The Avatar thread!!! A masterpiece :)

[billyrox]

COMING OUT FRIDAY!! SOO EXCITED Rotten tomatoes


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

89 percent


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRdxXPV9GNQ


James Cameron has never failed me in the past :D

Aliens,
Terminator
TERMINATOR 2
True Lies
Titanic

BAM!

[Dead of Knight]

The trailers look like shit. If it's good, the trailers sure fucking failed.

[Shockdrop]

You know, as much praise as I've heard for the movie, I think it will end up as a fairly Mediocre CGI flick. I just don't think it will be good *shrug*

[Purple Flames]

I keep forgetting about this movie when whenever I hear Avatar I instantly think "The last Airbender".

But as for the movie, even thought it's James Cameron, I'm just not that interested in it. I can't even really tell what the basic plot's really about from the trailers.

[kilm]

I keep forgetting about this movie when whenever I hear Avatar I instantly think "The last Airbender".

But as for the movie, even thought it's James Cameron, I'm just not that interested in it. I can't even really tell what the basic plot's really about from the trailers.

When has a trailer ever really given a clear cut outline of the plot?

Anyway, if you watched a recent episode of South Park, it summarized the story pretty well.

Dances with Smurfs (Dances with Wolves). Human infiltrates native Navi tribe, loves a female native, and sympathizes with them. He then fights against his own human race.

[keithp]

True Lies didn't disappoint? Really? I thought it was meh, certainly compared to the other films listed. Avatar I'm not real excited about, I'm not quite sure why. I'm sure it'll be decent, but 10-years-in-the-making-fantastic? I doubt it.

[Purple Flames]

When has a trailer ever really given a clear cut outline of the plot?

Quite a few of them, honestly. I can get a basic idea of the premise of a movie based on the trailer most of the time, but in Avatar's case, it just looks like a bunch of stuff happening.

I'm sure there's a plot in there somewhere, but I can't tell form the trailers I've seen.

[tcrash247]

I saw the 15 min IMAX 3D preview and the trailers do NOT do it justice. It looks unbelievable. I can't wait to see this, epic is the only word to describe it.

[kilm]

I'm sure there's a plot in there somewhere, but I can't tell form the trailers I've seen.

If you watch the youtube video from the original post, and unless you just ignore the whole trailer or watch it without sound, you get everything you really need in regards to the plot.

Humans go to Pandora for $$$. They can't just kill the natives. Crippled man with the prospect of getting legs to walk on is sent to infiltrate and possibly eliminate the natives. He doesn't. Humans go to war against natives. He fights back against humans.

[rumblebear]

It took over a decade but it looks like James Cameron finally made his followup to Titanic.

[billyrox]

I dont care if it looks bad, i've loved all of Cameron's old movies sans Titanic


and the majority of reviews are all very good. 90 % on rotten tomaties.... ITS ON

[darkslime]

FORGET THE STORY N STUFF LETS AlL JUST BUTT fuck THE GRAPHICS

[Ronzilla]

Yeah I'll be seeing this one. James Cameron puts EVERTHING into his movies much like Spielberg, Lucas, Jackson, etc....I'm sure he won't disappoint.

[johnnyrocker360]

yeah what's the final price for the budget? i say it makes just a little over that altogether.

[HydroX]

hmm, an overpriced, overhyped steaming blue turd of a movie. can't wait.

I guess it's better than New Moon.

[Ronzilla]

hmm, an overpriced, overhyped steaming blue turd of a movie. can't wait.

I guess it's better than New Moon.


You could always go see Broken Embraces. That's opening this weekend too ;). :razz:

[tehweezner]

Yeah I'll be seeing this one. James Cameron puts EVERTHING into his movies much like Spielberg, Lucas, Jackson, etc....I'm sure he won't disappoint.

Yup 8-)

[GuyWithGun]

I'm not too thrilled about this movie. Typical man fights against a tribe, then sympathizes, then fights against his own people, movie. This one will just look prettier.

They've been pouring so much money into trying to convince people this movie will be so awesome and change everything and it's so much more than a movie, it seems people have been brainwashed into thinking it's the best movie ever, before ever seeing it.

[xycury]

I just can't seem to get attached... sure the hype machine will hype it more, but I'm doubting it'll break New Moons records...

[GuyWithGun]

Yeah I'll be seeing this one. James Cameron puts EVERTHING into his movies much like Spielberg, Lucas, Jackson, etc....I'm sure he won't disappoint.
Considering many peoples feelings about Episodes 1-3, and Indiana Jones 4, those might not be the best examples. I'm not saying they are bad directors, but am saying every director has movies many people wish they didn't make, or made differently.

[Ronzilla]

Considering many peoples feelings about Episodes 1-3, and Indiana Jones 4, those might not be the best examples. I'm not saying they are bad directors, but am saying every director has movies many people wish they didn't make, or made differently.

What examples would you give? I personally have liked ALL the Star Wars movies and Indian Jones movies.
Haven't seen the 4th Indy so I won't comment on that. I agree with you that every director has a movie(s)
that they'd rather forget and that's part of the business.

But let me be clear, I'm NOT saying this is gonna be the best movie of all time. I'm just saying that I'm probably
going to enjoy it. I'm going with Cameron's odds on this.

[DarkNessBear]

Absolutely incredible.

[tenzor]

Absolutely incredible.

