Weekend Movie Trailers & Reviews: 'Prometheus' Meets 'Madagascar 3'
by Andy NeuenschwanderSummer is in full swing, and while the really big movies (i.e. "The Dark Knight Rises") won't be out until July, June still has some offerings for you. This weekend offers a thoughtful sci-fi thriller and, if that's too much for you, a goofy animated movie that works for kids and adults.
"Prometheus"
Rated R, 2 hrs. 04 mins.
When the creator of "Alien" and the creator of "Lost" team up to make a sci-fi thriller, you know you're in for something special. Or mysterious, at the very least. "Prometheus" acts as a prequel of sorts to "Alien," following a group of explorers who are sent to a planet that may be able to sustain life. Of course it does sustain life, but there's much more to it than that.
Chances are good that if you like "Lost" and "Alien" and would love to see them make a cinematic love child, you will enjoy "Prometheus." But be warned that critics are noting that most of the questions raised during the movie won't be answered, which could give it a degree of frustration that "Lost" fans are all too familiar with.
Reviews are currently at 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising the performances of the cast members above all else, especially Michael Fassbender.
See it if: You're still stuck on the Island, but wouldn't mind it if the Island was in space.
"Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted"
Rated PG, 1 hr. 33 mins.
Summer means sequels, and animated movies are no exception. With the successes of the first two "Madagascar" movies, it's no surprise that Dreamworks has decided to pursue a third one. The story this time is that the animals are still not quite able to make it home, ending up in Europe instead. There, they join a traveling circus, and hijinks ensue.
This time, you can see the zany antics of the animals in 3D, which adds an extra element of fun for kids... or an extra chance of a headache for adults. Still, like the previous entries in the franchise, there's enough humor packed into the movie for adults to keep them entertained (one of those gags is even in the trailer).
Critics have "Madagascar 3" rated at 76% on Rotten Tomatoes thus far, making it easily the best-reviewed of the three movies (the original had 55% while the sequel ended up at about 64%). However, there will be more reviews coming in over the weekend, so that number will likely change. Still, this looks to be one of the better installments of the three.
See it if: You can survive this.