Prometheus: Engineering Mankind

Prometheus, which marks director Ridley Scott's first return to the universe he helped create with 1979's Alien, is a story about questioning the very creation and purpose of mankind on planet earth. A group of scientists, mercenaries, and explorers discover an ancient symbol which they believe will help lead them to the origin of man. They set off through space and discover a distant planet which matches up with their ancient star maps. Soon, they find themselves in a struggle with their environment, themselves, and something much more ancient.

1979's Alien is one of best horror sci-fi film ever made, but was unfortunately subject to which took the franchise in a completely different direction. Prometheus takes the Alien universe back to its roots. It essentially ignores every film other than the original Alien, which is the only one directed by Ridley Scott. The two films take place in the same fictional universe, but Prometheus can not be considered a prequel in the traditional sense. It answers many questions that viewers may have about Alien, but does not at any point suggest that Prometheus takes place before Alien, or that the events of Prometheus directed affect or lead to the events of Alien.

Overall, Prometheus was a very good sci-fi film. It was incredibly well-made (which is expected when seeing Scott's name attached to a project) which made is visually stunning and remained interesting and gripping throughout, despite running just over 2 hours. For fans of Alien, Prometheus is required viewing. It opened up the Alien universe in a way that may have seemed impossible just a few years ago, and really helped deepen that place for further investigation in future works.

However, this also brings about problems. Prometheus answered many questions about Alien, but at the same time, asked many questions which remain unanswered when the theater lights go back on at the end of the film. Scott has very subtly hinted at plans for a sequel, and the ending further supports that, however, it also leaves people a bit unsatisfied.

Prometheus had an excellent story and incredible performance by Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender (who both stood out among the well-acted cast), but the big questions that remain when the film ends may cause a bit of disappointment to many viewers. 

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