odeon, Vue Cinema, or The Picturehouse.

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Prometheus in Exeter: Midnight 31 May Premiers at the Odeon and Vue cinemas


Because Prometheus doesn't debut until 1 June, I was patiently hatching a plan to get tickets for Screen 1 at the Exeter Odeon on the next Orange Wednesday with my 3D specs and 500 of my closest friends. That is. Until. I heard bout the the fact that Odeon and Vue cinemas will be holding special midnight screenings on evening of the Thursday 31 May!!!!!!!  


I don't know what it is about Midnight Movies but just the thought of staying up past my bedtime to be among the first to feast my eyes on what I hope will be a Bladerunner-esque masterpiece conjures up feelings of everything that I've ever loved about going to the pictures. Late nights, big screen, something round the corner, big sound, popcorn and not being able to sleep because it was just that good!

Why am I, full on, totally excited about seeing Ridley Scott's return to fine sci-fi form with Prometheus?  Well, if you missed the epic trailer premier on Channel 4 in April, then let me fill you in. Ridley Scott is the Oscar award winning sci-fi genius brain behind Alien and Blade Runner (ok he also directed G.I. Jane, but nobody's perfect) and what he can't do with shadows and lighting and futuristic uncertainty might not be worth doing. Add to this Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Idris Elba, and you've got yourself a film.

From what I can tell, the plot is something to the effect of: people thing they understand alien messages, go to have a chat, find out that the aliens aren't that friendly. The IMDB sum up Prometheus like so:
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
I don't think I was that far off?

If you can't make it to the Midnight Screening, here is a list of the showtimes, cinemas and prices where you can see Prometheus in 3d at more socialable hours over the bank holiday weekend. Both the Odeon and Vue are showing the film in 2D but to be honest, the less said about that the better.

Odeon 3D adult £7.25
Friday 1 June 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00
Saturday 2 June 12:00 15:00 19:00 22:00
Sunday 3 June 12:00 15:00 20:00 23:00
Monday 4 June 12:00 15:00 21:00 00:00
Vue Cinema 3D adult £9.00
Friday 1 June 12:00 14:50 17:40 20:30 23:20
Saturday 2 June 12:00 14:50 17:40 20:30 23:20
Sunday 3 June 12:00 14:50 17:40 20:30
Monday 4 June 12:00 14:50 17:40 20:30
3D adult £10.50
Friday 1 June 12:45 15:30 18:20 21:00
Saturday 2 June 12:45 15:30 18:20 21:00
Sunday 3 June 13:00 15:30 18:20 21:00
Monday 4 June 12:45 15:30 18:20 21:00