Forum Topic

Spartacus
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 9:48 AM[b]I TOOK HOME 7 OF THESE AFTERWARDS!!![/b]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LT.HIGHTIMES/1a1b4.jpg[/img]
[b]AND ON THE WAY OUT OF THEIR GRABBED TWO OF THESE AS WELL...[/b]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LT.HIGHTIMES/1a1b6.jpg[/img]
[b]What is it that makes some people say a science fiction movie is bad?[/b]
A movie can be considered bad science fiction if the plot or story in the movie depend on the violations of any of the following principles.
The science in the movie contradicts itself.
The science in the movie contradicts known scientific principles and without explanation while not following popular science fiction conventions.
The science in the movie does not follow accepted science fiction norms and conventions without explaining why it does not.
The characters in the movie are unable to draw obvious conclusions based on the scientific knowledge available to them.
Can bad science fiction movies be entertaining?
Absolutely, if the movie makers are good enough salesmen but that doesn't make them good science fiction. Star Wars anybody.
What's the difference between bad science fiction and fantasy?
We can and might imagine the events in a science fiction movie could actually take place in the future given the advancement of technology.
Science fiction movies contain the 'pretext of plausibility'.
Fantasy movies do not, they are strictly fairy tales.
Therefore bad science fiction movies are not fantasy.
A few examples of bad science fiction movies.
Red Planet - Violated Rule number three. The astronauts didn't know they could breath the Martian atmosphere even though they were scientists there to study the planet.
I Robot – This one really makes no sense. The most respected robotisist in the world is being held against his will in a robotics laboratory. So he builds a super advanced robot but instead of sending the robot to the police for help, decides to talk the robot into killing him in order to draw attention to the fact that he is being held against his will. The killer robot then runs away and hides. An investigation into the murder subsequently reveals the main plot about a computer trying to take over the world. At the end of the movie they let the killer robot go because there is no law against robots killing people.
This one breaks all the Rules and is unwatchable by science fiction fans.
Armageddon – A killer asteroid is headed for earth. So astronauts use a nuclear bomb to blow it apart. Of course this should have created a lot of smaller but still deadly asteroids. Rule number three violated.
[b]What makes for a good science fiction movie?[/b]
Good science fiction movies follow these principles.
The technology in the movie extrapolates from but does not violate known scientific principles. This of course is hard science fiction.
When known scientific principles are violated the movie explains why and how.
when known scientific principles are violated without explanation the movie follows popular science fiction conventions.
Now a few good science fiction movies.
I won't say to much about these movies in case you haven't seen them. You really should see them they are superb.
Blade Runner – This movie is filled with compelling characters each one trying to discover what it means to be human. Even if they are not.
Planet of the Apes – This movie very effectively tackles racial discrimination. No not the remake, the original movie.
Forbidden Planet – This movie tackles the question of whether or not some technology is to powerful to wield. This one is dated so give it some slack.
Serenity – Originally a TV show called Firefly. Serenity is a really fun film with great characters. All though it doesn't effectively deal with the serious political issues it raises.
Alien - No explanation needed.
2001 & A Clockwork Orange both spectacular and ditto!
But Finally, let's not forget the most important thing of all.
A science fiction movie should be fun to watch and for that it needs to have all the other ingredients of a good movie.
A compelling story to pull us in. Intriguing characters whose fate we must know, and movie makers who respect their audience and have something to say.
it is in this regard that i now say this...
[b]P*R*O*M*E*T*H*E*U*S[/b]
...BLEW MY MIND!!!
IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND SPECIAL MOTION PICTURE.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LT.HIGHTIMES/1a1b2.jpg[/img]
