In space, more questions than answers

What if you found out that it was possible to travel to a planet to find the answer to who created everyone?

Sure it's based on a hunch, but it's probably still worth the trip. Yup, Prometheus is one of those science fiction films that ask a lot of deep questions such as the existence of God and how we were created. Unfortunately, only a few of the questions are answered.

The director of this film is Ridley Scott who has created some of the best sci-fi films of all time. Among those films are, "Alien" and "Blade Runner", where Scott distinguishes himself as an expert at creating an atmosphere and setting up interesting characters rather than seeking to answer very deep questions. With regard to these strengths, the environment Scott created and the outcome is nothing short of jaw dropping. Prometheus opens a new world and there is no lack of details throughout this film. Science fiction is one of those genres where you can experience endless possibilities in the hands of someone with a great imagination. Here Prometheus delivers.

"Prometheus" is about a team of explorers that find a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a mission to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. On board the ship Prometheus, is the caretaker-an android named David. David is the most interesting character and is played to perfection by an actor that is rapidly becoming one of my favorites, Michael Fassbender. I do admire the irony that in the midst of the film's uncertainty and questions, there is a robot character that has no questions, no true emotions, and is only doing what he is told and programmed to do.

I suppose the film not answering every question about man's existence is forgivable, it's the few clichès that bother me. The film flows pretty smoothly, although some of the decisions the characters make leaves the audience thinking the film a little less intelligent than what it could be. For example, without giving too much away, the biologist character goes up to one of the alien species and tries to pet it like a puppy. In another scene one of the crew decides to remove his helmet in space on an unknown planet because it's "probably" safe to breathe without helmets.

I guess even with some of these clichès, the direction throughout the film remains mostly strong and I would have to believe that without the stronger elements the film would have sunk to "B" movie territory. I had fairly large expectations for this film because of the people involved and I expected it to avoid certain clichès made by less experienced film makers. In the end, I felt the film couldn't always keep up with itself, the questions and atmosphere seemed too large for its own good. If you're going to go big, go all the way.

Three out of Four Stars. Running Time 124 Minutes. Rated R.