So Ridley Scott is directing an Alien prequel... (The official Prometheus Thread)

[Jay 46,241]

Worse than Indiana Jones 4?

[Koray Savas 2,260]

The Lost World has its moments. Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull virtually has none.

[indy4 160]

I caught parts of TLW on TV yesterday, and I quite enjoyed it. I agree with Thor--as entertainment the franchise is fantastic. Although I don't remember enough about JP3 to remember if I enjoyed it.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

It's pretty awful.

[Jill Sandwich 11,164]

Worse than Indiana Jones 4?

There's an Indiana Jones 4? WAAAH'T??

[Brónach 1,330]

The Lost World has its moments. Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull virtually has none.

I agree. Not that I'm a fan of The Lost World, but it's more fun that Crystal Skull.

[Admiral Holdo 16]

So I got out of the movie a little while ago. What the fuck did I just watch?

[BloodBoal 8,711]

Ridley Scott's Space Train Wreck

[Admiral Holdo 16]

Event Horizon and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, more like.

[Incanus 5,890]

Oh wow we switched from discussion on Prometheus to the classic "KotCS sucks" tirade. That movie obviously haunts people's memories quite strongly and is used like a blunt instrument around here.

[Admiral Holdo 16]

Hey, I didn't see that. And to be fair, that wasn't necessarily a rip on KOTCS (though I found it a chore to sit through, and I'll sit through a lot!).

[Brónach 1,330]

Well both are related to a classic film from the same era and both have ancient astronauts in it.

[Thor 9,362]

I actually like CRYSTAL SKULL too. Sure, there were flaws here and there, but it gets too much flack in fan forums. Like PROMETHEUS, in fact. Seems to be a recurrent feature when people make movies in established and beloved franchises that run back into the viewers childhoods. I'm tempted to ask if anyone here has ever seen a new film in a (long-running) franchise that you loved when it came out, preferably in recent times?

[Incanus 5,890]

Well I guess KotCS has become sort of a prime example of director returning to a sequel of a considerably older succesful/classic movie and producing a dud and of course in the process letting the fans of the older movie(s) down. So I guess some people feel comparison between Prometheus and KotCS is justified in that respect. But KotCS really is like something you can always take out of the closet and embarass people in a conversation. Everybody looks away a bit uncomfortable and mumble "Oh yeah, there's always that one yes..."

[indy4 160]

I'm tempted to ask if anyone here has ever seen a new film in a (long-running) franchise that you loved when it came out, preferably in recent times?

KotCS and the SW prequels...but I'm one of the few on this MB.

[Brónach 1,330]

I actually like CRYSTAL SKULL too. Sure, there were flaws here and there, but it gets too much flack in fan forums.

It doesn't get too much flack, it gets what it deserves. You just have to compare it to a great film like the previous one or the next one in Spielberg's career. Abysmal difference. I don't hate it, it was just a bump in the middle of the road, but at the time I had a pretty big disappointment over it. I remember I rewrote it.

As for your question, Toy Story 3.

[Thor 9,362]

I actually like CRYSTAL SKULL too. Sure, there were flaws here and there, but it gets too much flack in fan forums.

It doesn't get too much flack, it gets what it deserves. You just have to compare it to a great film like the previous one or the next one in Spielberg's career. Abysmal difference. I don't hate it, it was just a bump in the middle of the road, but at the time I had a pretty big disappointment over it. I remember I rewrote it.

As for your question, Toy Story 3.

Good one.

I agree that comparisons to previous installments in whatever franchise become inevitable, but when I go and see a film like that, I try to distanciate myself from the other films as much as possible -- meeting the film on its own terms rather than meeting it with all my years of nostalgia and expectations and emotional luggage. I find that that improves the film experience a lot, at least for me. It worked for PROMETHEUS, anyway. I had insurmountable expectations that had built up for 25 years, but tried not to think of that. However, I did notice all the references throughout (some of the dialogue, the military design of the vehicles which referred to ALIENS, the Prometheus canteen which referred in look to the fatal breakfast scene canteen, the way Fassbender almost channeled Ian Holm at times etc.).

