Prometheus Review: Charlize Theron "Captivating as Ever"

Charlize Theron and Idris Elba on the bridge of the ship Prometheus.Charlize Theron and Idris Elba on the bridge of the ship Prometheus. Credit: Kerry Brown/20th Century Fox

Were humans placed on Earth by extraterrestrials? That's the central question in this visually striking adventure, which brims with tension, intelligence and Alien-esque grossouts.

The year is 2093, and a group of explorers led by a corporate exec (Charlize Theron, captivating as ever) and a scientist (Noomi Rapace, equally superb) visit a distant star to look for the origins of man -- then get hunted by slimy monsters.

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The 3-D flick looks breathtaking, with the planet feeling realistic. And the action pauses for some laughs, too, thanks to Michael Fassbender as a droll android.

Still, prepare for preposterous moments, even by sci-fi standards. (Would a scientist really swig booze while colleagues examine an alien nearby?)

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Plus, horror cliches pop up occasionally, including a slain staffer who returns as a zombie. But mostly the thriller is smart -- and shocking. Just try not to close your eyes during the jaw-dropping scene involving Rapace, a slithery beast and an operating table!

Us Rating: 3/4 stars


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