The story has 100% of zero freaking holes in it but i suspect those who did not like it and said this felt their belief in religion slammed and so this is how they react, by lashing out and saying the film is crap...and don't say i didn't warn everyone about this 8 months ago please...lol...
..furthermore to say this film is crap defies logic, because it is in fact the Opposite IMHO, A Brilliantly Creative and Crafted, Riveting, Experience unlike any other I have ever seen heard and felt inside a theater...EVER !!!
In fact 5 seconds in the young woman sitting next to me with her boyfriend turned to me and said this while he was tearing into his Nachos...and the THX intro for Dolby Sound or the new one just like those old ones came up and launched images that passed right through all of our bodies...and she turned to me and said..."Well, That was worth my $20 Bucks, We Can All Go Home Now", and because I was sitting in the symmetrical center of the theater every single person in it heard it and erupted simultaneously with laughter.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LT.HIGHTIMES/1a1b3.jpg[/img]
The Leap in technology this film took is so staggering it made Avatar look Like..well..."Avatarded". It made almost every single science fiction film I have ever seen look almost bad...even some of the good ones...It is that special. I did notice however that they still haven't quite figured out how to keep the focus clarity while the cameras are panning or dolly hopping.
The dialogue was one of the best parts of the film and was also quite fantastically humorous at times.
None of the character portrayals were any kind of problem for me nor was the story which I found to be compelling and far more exciting than any other subject matter in practically every other single science fiction film we see pop up in today's days! Not Only that but I would go as far as to say this...Theron, Rapace, and Fassbender all deserve Oscars for their work in this thing...BUT Mostly Fassbender, and if does not win the Oscar for best portrayal of an android I have ever seen something is seriously even more wrong then we already know in Phoneywood!!!
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LT.HIGHTIMES/1a1b1.jpg[/img]
Michael Fassbender's Performance is a Tour De Force that lifts and pulls up the entire film, and that's beats you over the head with it in a Stunning Plot twist! Absolutely STUNNING !!! and very "O'Toole" Like of him!!!
That performance will win an Oscar no question in MY mind and if not it will not be for not deserving it
The Only Question I was left with at the end was Not whether what I just saw was a Masterpiece or not but rather, Why did the Engineer Sacrifice himself at the start of the film...?... and what DNA wormhole has Ridley Opened up now...?... oh the sweet f'n glory of his genius mind I love him now even more than ever!!!! For reasons too "enumerant" to enumerate here.
THE FILM IS BEYOND ANY SHADOW OF ANY DOUBT FAR SUPERIOR TO ALL THE REST OF YOUR CONVENTIONAL FILMS !!!
[b]This truly is AN EVENT and a MUST SEE IN IMAX 3D!!![/b]
I give this thing an easy 9.3 on 10 stars.
i SAY IT RIVALS "2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY" EASILY... AND AT SOME POINTS SURPASSES ALIEN FOR TOTAL TECHNOLOGICAL PERFECTION!!!
It is what Film Making is supposed to be about!
Losing yourself for 2 whole hours in remarkable visuals and fascinating story lines and interactions all melding together to form the core of one of the best SOUNDING motion picture I have ever heard.
The Musical Score is Breath Taking and I was in Heaven every time I recognized the strains of it...
THE SOUND EFFECTS WERE "SPOT ON", IN MY THEATER AT LEAST...
The Flute, all I heard over here was people complaining about the Flute, are YOU KIDDING ME...?...WILDLY CREATIVE starting up the Hologram of EARTH that was, Just freaking Brilliant man what do you want for crying out loud that was Freaking brilliant...I say again... man...lol...!
And of course if you do NOT GET that this film is a GIFT to us all and to just the process of film Making itself you should have nothing to say here!
IT IS A G-D DAMNED CERTIFIABLE BLOODY AMAZING GIFT TO ALL OF US WHO LOVE AND APPRECIATE HOW HARD IT IS TO MAKE A FILM THAT'S THAT FANTASTIC!!!
It is time to celebrate what is beyond any doubt a Stellar Motion Picture In Every Sense Of The Word and one Created By A Stellar and Master Film Maker...MY Freaking Hero and I'm proud of it...Ridley Scott !!!!!
72 Replies

