TRAILER: 'Prometheus' Blu-ray - "Questions Will Be Answered"

Tomorrow's Blu-ray release of Prometheus has seven hours of bonus features, some of which promise to fill in some of the blanks regarding the boatload of questions raised in the version released in theaters this summer.

While the film was two hours of solid visual eye candy, and boasted some of the best unobtrusive 3D I have ever seen on the big screen, it left much to be desired when it came to  more questions than providing answers to the them regarding the mysteries the script unearthed. It's great that we will have the bonus features to some light shed on certain things like more of the who and what of the Engineers' back story, and perhaps some extra tidbits on the Xenomorphs role in things, but foremost these things should be seen in the theater to make the film as strong as possible and to stand on its own if a sequel never arrives.

I'll make no bones about  it, I will be first in line to Prometheus 2. Ridley Scott and company did a fine job of making good on the promise that any logistical follow up to Prometheus would not be 1979's Alien, but rather another chapter that furthers along the new story they set up, which runs parallel to the exploits of Ellen Ripley. However, as a stand-alone film, Prometheus leaves way too much unanswered regarding the core issues that demand explanation for the theater going audience to leave satisfied. They may have just as well stuck an end credits title card informing us that if the theatrical cut wasn't satisfactory, we just need wait a few months for the Blu-ray for a little more, and then join together in prayer for a sequel for all the remaining answers.

While extras on the Blu-ray are both welcome and awesome, it's just unfortunate that they had answers waiting in the wings the whole time for a post release epilogue, instead of making the theatrical version as coherent as it could be and to stand better on its own. It would have been pretty disheartening a few months ago to have the cast and filmmakers deflect questions while promoting the film with "Yes, there is an answer to that. But it will not be in the film, but rather on the Blu-ray bonus disc."

Bryan Singer had grand plans for the sequel to 2006's Superman Returns centered on Brainiac and the unpopular Super-Kid offspring of Kal-El and Lois Lane. But perhaps by putting too many eggs in the basket assuming he had a second film to make all the threads pay off, it weakened its position as a self-contained story. That train of thought allows less focus on delivering a stand alone film than one that has the benefit of one or two sequels to flesh out its grand scheme.To much surprise at the time, Superman Returns was not the super blockbuster it was hoped for, (a sad state of the union when making over $391million worldwide doesn't warrant a follow up), and Warner Bros. went with another reboot over a sequel.

When Prometheus is released tomorrow for home viewing, we will have the chance to see exactly how much was left on the cutting room floor, and whether some of it would have been better served left in to flesh out the film more. But I'd rather have less questions and more answers in a theatrical cut than to have them left over for Blu-ray special features.



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Film Review - PROMETHEUS ★★★☆☆

Prometheus, Ridley Scott's long awaited return to science fiction and the much speculated 'is it' or 'isn't it' a prequel to Alien, is finally here. With much anticipation from fans ( myself included), it's a tough act to follow when hopes are riding so high for a film to deliver, and deliver big.

Scott, who directed classics including Alien, Blade Runner, Legend, and Gladiator, has unleashed upon audiences a slick high concept sci-fi thriller, and with no if's and's or but's is firmly grounded in the same Alien universe that he introduced us to in 1979. As for the burning question of how the hell does it connect to the Alien series? Well, ”big things have small beginnings,” says Michael Fassbender as the android David. But more on that and him later.

Following a breathtaking 3D pre-'Dawn Of Man' prologue of a doomed alien humanoid bestowing Earth with the gift of DNA (whether its an intentional gift of life or not is the first of many questions), we jump thousands of years into the future and are are introduced to Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Dr. Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green). The pair are archeologists who discover similar ancient cave paintings all over the world which point them to the stars on a quest to the possible home planet of our 'creators.'

On the Prometheus, a trillion dollar space vessel funded and owned by Weyland Industries (remember "The Company" in Aliens?), Shaw and Holloway travel to LV-223  (not to be confused with LV-426, the barren planet seen in Alien & Aliens) along with bitch-in-space corporate suit Merideth Vickers (Charlize Theron), android David (Fassbender), gruff ship pilot Janek (Idris Elba), and a bunch of nameless other crew members along for the ride who will make many qualified piss poor decisions throughout the journey.

Once there, they discover a strange alien temple of sorts, things are quickly deemed as not quite what they hoped for, and all hell breaks loose the closer they get to uncovering the true nature of man's origins. Deadly creatures. Check. Dark creepy corridors. Check. Squirm worthy horror moments. Check. Intriguing sci-fi concepts. Without question.

