Prometheus (2012)

Directed By: Ridley Scott

Written By: Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba and Michael Fassbender

Synopsis:

Evolutionists had it all wrong.

Musings:

How come it’s difficult for me to be positive about these films that spend a bazillion dollars on special effects and have gargantuan sets? The difficulty with reviewing blockbusters is that it’s all been said. The story is weak but the movie is visually stunning, blah… blah… blah…  How many conversations can we have about the films’ overt commentary on religion and evolution, that’s as sharp as a butter knife handle? As I ponder these questions that sit heavy on my bosom, I will suck it up and take a leap.

The world that Ridley Scott creates is pretty, pretty, pretty cool. His mix of high-end computer graphics and real world Kubrick aesthetic, a la 2001, while somehow remaining true to Alien circa 1979, was real tasty. It reminded me of where Lucas went completely wrong with the new Star Wars. A slow clap is in order.

The performances were pretty good. The standout was Michael Fassbender who again had a very Kubrick feel to his acting. There are elements that scare me in his performance and remind me of what could go wrong, as we continue to build computers that are more powerful than our brains. Isn’t it funny to look back at books and movies that describe dystopian futures where elements have some how come true? 1984? Back to the Future? Must be some kind of prophecy or are we just creating history based on these elements?  Let’s hope Prometheus isn’t indicative of what’s to come.

Problem: The new Ripley isn’t as rad as Sigorney Weaver

Mood for watching: Paranoid

What to eat and drink: Bread pudding and cola

If I made it: I wouldn’t half ass the philosophical elements

Why watch: To see how Ridley makes coin

Shame (2011)

Directed By: Steve McQueen

Written By: Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan and James Badge Dale

Synopsis:

An important rule to live by: don’t download or look at porn on your work computer.

Musings:

Okay I get it Michael Fassbender is well endowed. I think he’s a tremendous talent but seriously, keep your pants on for at least one film. It wasn’t his member that disappointed me, it was his performance. I thought it was flat, however I don’t lay all the blame in his proverbial court, the director, Steve McQueen can share it.

Shame is the sophomore film for director McQueen. Not only does he have a wicked namesake, he’s got talent oozing from his pores. That’s why I’m surprised that this film would follow his first (Hunger), which was the cream of the crop. I feel like he was trying to go for a controversial subject (sex addiction) but totally missed the controversy. If you’re going to tackle this subject either satirize it or make the audience uncomfortable. The only image that made me uncomfortable was Fassbender’s character taking a leak without lifting the toilet seat. Unless he has the best aim in the world, he really needs to lift that seat. McQueen’s central character was cliché and lacked the audiences’ sympathy that he was looking for.

The greatest thing this film has to offer is a fantastic tracking shot of Fassbender jogging in NYC.

Problem: Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No.16 in G minor BWV 885

Mood for watching: Lonely

What to eat and drink: Scrambled eggs and a dry martini

If I made it: I wouldn’t

Why watch: It’s really big