Prometheus Review Thread (Spoilers)

[duggie walker]

Originally Posted by Snicket

I need less opinion and more facts if you are making a serious argument. All I see here is an Internet fan who thinks he has an accurate pulse on the media when in fact he couldn't be more wrong.

Prometheus a joke in the media? Ridiculed by everyone? It just passed $400 million. I hate to tell you but the Internet haters are in the extreme minority.

The sequel has a green light. The principle actors are signed on. The train has already started rolling.

An "internet fan"? Seriously? Is that like a "mobile phone fan" or a "postal service fan"? What a meaningless slur.

I am not a "hater" either. I am 45, not 15. I do not have enough time to go and see movies I know in advance I will hate. I payed my money to see Prometheus, I went in hoping it would be brilliant, I came out pretty disgusted - I have a right to express that opinion.

I don't particularly want to get into proving my credentials. I've worked in film and television for nearly 25 years. I do not have any inside information on Prometheus, except that I can tell you Jon Spaihts was not at all happy with what happened to his draft. This is second-hand information from someone who talked to him directly.

Everything I'm saying, as I've made clear, is my opinion. All I can tell you is, again, a "green light" (if indeed that exact phrase was used) is of little meaning in Hollywood terms when there is no screenplay in existence.

The phrase "green light" refers to the moment when a screenplay and director have been approved and production money is released. This has not happened yet. All that Fox have said is that they would be willing to fund a sequel if Scott wants to make it. This is not terribly surprising - Scott doesn't have much difficulty getting funding for his films.

You might also want to consider a strategic marketing element in that statement. Prometheus did respectable business but not huge business. Fox are very aware that the mainstream public have heard that the film is confusing and unsatisfying. Portraying it as the first part of a story may well stimulate admissions and home video pre-orders. It is certainly unusual timing for such a statement.

Also - when you say that actors are contracted, this simply means that they have agreed contractually to appear in a sequel IF one is made. I can pretty much guarantee you that Taylor Kitsch was/is contracted to appear in the sequel to John Carter. This does not mean that a sequel is going to be made. There is a time limit on such options, too.

As much as it might seem to you that forums like this or even imdb are the centres of the universe, in fact they represent a very small corner of the market in studio terms. Geeks and cinephiles - be they "haters" or "fanboys" - do not account for a big slice of the pie either way. I don't know if you meet any general public but I can assure you the word is not good. I would bet that if a prime-time chat-show host made a gag about something being "more confusing/disappointing/boring than Prometheus", everyone would get the joke.

Like I said, I'm not saying a sequel shouldn't be made. I'm not even arguing about anything. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, I think it's unlikely the sequel will be made. I'm prepared to be wrong. What irks me is that people buy the basic lie that the plot-holes and illogicalities of Prometheus are all part of some grand strategy.

I'll tell you what's getting a sequel - THE HOBBIT is getting a sequel. How do I know? Because they've filmed it. If Scott had insisted that Prometheus be two films, he would have got that "green-lit" and it would have been announced as such. Scott is way too experienced to short-change a movie on the basis that it MIGHT get a sequel; there's no surer way to ensure that it doesn't get one. This is Hollywood 101. That much I know.

[ObiWanShinobi]

I get the feeling a sequel WILL get made. Prometheus is by no means a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination but I can assure you there are tons of films that have or will get sequels that totally didn't deserve them from a business standpoint and a media standpoint.

The film industry is strange like that but $400 million is nothing to scoff at and the DVD/Blu-Ray release is right around the corner and if there is success there I see no reason to hold back a sequel.

Like I said though, there were things I didn't enjoy about Prometheus but overall there was something very intriguing about it, to me anyway.

[duggie walker]

As an amusing addendum, two articles for you:

Director Ridley Scott is hoping his upcoming Robin Hood blockbuster is a hit - because he has already mapped out plans for a sequel.

The moviemaker has re-teamed with Gladiator star Russell Crowe for the epic, which tells the early story of the legendary British outlaw.

And Scott is desperate for the film to triumph at the box office when it is released later this year, because he wants to turn the Robin Hood story into a successful franchise.

He says, "It is the beginnings of how the man becomes known as Robin the Hood. You don't really get that until the last few minutes when you realize, 'Ah this is who he is.' Let's say we might presume there's a sequel. Honestly, I thought, 'Why not have the potential for a sequel, particularly if it is a genre that you absolutely love and has never been fully explored?' If there were to be a sequel, you would have a constant enemy throughout, King John, and you would follow his reign of 17 years. The signing of the Magna Carta could be Robin's final act."