As a stand alone concept, Prometheus moves along swimmingly for the first hour while waving a tense and constant "what happens next?" flag. But as grand as the concept of discovering "God" is (Shaw wears a cross to remind us of the Heavenly higher beings), and finding the answers to questions like "Why are we here?", can there ever be a satisfying answer to these mysteries?

Prometheus will offer a different experience for those expecting and seeking that Alien tie-in and those for whom all the references and familiar bio-mechanical H.R. Giger xenomorph imagery just fly right over their heads. But among the many high brow concepts of creation and how mankind fits into the grand scheme of things in the universe, the film starts to lose focus when its limited by the plot points it needs to hit by warming up the seat for Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley and the crew of the Nostromo.

Michael Fassbender plays the calculating android David in a standout performance. The presence of a robotic character is of no surprise here. Ian Holm, Lance Henriksen, and Winona Ryder are all illustrious android alumni from the Alien films. The unique cold, creepy charisma Fassbender brings to David's childlike sense of wonder and quest for absolute knowledge at any cost would put the logical Mr. Spock and evil HAL 9000 both to shame. Early scenes that set up his lonely existence watching Peter O' Toole in Lawrence Of Arabia add more depth to him than most of the other human characters will see in the entire film. He pulls off an amazing turn as the film's ultimate anti-hero.

Charlize Theron does well here in both her space age power suits and form fitting cat suits as she twists here evil corporate mustache as the no-nonsense Weyland heavy. Noomi Rapace impresses as the God-fearing archeologist whose faith is tested when confronted with the possibility of meeting her extraterrestrial creators, dubbed the 'Engineers.' She's given a lot to do and follows a fine line of strong female leads for Ridley Scott.

Scott conceived and shot the film in 3D, and the results are not only pleasing (especially for the gorgeous exotic landscape shots), but at times amazing. Sir Ridley proves that in right hands, the now-tired 3D bandwagon can still be a force to be reckoned with in the big screen experience. The added dimension is subtle and never intrusive to the senses, and sucks you in as a natural part of the visuals. There was a conscious effort to not deliver another film that pops out at you every time something suddenly jerks which tends to add nauseating motion blur. Also for a movie with so much set in places with minimal light, the film looked great and showed little sign of the darker picture associated with 3D projection.

Overall, Prometheus boasts a brilliant set-up and never drags along in pacing with its ideas. The concept in theory is the stuff the best sci-fi is made of. But even with a solid cast and mesmerizing visuals (and that impressive unobtrusive 3D), ultimately it buckles under the weight of balancing both its own ambition and the legacy it ends up trying too hard to live up to. Substantial satisfying resolution is not one of the film's finer points.

Needless to say, there is plenty of room left for a sequel. Hell there's enough room for several more installments that could run completely parallel to the established Alien films, and I would welcome the chance to see them all. But by the end credits there were too many open doors left swinging wide open in the wind, and I felt left hanging by many pressing "But what about this?" "And what about that?" issues regarding the whole 'quest for God' journey. And sadly, I hate to say the film's final image manages to destroy any sense of subtlety set up in the preceding two hours, as if we didn't get it already.

Prometheus opens Friday, June 8th in 3D and IMAX 3D.

REVIEW RATING: ★★★☆☆
Directed By: Ridley Scott

Starring: Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce, Patrick Wilson

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Rated: R
Running Time: 123 minutes

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Film Review - SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN ★★★☆☆

I admit to immediately falling under the gloomy spell cast by Snow White & The Huntsman. There is no denying there are many pages borrowed from other sources (so let's just acknowledge and move past the easy Lord of the Rings and Game Of Thrones comparisons), but this dark, gritty fairy tale laced with evil powerful women possessing magical powers, flawed heroes and heroines, knights in not-so-shining armor, mythical creatures, and lavish tangible settings took me right back to 1981's Excalibur. Allow me to get Medieval for a moment to say I am a big fan of the sword and sorcery genre and that pre-CGI era John Boorman epic remains the gold standard that King Arthur interpretations should be held to.

But back to Snow White, this version is hands down more Game of  Thrones than Mirror Mirror or ABC's Once Upon A Time, but that should surprise nobody since the trailers make no bones about that. If colorful family friendly fairy tales are your thing, you best stick to the more traditional takes. But fret not, there are plenty of familiar Snow White plot points present: the poison apple, seven dwarfs, a prince charming figure, and an evil Queen talking to her mirror mirror on the wall.