[Admiral Holdo 16]

I really like Superman Returns, though it's deeply flawed.

[A24 5,155]

I actually like CRYSTAL SKULL too. Sure, there were flaws here and there, but it gets too much flack in fan forums. Like PROMETHEUS, in fact. Seems to be a recurrent feature when people make movies in established and beloved franchises that run back into the viewers childhoods. I'm tempted to ask if anyone here has ever seen a new film in a (long-running) franchise that you loved when it came out, preferably in recent times?

Thor, let's not forget that you like practically all of Scott's movies and so it should come as no surprise that Prometheus forms no exception.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

Ebert loves it Alex, if that means anything to you!

[Thor 9,362]

I actually like CRYSTAL SKULL too. Sure, there were flaws here and there, but it gets too much flack in fan forums. Like PROMETHEUS, in fact. Seems to be a recurrent feature when people make movies in established and beloved franchises that run back into the viewers childhoods. I'm tempted to ask if anyone here has ever seen a new film in a (long-running) franchise that you loved when it came out, preferably in recent times?

Thor, let's not forget that you like practically all of Scott's movies and so it should come as no surprise that Prometheus forms no exception.

He, he....I like a lot of them (he's not my second favourite director for nothing), but there are some not-so-good too -- for example, I have issues with MATCHSTICK MEN, AMERICAN GANGSTER and BODY OF LIES. And the theatrical cut of KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (the director's cut is a masterpiece, however....it's like two completely different movies!). LEGEND was a mess, but still a marvel. A GOOD YEAR was so saturated, it literally dripped. But an interesting exercise.

To see some of his 'artfilm' aesthetic in action in recent times, check out the "Jonathan" segment that he did in the anthology film ALL THE INVISIBLE CHILDREN, together with his daughter Jordan. Beautiful.

[Jay 46,241]

I'm tempted to ask if anyone here has ever seen a new film in a (long-running) franchise that you loved when it came out, preferably in recent times?

That's because most of the time when a studio returns to some long running franchise its because they want to make money, not because there's a brilliant, creative idea that needs to be filmed.

The only ones generally accepted to be good are Casino Royale, Toy Story 3, American Reunion, Poirot, and Dr Who

[A24 5,155]

Ebert loves it Alex, if that means anything to you!

Well, he did reward Watchmen with 4 stars as well ... And who doesn't love the Ebert who said: "Alien is a much more cerebral movie than its sequels, with the characters (and the audience) genuinely engaged in curiosity about this weirdest of lifeforms". OTOH, it took him a long time before he included Blade Runner into his list of Great Movies ... which means Roger Ebert isn't infallible.

Alex

[Thor 9,362]

I'm tempted to ask if anyone here has ever seen a new film in a (long-running) franchise that you loved when it came out, preferably in recent times?

That's because most of the time when a studio returns to some long running franchise its because they want to make money, not because there's a brilliant, creative idea that needs to be filmed.

The only ones generally accepted to be good are Casino Royale, Toy Story 3, American Reunion, Poirot, and Dr Who

I won't deny that that's an important factor in many cases, but I also think it's a bit too cynical, generally speaking.

Whatever the case, I've always been a firm believer in judging the work on its own terms, whatever the background or however it came into being. Even the most commercially driven film can be bloody brilliant, just as an artfilm can be pure drivel. And vice versa.

[Quintus 6,494]

Just be honest: you like almost every high profile movie you see and it bugs you when others don't share your enthusiasm.

There's nothing cynical about some people not liking Prometheus at all, so please stop trying to put that spin on it. It's arrogant and irritating.

[BloodBoal 8,711]

[JoeinAR 1,957]

The Lost World has its moments. Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull virtually has none.

both are better than munich. especially in terms of entertainment. it goes without saying both have better scores.

[Sharkissimo 1,978]

The Lost World has its moments. Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull virtually has none.

both are better than munich. especially in terms of entertainment. it goes without saying both have better scores.

Munich's a masterpiece, one of Spielberg's finest. Sure, it ain't popcorn entertainment, but it was never intended as such.