And from May this year:

MOVIE star Russell Crowe is the latest celebrity set to bring a touch of Hollywood to Scotland.

The Kiwi actor is expected to shoot scenes for Ridley Scott’s big budget Robin Hood sequel at DunCarron Fort in Stirlingshire next year.

Crowe is pals with Charlie Allan, who leads the trust building the replica of a medieval fort.

The pair met when the Scot was an extra on the set of Gladiator 13 years ago and have forged a firm friendship, based on their mutual love of motorbikes.

Charlie, 49, said: “I was with Russell in London last week. We’re expecting Robin Hood 2 to film at DunCarron. If Russell Crowe says it’s going to happen, then it’s going to happen.”


For what it's worth, I don't believe that second article either. But I do remember how disappointed people were with Robin Hood and feeling cheated that it ended where it did, and Scott's plans for a sequel.

Robin Hood's worldwide gross - $321,669,741 against budget of $151 million.
Prometheus - $402, 616, 908 against budget of $180 million

[Foggy]

I'll never understand why some people have to pump so much time and effort simply to hate a film.

[raygendreau]

Originally Posted by duggie walker

An "internet fan"? Seriously? Is that like a "mobile phone fan" or a "postal service fan"? What a meaningless slur.

I am not a "hater" either. I am 45, not 15. I do not have enough time to go and see movies I know in advance I will hate. I payed my money to see Prometheus, I went in hoping it would be brilliant, I came out pretty disgusted - I have a right to express that opinion.

I don't particularly want to get into proving my credentials. I've worked in film and television for nearly 25 years. I do not have any inside information on Prometheus, except that I can tell you Jon Spaihts was not at all happy with what happened to his draft. This is second-hand information from someone who talked to him directly.

Everything I'm saying, as I've made clear, is my opinion. All I can tell you is, again, a "green light" (if indeed that exact phrase was used) is of little meaning in Hollywood terms when there is no screenplay in existence.

The phrase "green light" refers to the moment when a screenplay and director have been approved and production money is released. This has not happened yet. All that Fox have said is that they would be willing to fund a sequel if Scott wants to make it. This is not terribly surprising - Scott doesn't have much difficulty getting funding for his films.

You might also want to consider a strategic marketing element in that statement. Prometheus did respectable business but not huge business. Fox are very aware that the mainstream public have heard that the film is confusing and unsatisfying. Portraying it as the first part of a story may well stimulate admissions and home video pre-orders. It is certainly unusual timing for such a statement.

Also - when you say that actors are contracted, this simply means that they have agreed contractually to appear in a sequel IF one is made. I can pretty much guarantee you that Taylor Kitsch was/is contracted to appear in the sequel to John Carter. This does not mean that a sequel is going to be made. There is a time limit on such options, too.

As much as it might seem to you that forums like this or even imdb are the centres of the universe, in fact they represent a very small corner of the market in studio terms. Geeks and cinephiles - be they "haters" or "fanboys" - do not account for a big slice of the pie either way. I don't know if you meet any general public but I can assure you the word is not good. I would bet that if a prime-time chat-show host made a gag about something being "more confusing/disappointing/boring than Prometheus", everyone would get the joke.

Like I said, I'm not saying a sequel shouldn't be made. I'm not even arguing about anything. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, I think it's unlikely the sequel will be made. I'm prepared to be wrong. What irks me is that people buy the basic lie that the plot-holes and illogicalities of Prometheus are all part of some grand strategy.

I'll tell you what's getting a sequel - THE HOBBIT is getting a sequel. How do I know? Because they've filmed it. If Scott had insisted that Prometheus be two films, he would have got that "green-lit" and it would have been announced as such. Scott is way too experienced to short-change a movie on the basis that it MIGHT get a sequel; there's no surer way to ensure that it doesn't get one. This is Hollywood 101. That much I know.

"Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Fox president of production Emma Watts confirmed that "Prometheus 2" is officially on track, with an eye toward a 2014 or 2015 release. Ridley Scott remains on board, according to Fox, though "Lost" co-creator Damon Lindelof might not be able to return for screenwriting duties because he "might not be available." Actors Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace, both of whom survive through the ending of the first film, are already signed for the sequel."

