Prometheus

Prometheus, Prometheus, where for art thou, Prometheus?  So many questions and so few answers, but that being said, Ridley Scott's prequel to the Alien quartet is by far one of the best sci-fi films I've seen in years.  Why, you may ask.  Well, ever since I saw the first, Alien, and screamed my bloody head off as one-by-one the crew of the Nostromo is picked off by acid dripping double metal-jawed giant metallic pecan-headed "bugs", I've wondered about those eggs and the space ship that they stumble across.  Yes, for the scientific community, you have to disregard logic, but for thrill-seekers and those who don't give a hoot about whether or not this is/could be real, it's great.  A ton of tension, wonderful special effects, set-design is pretty spectacular, sound and cinematography are all top notch.  Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and an almost unrecognizable, Guy Pearce, are an ensemble which, like their followers in this case, lay the groundwork for a cinematic classic 30 years it's senior.  Rating:  3.25 stars and for Pete's sake quit touching stuff, you have no idea where it's been or is going to be.

Rock of Ages

Saw a free preview of this the other night. I was surprised by the musical talents of all the main players. Cruise can carry a tune, who knew. Cheesy, but yes, the 80's were. Spectacular and the mixes of the songs, inspired...like an R-rated version of Glee on steroids with a heavy dose of metal and a baboon. Believe it or not, I get that, the baboon, I mean. Classically campy and will be a favorite at outdoor cinemas everywhere...insert dialogue here. The crowd was mixed and a lot of them didn't get the fact that it was a musical and people will spontaneously break into a song. They laughed until they figured out that the first part of the song was the words that they couldn't hear in so many other instances. The worst was a dance number in a church, but the songs were great and handled correctly. It was actually very well done. Cruise did his best rendition of Axl Rose, less skinny, and his voice isn't as high, but it's up there and does have an edge to it. He really was well cast. I think a lot of people missed his performance in Magnolia. Weird as that film is and disgusting as his character is, he nailed it and he pretty much does it here, too. Survey sez...grab a can of hairspray and Ratt your bangs up high. You'll be glad you did. 3.5 stars