Avatar by Cameron

[r-type]

I heard this flick is Smurfs on 3D...

Whachu talkin' bout Willis...? You mean Dances with Smurfs.

TBH: I made my peace with the hype a while back. I'm tuned in to Pandora come this Thursday, and have since tuned out to the blind praise/hate.

I'm tired of hearing about how much it costs, and how long it took to make. If I am interested, I'll watch it. I refuse to see a movie based solely on budget and time.

The Ludovico Technique is exhausting isn't it?

[Bot of Badassness]

only 5 days left!

[taybrian1]

They are giving out Avatar toys at McDonalds. That just seems weird to me.

[Swift]

They are giving out Avatar toys at McDonalds. That just seems weird to me.

I have Jake's toy sitting beside my laptop. He lights up whenever you speak, lol.

[Mindfreak87]

I know reviews don't necessarily determine a good film but it is doing really well with audiences who have seen it. Currently on 90% on RT.

http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/avatar/

Looks like James Cameron's gamble will be rewarded. I'm more excited about where films will go from here. Beowulf was a step in the right direction, this having more lifelike beings & environments, the future of cinema looks promising, still not a 3D fan though.

[Hautori]

. I'm more excited about where films will go from here.

I'm really interested to see how it changes filmmaking from a technical point of view. Will film schools have to start teaching new techniques with regards to camera work and editing, that kind of thing.

What worries me about 3-d is that it might mean that, if it becomes the standard, cinema will become solely about spectacle and little substance.
I know it's not likely as Hollywood as a business won't survive on only one kind of product (ie. Blockbusters).
But I do worry that it might mean that relatively smaller, more story driven movies might get less attention as movies with a 3-d factor will be potentially more compelling and if those smaller movies are getting less attention, subsequent entries will have a tougher time being produced.

[Hardkore]

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/12/11...v-movies-blog/

24 hours have passed since I caught "Avatar" in London. And I suppose it's sunk in enough for what I'd call a still instinctual/gut review. In a nutshell? This is the one you've been waiting for. Not since "The Dark Knight" has a Hollywood film been poised to take hold of popular culture like this one. Let the haters have at it. History will be kind. The dialogue may be trite at times. The cynic in you may urge you to roll your eyes at the sight of a blue alien or a snarling company man but then you're just going to miss out on the jaw-dropping adventure of the year.

So if you haven't bailed out yet... know this: you need to see this movie. For the first truly soulful performances made since motion capture was invented. For the sweep and the scope. For the small moments and the sublime. For the way Stephen Lang snarls and spits out an order. For the soaring ride of the banshees. For the finale, oh yes for that finale.

In 1978 Warner Brothers proudly predicted "you will believe a man can fly." If I were James Cameron I would proudly proclaim "you will forget Zoe Saldana is blue" for that may be the true accomplishment of the technique and performances that fueled this unique production. "Avatar" takes a little time to suck you in but once you release yourself to it you are there and even if your brain is telling you to marvel at the effects, your heart will beg you to surrender to the story and characters.
The setting is the future. The technology is cutting edge. But make no mistake--this is classical moviemaking of the first order. If David Lean had a virtual camera, "Lawrence of Arabia" might have felt like this.

And "felt" is the operative word. For all his bombastic attitude and man's man love of guns, girls, and gadgets, it's no secret to all that kick-ass Cameron is just a big old softie at heart. "Aliens" worked because Ellen Ripley had to go back into hell not to save herself or humanity as we know it but for the love of a little girl. "Titanic" transcended every simplistic storytelling trope because damn it, you took that journey with Jack and Rose, experienced the first rush of love, and were shattered in how it was torn apart.

In "Avatar" it's the love of a man for a Na'vi and a noble and mysterious people for their land. Big emotions. Big moments. Cameron doesn't paint with a fine brush (ok I'm talking story here clearly and not the artistry on screen). He goes for it and damn it if it didn't leave me with a lump in my throat for much the film. There is so much passion in this work, it's just exhilirating. Take the trip.

[Winkeladvokat]

Oh, well, it's been a few days now - and I'll definitely have to watch it (at least) a second time. But right now, I'm still not quite sure what to make of "Avatar".

It is, by all means, a good movie, one that absolutely has to be seen on the big screen in 3-D. Several sequences filled my filmlover's heart with pure joy - as a master of spectacle, Cameron is second to none. The level of detail he brings to each and every frame is absolutely amazing. What Cameron throws at us in comparison makes "Star Wars: Episode III" (or "2012" for that matter) look like it was rendered on a Commodore 64. And unlike almost every other 3-D-release up to this point, "Avatar" makes use of the third dimension in a way that really pulls the viewer into the picture.

Still, it didn't quite live up to my expectations (which, admittedly, were sky-high). The story just didn't do it for me...