The film moves quickly along from the get-go with an intro to the updated familiar Snow White legend. Here we find our heroine an imprisoned Princess after her widowed father King Magnus is seduced by the mysterious scheming stranger Ravenna (Charlize Theron), and is promptly murdered on their wedding night. The new Queen assumes absolute rule over the land, and the eternal youth obsessed sorceress sees to the withering of the kingdom as it sinks into a dark age. Ravenna can only maintain her beauty by feeding on the life force of young girls, and must ultimately consume Snow's heart for true immortality. Not really Disney kids fare here.

Years later, Snow has grown up into Kristen Stewart and escapes the tower and into the treacherous Dark Forest. Ravenna enlists Chris Hemsworth's Huntsman to fetch her back before the Princess sees fit to end her reign and reclaim the fallen kingdom.

Hemsworth effortlessly wins you over as the true flawed hero of the film. He is a depressed widowed warrior who drowns his sorrows with drink and reluctantly agrees to find Snow White through the false promise that he will be reunited with her by Ravenna's dark powers. Don’t get me wrong, the role is a stone’s throw from his breakout turn as Thor, but Hemsworth brings charm and charisma to this shattered tough guy role who eventually trains Snow for her showdown with the Queen.

What may be the first stand out issue is the whole 'fairest of them all" business. Snow White or Queen Ravenna? It's a daunting task for any actress in Hollywood to go head to head with Theron in the raw beauty department. However, Stewart is not groomed at any point to appear physically more beautiful than this Queen. Her Snow White is a down trodden warrior Princess who has been hardened by years of unjust imprisonment. She only wishes to flee from the Queen until her ultimate destiny to reclaim her kingdom becomes clear.

Stewart plays it straight and cold, as she should. As written, she has little reason to have bluebirds perched upon her finger or break into song while sweeping the dirt floors of the house. This film will allow moviegoers to see her in a major non Bella Swan turn, and since I counted a whole two and a half smiles from her in the entire movie, Stewart still holds the crown for wearing the pained scowl of pain and agony like no other working actress in Hollywood. You could argue for a more expression in a lead, but where exactly would your happy face be after years locked in a tower prison? This is a Snow for suited for Stewart.

By the time the Seven Dwarfs show up (sans those Disney nicknames), you feel a welcome lighthearted rescue from it all. The Dwarfs are played as tough witty warriors, and thankfully not silly sidekicks with cringe worthy comic relief banter. You may recognize Ian McShane, Nick Frost, Bob Hoskins, and Toby Jones among the pint size group who add a breather from overall the tense trek. And when the journey leads to Sanctuary, a forest inhabited by colorful animals and wingless fairies who must travel in the belly pockets of birds, you have forgotten that you are entitled to some enchanted wonderment, even in a non-Narnia sort of way. 

Charlize as Ravenna steals the show with a terrifying performance as a psychologically damaged creature. She has been raised to use her youth and beauty as her sole ultimate weapon of seduction, and can snap into over the top insanity when pushed. When a character is out to literally consume the heart from Snow White, such terrifying outbursts are in line with the character.

The look of the film is extraordinary. The treats here lie in director Rupert Sander's penchant for dazzling design in every shot of the film. In making the film a showcase for Ravenna, he projects her insanity from grand set pieces in her castle, as she bathes in milk-like life pools, emerges from a vat of black ooze after transforming into a flock of ravens, or conversing with the man in the mirror about the fairest in the land. Additional visual treats are her minions made of glass that shatter into countless black shards and the flawless shrinking of the cast members into the Seven Dwarfs. Sanders sees fit to provide a constant visual assault of Gothic FX eye candy.

Overall Snow White & The Huntsman is best described a dark cold fairy tale looking to find its lost soul. Its not a tour de force revelation in re-defining the classic story or without bumps in its journey, but the stunning medieval Gothic visuals and art direction, a solid cast led by a show stopping chilling performance by Charlize Theron, and throwback homages to some of my favorite films like Excalibur, Legend, and even Time Bandits, make it for me a summer spectacle worthy of recommending.

Snow White & The Huntsman opens Friday, June 1st.

