By the time that moment appeared in the film, I’d gone beyond boredom, and was 500 words into a thesis on just how long arm hair could grow

It’s as if it’s a concession to the filmmakers: make the first one a hit, and you get to make the story you really want to make with the follow-up.

What chance, as things stand, does a grown-up sci-fi flick like Prometheus stand, for instance? It's a hard sell at the best of times, without a bunch of superheroes around the corner.

Often, you're left with the impression that the story has been laboured over to the point of taking any fun, spontaneity and enjoyment right out of it