[Bayhem]

Still, it didn't quite live up to my expectations (which, admittedly, were sky-high). The story just didn't do it for me...

That's exactly what I heard from a colleague in London who saw the movie. Visually it's breathtaking, but outside the CGI and the technical achievements...nothing really exceptional. Still, I'm sure it's gonna be a very good action film and frankly, that's all I need.

[alexsm]

Won't be released in IMAX in Spain

At least not in the release week. No news about next weeks.

[Hardkore]

The nearest Imax to me that will be showing it is in New Orleans (2 hour drive). I won't be able to drive over there till after Christmas,maybe even New Years. I will at least see it here in town in real 3D next Monday.

[r-type]

Still, it didn't quite live up to my expectations (which, admittedly, were sky-high). The story just didn't do it for me...

Without getting into details, Wink, was it too simple/paint-by-numbers of a story for your taste? Or did you get a "seen it all before" vibe from the picture? Or something else entirely?

[Jazz935]

Going to go see it Sat morning... closest Imax is an hour and a half away... will probably just see it here at our local little no frills theater.

[Bayhem]

MTV Rough Cut: James Cameron - http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/463...tml#id=1627787

Pretty interesting.

[HarryCanyon]

My most anticipated movie of the year! i've been a James Cameron fan all my life and i also thougth Titanic was excellent, still better then Twilight.

[Winkeladvokat]

Without getting into details, Wink, was it too simple/paint-by-numbers of a story for your taste? Or did you get a "seen it all before" vibe from the picture?

Well, more or les both. But that's not to say the story is really bad - and I absolutely get WHY Cameron tells it the way he does. "Avatar" is as much political commentary as it is fantasy (although situated in space, I wouldn't really call it sci-fi). And I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed the journey across Pandora more if I hadn't already seen quite a bit of it beforehand. Nonetheless, I feel that the movie would have benefitted from providing a little more background - and with it, scope. As epic as the visuals are, it all boils down to something that feels almost intimate in scale.

[Bot of Badassness]

seeing it in 11 hours time!!!!

[r-type]

Well, more or les both. But that's not to say the story is really bad - and I absolutely get WHY Cameron tells it the way he does. "Avatar" is as much political commentary as it is fantasy (although situated in space, I wouldn't really call it sci-fi). And I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed the journey across Pandora more if I hadn't already seen quite a bit of it beforehand. Nonetheless, I feel that the movie would have benefitted from providing a little more background - and with it, scope. As epic as the visuals are, it all boils down to something that feels almost intimate in scale.

Just got back from it and I agree with most of your points above. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the heck out of this movie either. Definitely things to pick apart like some of the weak dialog, and not to mention the score had some moments that tested me.

But other than that, wow. Definitely seeing it again in 3D.



Oddly enough I saw a little bit of familiarity to Fiore's work elsewhere too.

[Bayhem]

Oddly enough I saw a little bit of familiarity to Fiore's work elsewhere too.

I wonder and wonder, what do you mean by that?

*looking at r-type's avatar*

Fiore certainly made it look good.

[encline_designs]

One of the best films I ever saw!!! especially in 3d

[Swift]

Going tomorrow at lunch, crapper, cant wait!

[EpicBacons]

The special effects to me don't look all that appealing, its like Smurfs mixed with Pocahontas and Finding Nemo.

[Bot of Badassness]

review on my site (see sig)

[uraydo]

haven't seen the movie, and probably not going to till it comes out on DVD. from reading what people have to say about it, it seems like it just one big cliche; a cliche that I can see clearly from the previews. I mean, I watch the previews and I feel like I've see the whole movie. Nothing of me is left wanting more. Plus, I'm highly against this movement to 3D. Make no mistake, film makers ARE NOT wanting to enrich your experience. The simple fact is, it cost more to make a 3D film and more to put it into a theater where one can view it properly. Do you know who pays for that? You do.

This year has been a terrible one for me regarding movies, filled with high hopes and disappointments for me. And more and more movies are pushing for 3D. Studios are raising cost and seemingly lowering quality.

I have yet to really believingly hear anyone say that Avatar's story is well crafted and turned. No, everyone instead says, how awesome it looks. I can't support that. As a storyteller, it would be a sin.

This is the most expensive movie ever made people! I would think they could afford a good script.

[Bayhem]

Exactly what I expected.

Visually, it's one of the best movies I've ever seen, the action was great and I liked Sam Worthington's performance. As for the rest...let's just say we've seen it all before. Is it a game-changer?

In terms of photorealistic CG characters, creatures and environment, my own personal answer is Yes. But outside the amazing CGI, I see nothing groundbreaking or exceptional. So to put it simply - don't expect the Second Coming, just buckle up for one hell of a ride.