brightonrock
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 9:56 AMReally glad you enjoyed it man.
A question.
Which stunning plot twist of David's is this?!

Mark Cawley
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 9:56 AMWell Star Trek had communicators......now we have mobile phones.

RSAND
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 9:59 AMCome on Spartacus. Don't hold back. Please let us know how much you loved this film;
Seriously. That was a very good description and dissection of what makes a film good. I can only imagine how difficult of a job it was to make Prometheus.
I am going in NOT thinking of Alien but with an open mind to something new.
Thanks for the detailed post.

brightonrock
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:01 AMSo why do you think the engineers were coming to kill us Spartacus?

Slipp_Digby
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:01 AM..."Well, That was worth my $20 Bucks, We Can All Go Home Now", and because I was sitting in the symmetrical center of the theater every single person in it heard it and erupted simultaneously with laughter.
Is it possible she was being saracastic?

Merc7
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:03 AM@SamboJim LMFAO! Yeah, with emphasis on EXTREME! Fun to read though!

brightonrock
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:04 AM'[i]The story has 100% of zero freaking holes in it...[/i]'

Frantz
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:09 AMimagine when he will see it for the second time ( it really did improve the experience for me ) ....great review sparty

WhyDontTheyFreezeHim
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:10 AMIm confused. Sparty, are you being sarcastic here, my friend? I mean I gather you truly liked the film but I dunno....my sarcasm radar is going off :/
And that lady was obviously being sarcastic...unless she is the most easily pleased lady in the entire universe...where do I meet women like that lol

Powereddie
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:10 AMwell,... here´s a perfect example of confirmation bias... Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.
:)

Spartacus
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:13 AM[quote]So why do you think the engineers were coming to kill us Spartacus?[/quote]
Not sure but I love that he left us with so many future possibilities but someone else on here said the other day said this...or something very close to it..."What, am I supposed to believe that these guys are just bad asses with a hard on for killing humans"?...,and my answer would be, I guess so if That's where Ridley Wants to take it...
I have to say 1 thing I forgot...I respect the Opinion of those whom did not like it, I just Loved it myself and preface that by saying I will always LOVE & ADORE anything that is THAT creative Man!
You cannot deny how bloody creative that was if you know film...right?...

Shadowcaster
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:14 AMGreat write up Spartacus!
I truly wish I could have seen this last night, or tonight for that matter. My small army of friends joining me for this pleaded to me to go in a weeks time so that we can miss the crowds. I have reluctantly agreed!
Sadly already I know too much of the story, but I can get past that. What I know is only a brief summary, and this does not include what I assume will be amazing visuals.
I am ready to have my mind blown! I am ready to walk in there and knowing that it is not at all what we all expected story-wise, to walk out after and have something to ponder and talk about for a long time.
Again Spartacus thanks for your wonderful, and relatively spoiler free review. Your passion for movies and science fiction has made you invaluable to this site and has always had me reading your threads!

mr pest
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:14 AMFreeze him I know women like that but they cost £60 for the hour

brightonrock
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:15 AMFair enough!
I don't think any of us hate it. Not really. There's disappointment. Sure. But no hatred. But there are definitely issues. I'm not gonna go over them (we've done that dance enough elsewhere) but it's good you enjoyed it.
I for one AM glad that films of this nature are being made at big-budget standards and have a firm place in the multi-plex.

DAVROS59
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:15 AMNot a fan-boy blinkered review at all then.
Why did the guy mapping the place get lost.
How did Prometheus lose track of him when he is identified in the 3d hologram the PUPs mapped out.
Why did the biologist want to leave when he came across the new life form corpses.He knew new life forms must have existed at one point cos the temples dont build themselves.
Why didnt Ford and other tech not chase Shaw after she slapped them and ran away.
What happened to the Mercs who "did" Fifield and survived.
Prometheus is mot a dreadful movie by any stretch but its by no means briliant either.The motifs explored are hardly groundbreaking and some of the acting is as haphazard and errtic as the script and story line .
Istand by my 7/10 mark. As for technological perfection Guy Pearce make up give me a break,Cobraliens rape of milburnvery stagey looking.
Sadly didntexpect any different review from Spartacus.Now awaiting the similar gushing unobjective melange from bughunter...lol

WhyDontTheyFreezeHim
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:15 AMIt [i]is[/i] incredibly creative, sparty...and a beautiful work of art. Glad you liked....loved it :)
Bring on the sequel!

WhyDontTheyFreezeHim
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:18 AM@Mr pest - lol too much for me man. I'll pass.

