The reviews of Prometheus from the film critics I admire and trust are saying just about what I expected: That it’s full of intensity and big visual spectacles… the stuff that makes a good trailer… but it’s severely lacking in thoughtful storytelling and decent writing.
I’m not surprised. I haven’t been impressed by a Ridley Scott film since Matchstick Men, and I haven’t been excited about a Ridley Scott film since the early 1980s. His films walk like big important movies, but they’re often thick-headed, hard-hearted, and ultimately kind of blundering. Alien and Blade Runner, well… that was a long, long time ago.
If you haven’t read any reviews yet, well…
Here are reviews being tracked by David Hudson. They’ve convinced me to save my money. And now this… a “D” grade from my favorite reviewer.
Of course… nobody cares what critics say, right? If it says it’s an important movie, if it has loud and intense trailers, well… here, take $15 from my wallet!
Stay tuned. I have this feeling that summertime moviegoing is about to improve dramatically. Moonrise Kingdom opens in Seattle today, and it sounds fantastic. Safety Not Guaranteed is inspiring some enthusiasm around here too. And Pixar’s Brave is right around the corner.