VALDOSTA — “Prometheus” (Science-Fiction: 2 hours, 4 minutes)

Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron

Director: Ridley Scott

Rated: R (Violence, brief language and thematic elements)



Movie Review: In 2093, The Prometheus contains a crew of 17. They are a group of scientists, space explorers and corporate investors traveling to a distant moon. They believe this place is the origin of humanity. They think they will find answers about humanity, but their quest becomes a dark moment to save humanity’s future.    

Ridley Scott (“Alien” and “Blade Runner”) finally debuts this long-awaited feature. It is Scott’s return to the science-fiction realm. Scott’s science-fiction films helped change the genre into the modern cinema it is today. “Prometheus” is another solid piece from Scott.  

“Prometheus” does a good job as a prequel-sequel of sorts. It nicely explains the horrific space beings in the “Alien” films that started in 1979. “Prometheus” is believable and justifies the extraterrestrials of the “Alien” films.

The cast is solid. This exists because Scott gives you just enough time to know these people before he puts them and their philosophies of life to the test.    

The film does have a few awkward moments near the end. They distract but do not lower the value of this entertainment. This is a nice, slow-moving production with dramatic, science fiction moments. It is not thrilling like the “Alien” series of films that debuted in 1979.

The biggest problem is that this screenplay leaves many unanswered questions. The use of a younger actor, the talented Guy Pearce, to play an old man leaves one to think Scott has more in store for these characters. Otherwise, this is odd. Surely, he could find an older actor to play the part.

The giant humanoid aliens appear very interesting. It would appear they had an ambitious goal. David is an android played superbly by Fassbender. David appears to have an agenda of his own — one that appears to differ from his human creators. Finally, the ending leaves one wanting more after two lead characters trek to another part of the universe.

While these unknowns distract, they do not take away from this otherwise superb film. These unknowns add to the mystery. This alone makes “Prometheus” enjoyable. It not what one expects, but it is mysteriously brilliant.    

Grade: B (A titan of a movie)

 

“Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted” (Animation/Family: 1 hour, 33 minutes)

Starring Voices: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer and Frances McDormand

Directors: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon              

Rated: PG (Violence)



Movie Review: Alex (Stiller), Marty (Rock), Gloria (Pinkett Smith) and Melman (Schwimmer) are trying their best to return to their zoo in New York City. The lion, zebra, hippopotamus and giraffe leave Africa, only to arrive in Europe. There, they travel with a circus to Morocco, London and Rome. As they travel, they are aggressively tracked by Capt. Chantel DuBois (McDormand), a ruthless French animal-control specialist.

This third addition to the “Madagascar” series is just as funny. These animated animals are very funny. Chris Rock’s Marty the Zebra is still a main highlight. He inspires laughs throughout. The addition of McDormand as Capt. DuBois is very entertaining. She sings a very interesting version of the French song “I regret nothing” (“Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”).

Technically, the graphics are superb. They render a nice three-dimensional perspective, even when just viewing the 2D version. Parents should note that your small fries should really enjoy the 3D version.

If nothing else, Chris Rock’s Marty singing a catchy little tune called “Circus Afro” should have the entire family in a good mood. Audiences should want to enjoy this adventure. For entertainment, these animals are very wanted.

Grade: B (Fun movie! Fun movie! Fun movie! Polka dot! Polka dot! Afro!)

 

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (Drama/Comedy: 2 hours, 3 minutes)

Starring: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith  

Director: John Madden  

Rated: PG-13 (Sexual content and strong language)



Movie Review: Seven British retirees move to India. They believe they are outsourcing their retirement to a cheaper and beautiful retirement home in India, a newly restored place called The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly & Beautiful. The group arrives and finds the place is not as luxurious as its advertisements. To put it mildly, the place is a dump. They stay, hoping they can make the best of life. They are in their golden years, but they find they are still young enough to find love in an exotic place.

What makes this film worth it is a dynamic list of seniors, an A-list of British veterans. Dench, Smith, Wilkerson, Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie are all charming to watch. They are very dramatic as needed, but they supply plenty of humor when required. These seven actors are worth viewing. Their characters’ motives are noble, and you grow to like or dread them. For the most part, they are all very endearing.

Younger members of the cast also shine. Dev Patel (“Slumdog Millionaire,” 2008) is very humorous as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’s owner/manager. Tena Desae is impressionable as Patel’s love interest. That written, this film still belongs to the older cast members.  

An adaptation of Deborah Moggach’s novel, “These Foolish Things,” the story is not solid. The manner in which all of the characters come together is forced screenplay writing.

Director Madden (“Shakespeare in Love,” 1998) manages to keep it together by keeping the cast and scenes hopping with an exuberant candor. This is a rewarding piece about aging and the premise that life still has much to offer. Set in a very populated area of India, it also shows that life is beautiful in all forms anywhere.  

Grade: B (If it has vacancies, check in for the night!)