So, what does officially on track mean to you? To me, it means it has been approved and is going to happen.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by duggie walker

As much as it might seem to you that forums like this or even imdb are the centres of the universe, in fact they represent a very small corner of the market in studio terms. Geeks and cinephiles - be they "haters" or "fanboys" - do not account for a big slice of the pie either way. I don't know if you meet any general public but I can assure you the word is not good. I would bet that if a prime-time chat-show host made a gag about something being "more confusing/disappointing/boring than Prometheus", everyone would get the joke.

Like I said, I'm not saying a sequel shouldn't be made. I'm not even arguing about anything. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, I think it's unlikely the sequel will be made. I'm prepared to be wrong. What irks me is that people buy the basic lie that the plot-holes and illogicalities of Prometheus are all part of some grand strategy.

I'll tell you what's getting a sequel - THE HOBBIT is getting a sequel. How do I know? Because they've filmed it. If Scott had insisted that Prometheus be two films, he would have got that "green-lit" and it would have been announced as such. Scott is way too experienced to short-change a movie on the basis that it MIGHT get a sequel; there's no surer way to ensure that it doesn't get one. This is Hollywood 101. That much I know.

And thats exactly the point I was making. Those of use here represent the extreme minority on both sides of the spectrum, and our opinions count for nothing. What does count however is the $400 million in box office returns, and that means, more Prometheus.

As far as being irked that people got more out of the plot than you did...I don't see how you can really be upset about that. Film is subjective and different people react to different things. Thats doesn't make them terrible people, it just means that their experience was different than yours. So putting so much time and effort into such a subjective point of view is a mystery. Nothing to be upset about.

Originally Posted by duggie walker

Robin Hood's worldwide gross - $321,669,741 against budget of $151 million.
Prometheus - $402, 616, 908 against budget of $180 million

I am curious about the source for your budget numbers for Prometheus, I have heard it ranged form as low to $90 million to $130 million but I have never seen an accredited source for the numbers.

EDIT:

In fact ABC was reporting it was $130 million here: http://entertainment.nbcnews.com/_ne...ffice-win?lite

Quite an accomplishment for an R rated science fiction film.

[Kaiju]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'll never understand why some people have to pump so much time and effort simply to hate a film.

+1

Indeed. Some people must truly have nothing better to do... kinda sad. Oh well.

[raygendreau]

Just a case of deja vu all over again. One month ago: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...1&postcount=30

[srinivas1015]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'll never understand why some people have to pump so much time and effort simply to hate a film.

This exactly. A guy who apparently (and I quote) 'doesn't have enough time to watch movies he doesn't like' apparently has enough time to diss on those same movies he didn't have time to see in long posts on the Internet .

Originally Posted by duggie walker

An "internet fan"? Seriously? Is that like a "mobile phone fan" or a "postal service fan"? What a meaningless slur.

I am not a "hater" either. I am 45, not 15. I do not have enough time to go and see movies I know in advance I will hate. I payed my money to see Prometheus, I went in hoping it would be brilliant, I came out pretty disgusted - I have a right to express that opinion.

I don't particularly want to get into proving my credentials. I've worked in film and television for nearly 25 years. I do not have any inside information on Prometheus, except that I can tell you Jon Spaihts was not at all happy with what happened to his draft. This is second-hand information from someone who talked to him directly.

Everything I'm saying, as I've made clear, is my opinion. All I can tell you is, again, a "green light" (if indeed that exact phrase was used) is of little meaning in Hollywood terms when there is no screenplay in existence.

The phrase "green light" refers to the moment when a screenplay and director have been approved and production money is released. This has not happened yet. All that Fox have said is that they would be willing to fund a sequel if Scott wants to make it. This is not terribly surprising - Scott doesn't have much difficulty getting funding for his films.

You might also want to consider a strategic marketing element in that statement. Prometheus did respectable business but not huge business. Fox are very aware that the mainstream public have heard that the film is confusing and unsatisfying. Portraying it as the first part of a story may well stimulate admissions and home video pre-orders. It is certainly unusual timing for such a statement.

Also - when you say that actors are contracted, this simply means that they have agreed contractually to appear in a sequel IF one is made. I can pretty much guarantee you that Taylor Kitsch was/is contracted to appear in the sequel to John Carter. This does not mean that a sequel is going to be made. There is a time limit on such options, too.