ShinobiX9X
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:20 AMbrightonrock, where the hell in the movie can you know the engineers are going to kill anyone anywhere.
you all had that idea before the movie was even made, and just can't let it go.
unless i'm wrong but i can't see it

WhyDontTheyFreezeHim
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:21 AM@brightonrock - Right, no hatred from me either...just disappointment and shock at first...which Ive now got over. Ive watched it 3 times now and the more I watch, the more I accept it and like it...but the problems(which I wont go into again here) still remain for me.
Still a big fan...eagerly waiting more from novels and sequels etc etc

SaintsSinphony
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:23 AMSpartacus
I had a good first viewing but the second viewing I went to made it even better. I was able to really enjoy the ride and wasn't looking for all the things we have talked about and speculated on. I'd recommend (Im sure you will) seeing a second time because Prometheus has a lot of story going on. At first I had some continuity issues but upon second viewing I was like "oh that is what is goin on".
How about that Juggernaut and Prometheus ship collision and then rolling toward Shaw? To me that was epic and I've never seen anything that visually rich in a film.

Spartacus
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:26 AM@Mr Pest, LOL.
@ ShadowCaster thank you , really man, very classy of you to say that, I just called it like I see it and again I do get why people wanted a totally different film...and that's cool, perhaps if they are patient, they'll get it because at the very least I think this thing sets up 2 really deep sequels that answer even if in just some small way all the issues everyone wanted addressed...I think it was obvious there at the end that Ridley was holding back the best of what he has in mind and I think that will most certainly include... when ALL IS SAID AND DONE WITH ALL 3 FILMS...just why it is in fact... that the Engineer did that at the beginning!!!
Also someone asked me about the Twist With David, it is DAVID8 that enrages and provokes the Engineer at the end!!! David8 also Had his own Agenda, and it was David8 that directly and one might claim deliberately and with malice of fore thought {Murder} cause the death of Holloway!

brightonrock
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:28 AM@ShinobiX9X
You're right. No one [i]confirms[/i] it.
BUT
The characters themselves ALL say it! Am i now meant to disbelieve the characters?! Have we reached such a point of utterly mad speculation that we're now starting to disbelieve the script itself?!?!
In the film they say: they were headed to earth to destroy us. I'm going to accept that as a solid principle.
We can only speculate so far.

Engineering
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:30 AMNiiice, Sparty!
The movie blew my mind as well and my mind is also blown trying to figure out why people think it's bad. I mean, saying the film is shit is bonkers. Half the comlaints I heard are bonkers as well.
And while I haven't read anyone else have the same opinion I'm going to go ahead and have the balls to say this...
Better...than...Alien!
BTW, I snagged 12 of the posters! None are going up for sale though. I'm going to give them to frineds if they go see the movie at least twice.
I'm off to see it again today at a Cinemark theatre so I can get one of the free t-shirts.
[IMG]http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q507/Engineering211/sig2.jpg[/IMG]

ShinobiX9X
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:31 AMbrightonrock
janek sees a military base, shaw sees deatch, david say something like, to create you have to destroy.
so you see scarey thoughts are created into the characters minds, we as specator are allowed to know more, but we don't really do.

ShinobiX9X
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:33 AMrepdetec: i did whisper that before, but now i can say it louder, i think it's better as well.
alien was a very good space horror scary movie,
this has a huge going story (i hope hhaha)

brightonrock
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:35 AM@ShinobiX9X
Agreed with all of that.
The implication is that they were going to destroy us. They might not? We don't know yet.
My point is: you can't tell me it's wrong for me to believe this plot-point. As the audience: we're meant to.
'[i]brightonrock, where the hell in the movie can you know the engineers are going to kill anyone anywhere[/i]'
It's IN the film?! The script writer wants us to believe that's what's happening surely? Your tone suggests i'm a fool for going-with one of the main premises of the script?

mr pest
MemberOvomorphJun-08-2012 10:40 AMGlad you enjoyed it
personally I'd rate the movie a 6/10 as i feel there's room for improvement but youve backed up why you liked it well and not everyone will take the same things away from the movie as each other
And wouldn't life be boring if we all agreed on everything? for starters there wouldn't be the end for forums like this
Thanks again for posting your review it was an enjoyable read and look forward to discussing the inevitable sequel with ya
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