Oh and KOTCS has the brilliant fridge scene. That's counts for something.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

no munich is not a masterpiece, it's a vile film, a snuff film,

[Jay 46,241]

How so?

[Quintus 6,494]

Lol, here we go again ^_^

[BLUMENKOHL 1,110]

I don't understand how Munich has a bearing on what a good film Prometheus is. Yes, Prometheus is a good film. The first two minutes alone are some of the best cinema I've seen in a long time. A visual feast.

Munich...zzzzZZZzzzz.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

I find it to be Spielberg using his status and religion to portray the point of view that revenge or vengence is a legitimate form of action. I find the film extremely heavy handed and over the top in that respect.

I find the last shot to be an insult to those who lost family and loved ones in 911, it's a cheap final shot used to legitimize his film.

[A24 5,155]

It's far from Spielberg's masterpiece but it's not about legitimizing revenge or vengeance either, quite the opposite actually, Joey.

[Quintus 6,494]

I find it to be Spielberg using his status and religion to portray the point of view that revenge or vengence is a legitimate form of action. I find the film extremely heavy handed and over the top in that respect.

I find the last shot to be an insult to those who lost family and loved ones in 911, it's a cheap final shot used to legitimize his film.

So Munich is a bad film because it offended you? How precious.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

It's far from Spielberg's masterpiece but it's not about legitimizing revenge or vengeance either, quite the opposite actually, Joey.

Joey is right, Munich is basically a Death Wish film, but with Jews and no Charles Bronson.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

I find it to be Spielberg using his status and religion to portray the point of view that revenge or vengence is a legitimate form of action. I find the film extremely heavy handed and over the top in that respect.

I find the last shot to be an insult to those who lost family and loved ones in 911, it's a cheap final shot used to legitimize his film.

So Munich is a bad film because it offended you? How precious.

it's a leigitimate a reason as any. And Alex, what exactly is the film about, it's not a historical retelling of a terrible event.

[Quintus 6,494]

It's far from Spielberg's masterpiece but it's not about legitimizing revenge or vengeance either, quite the opposite actually, Joey.

Yes. I don't think the film is a masterpiece either, but I can appreciate why some may believe it is. And that's irrespective of the director's alleged political views.

Technically, Munich is a brilliantly crafted thriller.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

most spielberg films are techinically superior,

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

Not the last 2 Indiana Jones movies though.

[Quintus 6,494]

Last Crusade is a rollicking adventure directed with supreme technical proficiency. Skull is a mess of half-hearted execution and workmanlike autopilot. So no.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

Lee I love TLC, but it has a few glaring technical faults.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

Yes, TLC is technically messy.

[Wojo 2,458]

Ok, but as long as you ignore the fact that they Mythbusted the notion of a stuck front tire flipping a motorcycle in spectacular fashion, it's still enjoyable on its own terms.

[Quintus 6,494]

Lee I love TLC, but it has a few glaring technical faults.

You're talking in literal terms though - like sfx being below par. I'm talking about Spielberg's broader technical mastery as a storyteller and action director. Last Crusade has the chops.

[Wojo 2,458]

TLC was a Raiders retread on a shoestring budget. The effects, the decision to not use the LSO, etc. show. If you look at it as the touching father-comes-to-love-and-accept-the-son-who-finally-comes-to-love-his-father adventure tale, it's superb.

[Quintus 6,494]

It's a five star classic in my eyes.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

too bad it lacked a good villain and it made a buffoons out of it's extended characters, but yes the Ford/Connery father/son love/hate affair was well done. You should see the gay version!!!

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,383]

Ok, but as long as you ignore the fact that they Mythbusted the notion of a stuck front tire flipping a motorcycle in spectacular fashion, it's still enjoyable on its own terms.

Did Mtythbusters explain why a bolt is visible on the bottom of the false Grail? Or how Indy got untangled from the gun turret?

[Quintus 6,494]

I dunno Joe, maybe it was because I was a kid at the time or something but I always really liked the three villains in LC. Walter Donovan was a great American double-crossing creep, Elsa was hot as hell as the intellectual bitch and and Vogel provided the pantomime bad guy figure head to boo at whilst cheering for Indy.

I absolutely love that movie.