REVIEW RATING: ★★★☆☆
Directed By: Rupert Sanders

Starring: Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Ian MacShane, Sam Clafin

Studio: Universal Pictures

Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 127 minutes

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New 'Prometheus' Viral Video Spotlights David

20th Century Fox has released a new viral video to help hype up the highly anticipated Ridley Scott directed Alien-universe set Prometheus. 

Following up on the first clever spot featuring Guy Pearce in a faux TED Talk conference set in 2023 as Peter Weyland (a character whose influence is a driving force in the Alien series), this second video focuses on David, the android character played by Michael Fassbender. Androids in space are a staple in the series, Ian Holm played the artificial Ash in Alien, and Lance Henriksen portrayed Bishop in Aliens. It's no surprise that there would be another human companion featured in Prometheus to give their use additional historical background in the context of the series.

Prometheus is set to hit theaters in 3-D on June 8th, and stars Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Noomi Rappace, Guy Pearce, and Patrick Wilson.

Four New 'Prometheus' Images Surface

Courtesy of HeyUGuys.com, check out the latest four images from 20th Century Fox's highly anticipated Prometheus.

At a recent screening of select 3D footage in London, director Ridley Scott updated the relentless fan debate regarding the film's link to 1979's Alien. According to Scott, the script as it developed “adjusted itself into much larger questions so that it barely contains Alien DNA now.” He confirmed that its only in the final seven minutes of Prometheus that the two films link together. The new images certainly reflect a familiar sci-fi design that was unique to the Alien series, most notably when it comes to the biomechanical look made famous by H.R. Giger.

Official Synopsis:

"Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner, returns to the genre he helped define. With Prometheus, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race."

Prometheus is set to hit theaters in 3-D on June 8th, and stars Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Noomi Rappace, Guy Pearce, and Patrick Wilson.

 SOURCE: HeyUGuys

FAIRY TALE SHOWDOWN: 'Snow White & The Huntsman' Vs. 'Mirror Mirror'

In one corner: Universal Pictures' Snow White & The Huntsman, weighing in with Kristen Stewart as Snow White, Academy Award Winner Charlize Theron as The Queen, and Chris Hemsworth as The Huntsman. In the other corner stands Relativity Media's Mirror Mirror, with Lily Collins as Snow White, Academy Award Winner Julia Roberts at The Queen, and Armie Hammer as Prince Alcott.

Both films will also feature the Seven Dwarfs in their storylines and have a magical backdrop. But that may be where the similarities end. Huntsman promises a dark medieval journey, featuring a Snow White with a warrior's edge wrapped up in a suit of armor. It is likely to also carry a PG-13 rating with its heightened level of violence and scares. In contrast, Mirror Mirror will present a whimsical colorful kid friendly tale with an easy earned PG rating.

Lily Collins and the Seven Dwarfs from Mirror Mirror

The star power of the casts provides an interesting angle for selling each film. Mirror Mirror is banking predominantly on Julia Roberts' appeal with her lighthearted portrayal of the evil Queen. Leading man Armie Hammer is not yet a household name (though that may change after starring in The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp), and Lily Collins doesn't really have any proven box office clout. In contrast, Huntsman has a scary dark magic empowered evil Queen in Charlize Theron, an international star with Twilight's Kristen Stewart, and a fast growing familiar face with Chris Hemsworth from Thor and The Avengers.

Theron as The Queen in Snow White & The Huntsman

As far as the Dwarfs are concerned: Huntsman has cast Ian McShane, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Ray Winstone, and Bob Hoskins as Snow White's allies. The actors will be digitally shortened in stature and not bear the familiar names made famous by the Disney classic. Mirror Mirror has kept it closer to the fairy tale and cast little people who are mainstream unknowns.
 
In addition, it's always interesting to observe when dueling movies emerge at nearly the same time to battle it out at the box office. Independence Day fought off Mars Attacks! in 1996. Dante's Peak took on Volcano in 1997. Armageddon had to fend off Deep Impact in 1998. Even on the small screen this year, NBC's Grimm has a fairy tale theme that competes with ABC's Once Upon A Time (which coincidentally also has a version of Snow White as one of its main characters). And in the fall you could see two competing shows based on Beauty and the Beast, with green lit pilots set for ABC and The CW.

That said, here are the trailers to each film and their official synopses:

"In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power."

"Snow White is a princess in exile, and the evil Queen rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince."

How this will all play out remains to be seen. Mirror Mirror hits theaters on March 30th, while Snow White & The Huntsman is set for a June 1st release.

