***slightly spoiler-y***
Saw it yesterday...visually, just stunning. With the exception of some really cheesy CGI xenomorphs (In relation to the plot I understand why they were portrayed this way, but it made them less terrifying), I loved the set pieces and general vibe. I'm going back to see it in Imax 3D.
Thematically it was also pretty deep with all the patriarchal/matriarchal/creator/what-is-our-purpose themes interplaying.
The scenes with David are the best (Fassbender gives a great turn in the role)
Guy Pierce's inclusion was unneccessary and somewhat distracting (I kept thinking Benjamin Button), but he gave a great performance in the Weyland "TED 2023" talk viral trailer
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7YK2uKxil8[/youtube]
(the speech is referenced in an early scene, but part of me feels it should have been included at some point in the film...)
There is also a rumor that he was included to set up a possible pre-prequel film revolving around the younger Weyland.
The execution of the dialogue (and the dialogue itself) was at certain points very weak.
I cringed during Charlize Theron's "reveal" (surprising since she was so on top of her game in Snow White)
Also, I get that Shaw wasn't supposed to be the new Ripley but I thought her character bordered on sexist, almost a complete anti-feminist counter weight to Ripley.
I almost found Shaw offensively shallow (the inclusion of a weak religious subtext had potential but ended up being a bit forced). Perhaps they plan on developing her further in a sequel.
...which brings me to the worst part...this was obviously planned as a new trilogy, and that it all connects to an overarching story that will slowly be explained over the next 4-5 years.
In striving for that continuity, the films make small sacrifices that make them weaker as standalone films, something which say Alien or Aliens doesn't really suffer from.
I did enjoy it, but not quite a future classic.
