With or without knowledge of "Alien" mythology, audiences will leave "Prometheus" asking questions.

The lingering mysteries of "Prometheus" are worthy of thoughtful discussion, even if the filmmakers don't necessarily know all the answers. Some could be revelations on the origins of life, while others could simply be gaping plot holes.

Director Ridley Scott has purposefully avoided calling "Prometheus" a direct prequel to his 1979 horror classic, "Alien," but seeds of the "Alien" backstory appear, and a few action set pieces directly pay homage to that film. There's even an exciting new twist on the chest-bursting front.

Noomi Rapace (the original "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo") plays faith-following scientist Elizabeth Shaw. She's discovered a series of pictographs appearing independently throughout human history, seemingly pointing to a planet system she thinks might hold the key to human existence.

Flash forward a few years later, with Shaw aboard the spaceship Prometheus, bound for the planet system on the dime of the (mysterious) Weyland Corporation. Charlize Theron is the icy corporate representative, Idris Elba the seen-it-all ship captain, and Michael Fassbender plays the brilliant-but-soulless David, an android with an agenda seemingly programmed by alternative forces.

Fassbender steals the movie with another performance that steers far away from anything he's done in previous films. It's an especially sharp turn from his performance as a tortured sex addict in last year's "Shame." That character had little control over his vices, whereas David appears to have the intellectual advantage in every situation, whether he's been programmed to or not.

David's role in the advancement of story in "Prometheus" leads to the film's most burning questions. To say much more about his actions and how they contribute to the eventual connections to "Alien" would be to spoil the fun. Just keep your eye on him.

Fassbender leads a strong ensemble. Rapace has enough gumption to fill the Sigourney Weaver-heroine role, and Theron certainly adds something to a frigid and underwritten role. Aside from the always-welcome Elba ("The Wire"), the rest of the cast largely serve as unfortunate victims.

Scott typically makes gorgeous films and "Prometheus" continues that tradition. The entire production design is a marvel to behold, and the visual details fuel the most speculative moments in the film.

Co-written by "Lost" showrunner Damon Lindelof, "Prometheus" will undoubtedly frustrate audiences looking for answers to even the most basic story elements. The final act ties important plot threads with "Wait for the sequel"-type teases, and simple logic unfortunately doesn't factor into much of what is revealed.

It's a messy film, to be sure. But there are enough big questions, compelling performances and expansive set pieces to carry "Prometheus" through the rough patches. Don't worry too much about connecting the strands between this and the rest of the "Alien" franchise. Scott offers some fun connections, but he's got bigger themes on his mind in "Prometheus." Figuring it all out will be tricky part.

Grade: B+

Ticket Stubs is sponsored by the Hayden Cinema Six Theater. Showtimes at www.HaydenCinema6.com Tyler Wilson can be reached at [email protected].