As much as it might seem to you that forums like this or even imdb are the centres of the universe, in fact they represent a very small corner of the market in studio terms. Geeks and cinephiles - be they "haters" or "fanboys" - do not account for a big slice of the pie either way. I don't know if you meet any general public but I can assure you the word is not good. I would bet that if a prime-time chat-show host made a gag about something being "more confusing/disappointing/boring than Prometheus", everyone would get the joke.

Like I said, I'm not saying a sequel shouldn't be made. I'm not even arguing about anything. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, I think it's unlikely the sequel will be made. I'm prepared to be wrong. What irks me is that people buy the basic lie that the plot-holes and illogicalities of Prometheus are all part of some grand strategy.

I'll tell you what's getting a sequel - THE HOBBIT is getting a sequel. How do I know? Because they've filmed it. If Scott had insisted that Prometheus be two films, he would have got that "green-lit" and it would have been announced as such. Scott is way too experienced to short-change a movie on the basis that it MIGHT get a sequel; there's no surer way to ensure that it doesn't get one. This is Hollywood 101. That much I know.

[SirMontyPython]

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

This exactly. A guy who apparently (and I quote) 'doesn't have enough time to watch movies he doesn't like' apparently has enough time dissing on those same movies he didn't have time to see in long posts on the Internet .

[Grumpz]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'll never understand why some people have to pump so much time and effort simply to hate a film.

I'll never understand why people have to pump so much time and effort simply to love a film...an average one at that.

[Monkey]

Originally Posted by Grumpz

I'll never understand why people have to pump so much time and effort simply to love a film...an average one at that.

Truly a crime to post excitement in a thread about a movie you are excited about and discuss it with others who are excited about it. Same with those sports fans showing excitement for a team they cheer for, how dare they!!

I spend hours on Barbie forums as I hate Barbie..oh wait I don't. What is wrong with me

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

This exactly. A guy who apparently (and I quote) 'doesn't have enough time to watch movies he doesn't like' apparently has enough time to diss on those same movies he didn't have time to see in long posts on the Internet .

LOL!

[Lutz]

$400 million is also a good return on what was a relatively conservative budget ($100 million?).

To put it in perspective that's how much Fincher spent on Dragon Tattoo remake.

[j128v897]

Originally Posted by Grumpz

I'll never understand why people have to pump so much time and effort simply to love a film...an average one at that.

This guy is cool.

[Taipan]

Originally Posted by Grumpz

I'll never understand why people have to pump so much time and effort simply to love a film...an average one at that.

Human nature in some respects, and its actually constructive. Negativity breeds hate, hate leads to fear, and fear leads to the dark side. There can be only one Vader, buddy.

[raygendreau]

Prometheus is more than a movie. It is a multimedia experience. If you are interested, join us.

https://community.projectprometheus.com/User/LogOn

[Grumpz]

Originally Posted by Monkey

Truly a crime to post excitement in a thread about a movie you are excited about and discuss it with others who are excited about it. Same with those sports fans showing excitement for a team they cheer for, how dare they!!

Turn about is fair play. Spending time posting your dislikes on a topic is no different than posting your likes.

[Duffy12]

.

Well with the $5 dollar dvd trade in that Best Buy is starting tomorrow, I might go ahead and pick it up there for $14.99 instead of waiting for Black Friday.

Decisions, decisions.

.

[raygendreau]

Now, here's something you won't find in the extras on the blu-ray:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=ORjOmDJIEqc

[groove93]

I can't tell you how many times I've watched this film. I have it on my HTPC via Itunes, on my Ipad, the Sound Track, it's just a joy to watch. I have the BD on a delivery truck today as well.

One thing that really makes this film stand out and why I'm glad some of the extended and deleted scenes were not part of the Theatrical Release is the fact that it does not give you too much information. In Alien, we see glimpses of this creature in the dark, not a lot of long shots, etc etc. In Prometheus we peak into what we now know is the demise of a good number of Engineers, but we don't know why or how this all started.

I also believe that if the Fans wanted the "Cameron Treatment", then they should watch "The Thing", because this is what the film could have turned into considering what happens when lifeforms come in contact with what's in the Ampules.

The thought of seeing Fifield or Holloway fully transform into something extremely deadly, this is what makes my mind wander and my imagination go wild. Don't give me everything on a silver platter, hold back for a bit and let the audience think about what they "think" they actually saw on screen.

All I can say for now is Thank you to Ridley Scott and the cast and crew of this film!!