Greetings movie lovers, here is your guide to what's in store for us at the cinema this weekend.

Photo: Contributed - Fox

     Prometheus

     A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

     My Take

This epic looking Sci-Fi/Horror film is one that I have been eagerly anticipating for quite some time now. Directed by Ridley Scott, Prometheus is supposedly a prequel to his 1979 masterpiece Alien, and if he captures even an ounce of the tension and suspense from that film then this is going to be phenomenal. He's assembled a strong cast for this one that includes Noomi Rapace (best known as Lisbeth Salander in the original Swedish Girl With the Dragon Tattoo films), Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce and Idris Elba.

I am always on the look out for strong, intelligent Science Fiction films that deal with mankind's place in the universe by challenging our perception of what we've learned and giving us new ideas to think about. Of course a little kick-ass action doesn't hurt either and judging from the trailers I've seen, this film will deliver in spades. I think that it is pretty clear what the themes of the film will be based on the title alone.

Prometheus was a mythological figure who represented human striving, particularly the quest for scientific knowledge, and the risk of overreaching or unintended consequences. It is probably safe to assume that if we go searching for the answers to the origins of life that we may not like what we find. Hopefully this will be some thought provoking stuff. I am also encouraged by the fact that this film is written by Damon Lindelof, who was one of the main creative forces behind one of my all time favourite TV shows Lost, and who is writing the upcoming Star Trek sequel. I will definitely be there on opening night for this one and I'm hoping that it becomes a blockbuster so that the studios are encouraged to keep making smart sci-fi's instead of the video game like drivel such as Transformers and Battleship.

     Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the comedic adventure. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style.

     My Take

In stark contrast to this week's other release Prometheus, this one is for the kiddies.

I am certainly not an expert when it comes to this franchise as I have never seen either of the first two Madagascar films. I can offer that it appears like a perfectly suitable family film to take the younguns to as I'm sure it will be filled with dazzling colours, silly, broad comedic characters, bouncy frantic action in glorious 3D and catchy musical numbers featuring the umpteenth time you hear Katy Perry's "Firework". 

For what it's worth, the advance word on this one is that it is the best of the 3 Madagascar films to date. Once again it features an all star cast of voice talents that include Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer and Sacha Baron Cohen. It should be some cutesy fun for children so parents, you know what you're doing this weekend.

     Six Degrees of Chuck Norris

Noomi Rapace from Prometheus was in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) with Robert Downey Jr., who was in Danger Zone (1996) with Ron Silver, who was in Silent Rage (1982) with Chuck Norris.

Michael Fassbender from Prometheus was in Inglourious Basterds (2009) with Rod Taylor, who was in several episodes of Walker Texas Ranger (1996-2000) with Chuck Norris.

Charlize Theron from Prometheus was in The Italian Job (2003) with Jason Statham, who is in the upcoming film The Expendables 2 (2012) with Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris Fun Fact:

The movie "Aliens vs. Predator" was originally supposed to be Aliens and Predator vs. Chuck Norris but that movie only lasted 8 seconds.