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New 'Prometheus' Spot Teases Full Trailer Debut

To tease the highly anticipated debut on Saturday of the full-length trailer to 20th Century Fox's Prometheus, the studio has let loose a quick spot to keep the anticipation building.

Director Ridley Scott will be front and center for a Q&A on Saturday in Anaheim to coincide with WonderCon 2012. The new look at the prequel to the Alien series will debut online shortly following. There has been so much secrecy regarding this film, it will be interesting to see exactly how much information will be revealed. Thirty minutes leaves a lot of room to pry out some juicy information from the filmmaker, who makes his return to the sci-fi genre with this movie.

From Fox and AMC regarding the Q&A event:

"On Saturday, March 17th at 4 p.m. PST/ 7 p.m. EST, legendary director Ridley Scott will premiere the first full trailer for one of 2012's most anticipated films, Prometheus, at the AMC Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA. This invite-only premiere will follow a 30 minutes Q&A session with the iconic director conducted by Prometheus writer/producer Damon Lindelof (Co-creator, Executive Producer and Writer of TV's Lost)."

Until then, enjoy the latest trailer to the trailer. 

Prometheus is set to hit theaters in 3-D on June 8th, and stars Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Noomi Rappace, Guy Pearce, and Patrick Wilson.

New 'Prometheus' Image Revealed & Full Trailer Debut Announced

With 92 days and counting left to theatrical release, 20th Century Fox unleashed an amazing new image from Prometheus, the upcoming prequel to the Alien series.

Following last week's debut of a clever incognito teaser video featuring Guy Pearce as Peter Weyland (owner of the company that sent Sigourney Weaver and company into space in 1979's Alien & 1986's Aliens), the new picture reveals a galactic map of the cosmos being displayed in a tech room that bears the heavy influence of the familiar designs (pay close attention to the walls) seen in the previous films. That signature biomechanical look was designed by Swiss artist H.R. Giger and became synonymous with the deadly Xenomorph creatures and the overall aesthetic of the franchise.

Also to note, there is a human right smack in the middle of the globe observing the light show, and in the foreground is what appears to be a rather large chair. All hints so far point to an ancient alien race being introduced that are quite a few times larger than humanity. Rumored to be called the Engineers, as they are responsible for the creating life on Earth millions of years ago. Endless speculation and internet discussions have been running rampant regarding the plot since ties to Alien surfaced, but it looks to be running with a very high concept storyline that has the potential to outshine the straightforward narrative of the films that take place after it.

Fox's official synopsis of the film:

"Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner, returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race."

In addition, AMC announced that a new full length trailer for the film will make its online debut following a Q&A with Ridley Scott at WonderCon in Anaheim next weekend.

"On Saturday, March 17th at 4 p.m. PST/ 7 p.m. EST, legendary director Ridley Scott will premiere the first full trailer for one of 2012's most anticipated films, Prometheus, at the AMC Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA. This invite-only premiere will follow a 30 minutes Q&A session with the iconic director conducted by Prometheus writer/producer Damon Lindelof (Co-creator, Executive Producer and Writer of TV's Lost)."

 Prometheus is set to hit theatres in 3-D on June 8th, and stars Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Noomi Rappace, Guy Pearce, and Patrick Wilson.

New Images Revealed From 2012's Hot Film Slate

©Paramount/Marvel Studios

USA Today revealed new images from some of 2012's most anticipated films, including a first look at Jeremy Renner taking the spotlight in The Bourne Legacy, and additional glimpses from The Hobbit, Prometheus, The Avengers, and Men In Black III.

'Prometheus' Trailer Revealed

In the highly anticipated Prometheus, director Ridley Scott re-visits the universe he introduced to moviegoers with his tense sci-fi classic Alien.

Although no one is confirming (yet) that it will be a literal prequel in continuity to his 1979 film, on the record however, Scott did reveal to Deadline that recognizable DNA from the series will appear.

"The keen fan will recognize strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative," he said.
 
So we will have to wait and see if any actual acid blooded Xenomorphs wreck havoc with the interstellar space crew, but H.R. Giger's signature designs will likely show up (and maybe an alien egg or two may cameo).

Though from watching this chilling epic trailer, there is enough familiar imagery to easily link it to Ellen Ripley's saga and seamlessly place the tagline from Alien right atop of this one.

"In Space No One Can Hear You Scream"

Prometheus, starring Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, and Patrick Wilson is set to hit theatres in 3D on June 8, 2012.