Ridley Scott‘s “Prometheus,” a sort-of prequel to “Alien,” is not at all the equal of that film or “Blade Runner” (Scott’s sci-fi classics).

Yet it’s still an ambitious, grand, beautifully photographed and competently acted outer-space adventure with thrills, chills, and pseudo-theological/philosophical undertones. Not to mention a disturbingly gory scene that will remind viewers of, you know, the freak-out scene in “Alien.”

The storyline points to a kind of “Chariots of the Gods” scenario, and makes use of a science-versus-faith theme that isn’t nearly well enough fleshed out.

A highlight: A terrific, chilling performance by Michael Fassbender (“Shame,” “Jane Eyre,” “Inglourious Basterds”) as a human-like robot who’s unerringly polite and helpful on the surface but not averse to hidden agendas; yes, there are several parallels between Fassbender’s character, David, and Ian Holm’s Ash in “Alien.”

Also worth noting: Charlize Theron‘s performance as the sleek, ice-cold representative of the corporation funding the mission of the titular spacecraft; Noomi Rapace (“Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) and Logan Marshall-Green as the archaeologist couple whose discovery drives the ship’s dangerous mission to a forbidden planet.