I came to the “Alien” franchise somewhat late. It was certainly popular when I was in my pre-teen years, and other kids I knew had seen them, but I don’t think I even saw the first movie until college. I certainly remember the toy blitz when they released “Alien 3,” thinking they were pretty cool, though in retrospect, “Alien 3” was likely the worst movie in the franchise. Fox even tried rebooting the series, to some degree, by mixing the Alien and Predator franchises together, something that began as a comic and eventually turned into a few not-so-good movies.
Thus, I think it’s safe to say that the best movies in the franchise are 1979’s “Alien,” directed by Ridley Scott, and 1986’s “Aliens,” directed by James Cameron. It could be argued that the reason these two movies worked so well is that they’re very different takes on the same idea: a far-future where humans in dirty old space ships come across an alien species with human and insect qualities that wants to kill them…and that, for the most part, androids aren’t to be trusted. Scott portrayed a single alien on a ship inhabited by various folks, including one young Sigourney Weaver, but set it up in the same vein as a “slasher” movie. “Alien” was more of a horror movie. “Aliens,” on the other hand, under the direction of Cameron, saw Weaver and a group of future marines do battle with a whole group of aliens in a human colony. “Aliens” was more of an action movie.
Which brings us to “Prometheus,” a film connected to the “Alien” franchise, but very, very distinct. Ridley Scott hasn’t directed a science fiction movie since “Blade Runner” in 1982, so everyone was intrigued to see what he would do with 30 years worth of new tools. He didn’t disappoint. The tech portrayed, from the virtual displays to the ship, to the alien creatures, etc. all seem to fit seamlessly into the environment. We saw it in IMAX 3D and, while the effects were very apparent, they were very complimentary to the overall experience, rather than distracting. You can tell Scott utilized these new tools to great effect.
The story, however, is kinda confusing. To be honest, I don’t know what to make of it. There’s something to be said for leaving a movie with additional questions (something the writers have said were purposeful, in the event they’d get a sequel), but some of the plot holes are so large, it seems like there isn’t much of a way to dig out of them.
As I said earlier, “Prometheus” is very different from the “Alien” franchise. It takes place in the same universe, involves some of the same players (namely the Weyland Corporation), and generally feels like they’re related. At the same time, though, “Prometheus” is more concerned with an existential search for our creator, the alien species (referred to as “The Engineers”) that seeded Earth with DNA that would eventually evolve into modern humans (and don’t get me started on the scientific missteps this brings up…). “Prometheus” takes a look at that search, the powers that seek to control that knowledge, and our overall sense of humanity – arguably, things the “Alien” franchise hasn’t done before.
Generally speaking, I liked it. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to see it in 3D, but if you want to, you won’t be disappointed. There are definite, and obvious, callbacks to the “Alien” franchise, so fans of the series should be pleased. It is definitely more along the horror line of things, rather than action, so be sure you can handle a few cringe-worthy scenes.
But that plot. I just don’t know what to make of it. I think I want a sequel, just so I can see where they’re going with it. Then again, maybe I don’t want a sequel, so these questions are left up in the air for fans to ponder for another 30 years.