Prometheus

Synopsis: Aliens Prequel. Any more questions?

Review: Occasionally a new sci-fi flick comes along that re-defines the genre by adding some new intricate element of film making that leaves you with mouth agape and mind blown. Before the mobs start to form, I’m not claiming that Prometheus is in this category, but it comes damn close. Brought to us by acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, American Gangster) the plot of Prometheus follows a group of contracted interstellar travellers who are investigating an ancient anthropological invitation to another star system, to find what may be the true genesis of the human race (and no they don’t come across a white-robed bearded omnipotent creator sitting on a cloud sipping on cocktails made from the tears of Catholic Church parish boys… but I digress). When they arrive at their destination the crew of the ship (appropriately named “Prometheus” after the Greek mythological god credited with the sculpture of man from clay) find out their creators aren’t all that they envisaged and had more sinister intent for the fate of the human race. 

Fans of the Aliens franchise will see subtle references to the same extra-terrestrial themes from those amazing films of the 70s, 80s and 90s, however in order not to spoil the plot I’ll refrain from saying much more on this. Needless to say if you were a fan of those movies (and what pre-pubescent 90s nerd wasn't) you'll thoroughly enjoy the Aliens throwbacks brought to graphic life in Prometheus. The cast, although not star studded (biggest names include Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace) are absolutely fantastic and their individual performances are compelling, helping the viewer immerse themselves in the story. The cinematography is dazzling and will leave you wishing you had more sets of eyes as you struggle to take in the detail, brilliance and immensity of each individual frame. 

For all of the above though I urge you to heed to the movie’s classification and comments which include “strong alien violence” and “medical procedures”. There’s some pretty graphic stuff in this flick that would turn the stomach of some of the most avid slasher fans so if you’ve got a tendency to share your breakfast (post digest) with others you may want to steer clear. If I had one criticism it would be that Prometheus requires a high level of attention from the moment you pop the wrapper on your choc top. I definitely wouldn’t recommend seeing it with someone whose attention span barely rivals an ADHD diagnosed five year old, as you’ll spend more time explaining things than Peter Slipper during question time. Overall a breathtaking film executed with the panache and precision we’ve come to expect from Ridley Scott; just remember to avoid the seafood milkshakes at the candy bar.

Score: 4/5

The Dictator

Synopsis: Leave your morals, bring your sense of humour. Sacha Baron is back!

Review: The Dictator is another instalment from the well known playbook of the ever popular satirical piss-taker Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali-G, Borat, Bruno). For those living under a rock his exploits typically involve the creation of a stereotyped alter-ego followed by the incessant pursuit of offending as many people as possible. The Dictator is no different here as Cohen plays the egotistical, tyrannical Admiral General (yes that’s his self appointed title) Aladeen, autocratic leader of the oil-rich African nation of “Wadiya”. From the start of the film (which opens with a dedication to the late Kim Jong Il) the similarities drawn to some of the worlds most infamous heads of state, although sardonic, are accurate and belligerently funny. The plot follows Aladeen as he travels to the UN to address the Security Council in an effort to defend his right to despotic rule and refusal to allow his country to democratically elect their leader. Aladeen is undermined and ousted by his right hand man and ends up working for the left wing, vegetarian, body hair cultivating Zoey (Anna Faris). Needless to say the one-liners come thick and fast, primarily at the expense of the conservative Islamic outlook on the world, although Cohen subtly (who are we kidding, most of it is overt) digs at the post 911/GFC muddied ethical waters of Western Democratic Capitalism. After his previous miscarriage-of-a-film “Bruno” my hopes for this one weren’t high, which left me pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed The Dictator. Yeah, the jokes are at someone’s (arguably everyone’s) expense, and are far too on point in some places to be acceptable, but this didn’t stop me (nor should it you) from bringing along my obnoxious cinema laugh and chuckling up a storm. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who offends easily, or turns their nose up at toilet humour, but if you want a good laugh and are well versed on your international politics and economics you’ll certainly find this one enjoyable. Cohen’s credibility is certainly restored with this addition to his filmography and I can’t wait to see what he turns his sights on next.

Score: 3/5