“Prometheus”

(Sci-fi thriller, R, 119 minutes)

The idea of venturing into the beyond to learn about the past and speculate about the future is nothing new when it comes to movies. The excitement is watching a film that finds a new way to explore this concept.

“Prometheus,” which opens today, combines the intelligence of science fiction and the never-ending fascination with space exploration. Director Ridley Scott, the man behind sci-fi classics such as “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” adds the remaining elements: Intensity, suspense and fear.

Greek mythology notes the god of the same name stole fire from Zeus and provided it to humans. As punishment for betrayal, he was chained to a rock where an eagle would feast on his liver. The organ had the ability to regenerate, so Prometheus was bound for daily torture. Today, his name is synonymous with someone whose quest for science, particularly in regard to human existence, can result in unintended consequences.

The year is 2089. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) are archaeologists who have discovered the identical star pattern on different artifacts and cave drawings from around the world. They believe it is an indication of another planet and are ready to confirm their findings.

With funding from the Weyland Corporation, the pair gets their chance in 2093. With a host of geologists, medical doctors, other scientists and professionals — and, most importantly, an android named David (Michael Fassbender) — the group takes the journey on a vessel named “Prometheus.”

All but David are cryogenically frozen for the two-year journey. He monitors the journey and is the key to the success of the trip. He is highly intelligent — an expert on ancient languages — but is void of authentic human feelings, especially a sense being culpable.

Once they reach their destination, the crew prepares to embark on their mission. Among them: Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), the icy commander; Janek (Idris Elba), the Southern pilot; and the late Peter Weyland (an unrecognizable Guy Pearce), the man behind the corporation (via a hologram).

The intent is to discover new life and keys to their past, present and future. Of course you want to know how it all ends, but you will question how much you really want to discover the truth.

This movie is a science-fiction fan’s dream. The visual presentation was impressive and enhanced by 3-D.

The film’s flow is uneven, but not in a bad way. What you think will be the climax won’t be. You won’t know what’s coming and when it will arrive, but the intensity will make you want to jump out of your skin.

The story challenges notions of purpose, religion, evolution and morals. It might even make you question your personal thoughts on the topic. It’s a highly intelligent movie with great acting, especially from Rapace, Fassbender and Theron. Their characters are complex, making them easy to misunderstand them but hard to trust.

Their intrigue, paired with the visual and dramatic feel of this movie, makes “Prometheus” a good choice at the box office. You will just have to see it to determine if you believe.