Amen to that.

[sendme]

The theater that I go to is only having 4 showings a day of the 3d and 2d film. I don't see this doing well at all if others are doing the same thing. However it is 2 hours and 40 minutes long from what yahoo movies shows. So now it comes down to paying the extra for the 3d or just seeing the normal one. I'm thinking about going with the 3d because I'm sure the bluray wont have that option and cameron does have his own 3d movie theater and has put in his own money into the tech for it. So the 3d should be really good.

[GuyWithGun]

The theater that I go to is only having 4 showings a day of the 3d and 2d film. I don't see this doing well at all if others are doing the same thing. However it is 2 hours and 40 minutes long from what yahoo movies shows. So now it comes down to paying the extra for the 3d or just seeing the normal one. I'm thinking about going with the 3d because I'm sure the bluray wont have that option and cameron does have his own 3d movie theater and has put in his own money into the tech for it. So the 3d should be really good.
Actually, I heard the Avatar game is in 3d, but you had to have a special TV to actually be able to utilize it. So it wouldn't surprise me if when the movie comes out on DVD they make it 3d as well.

[sendme]

I was talkding about the movie. Some places have it in 3d and others just have the movie. However the theater I go to has it in both 4 showings a day of each. They just charge 2 or 3 bucks more for the 3d.

[billyrox]

Absolutely incredible.


YES!!!! i can't wait i'm watching it tonight!!!!1

[Nifty_Shark]

Alright. Saw it in 2D (3D doesn't seem to mesh well with my regular glasses. I don't know). Very good in my opinion. Went into it without much hype as it seems that the two camps (haters vs. lovers) were getting on my nerves. Knowing what would happen in the story I was a little worried how they would make the film interesting but with so much time they were able to create certain interesting characters and I fell in love with the world. Enjoyed my time in the theater which is the bottom line.

[bardockkun]

It was good, but...THE IMAX 3D WAS HOLY SHIT! Goddamn, that was a feast for the eyes. The movie and world was good on it's own, but seeing it in IMax 3D took it to a whole different level from what I was expecting.

[erehwon]

I thought it was good too. This was actually the first time I had seen a movie with the newer version of 3D. Unfortunately, I couldn't go to an IMAX theater.

[StarKnightX]

Good movie , but personally I thought Star Trek , District 9 and perhaps Up were better (for movies this year). I'd give it 4/5 stars.

The CG was beautiful and convincing , and the story , while somewhat predictable , was still good. It seemed to lack that emotional impact and/or strong character connection though that makes a 5 star movie for me.

[erehwon]

If you guys went to the 3D version, did you keep the glasses afterword? I just put mine in a recycle bin they had for the glasses. I wonder if you keep them, would you have to pay that $3 charge again the next time you went to a 3D movie?

[Dead of Knight]

I wonder if you keep them, would you have to pay that $3 charge again the next time you went to a 3D movie?

Yes you would. This is the movie theaters weren't talking about here. I don't think you're paying the $3 for the dinky glasses anyway.

[StarKnightX]

If you guys went to the 3D version, did you keep the glasses afterword? I just put mine in a recycle bin they had for the glasses. I wonder if you keep them, would you have to pay that $3 charge again the next time you went to a 3D movie?

There was actually someone waiting in line with my group to see avatar that brought their own pair of glasses.:lol:

But to answer your question , as DoK already said , yes you'd still have to pay the $3 "3D" charge. The extra cost is meant to cover the glasses , digital projectors , and the extra cost to produce the movie in 3D itself. Presumable if enough people didn't return the glasses they could probably jack up the rate further and use that as an excuse.

[slickkill77]

Ok, so let me get this straight. People are praising the movie simply for its CGI? Every review has said this: ZOMG teh graphics will make you shit your pants, but the story is cliche and predictable. 95%. What makes this movie any different from a Michael Bay film? Prettier graphics? That doesn't make a film good.

[StarKnightX]

Ok, so let me get this straight. People are praising the movie simply for its CGI? Every review has said this: ZOMG teh graphics will make you shit your pants, but the story is cliche and predictable. 95%. What makes this movie any different from a Michael Bay film? Prettier graphics?

Cliche story isn't the same as shitty story.

Avatar had predictable but entertaining story with pretty CG , Transformers had shitty story but action scenes with pretty CG.

I'd say watching a movie with CG that looks so good you might not realize it's CG despite having a "been there , done that" story is a fair tradeoff. Would having both be better? Sure. You've gotta see the movie for yourself though.

[slickkill77]

Eh I hate 3D. I saw Up in 3d and I couldn't stand looking at the screen for more than a few minutes. Hurt my eyes way to much. 3D just seems like a tacky throw on for movies these days. I would rather watch a movie like District 9 that has a solid story and good cgi, than something that is crappy but has a special niche to it (Paranormal Activity, Avatar).

[sendme]

The CG was great. I saw it on the Real 3d and I'm glad I did. The movie was great. You could tell what was going to happen but that still didn't take a way from it. I'm glad I saw it in 3d and I would check it on IMAX but the only one I know of in the St. Louis MO area that is close to the IL side does not have Avatar on the IMAX in 3d. I might have to get the game on this one just because I liked the movie so much.

[crunchb3rry]

Yeah I'll be seeing this one. James Cameron puts EVERTHING into his movies much like Spielberg, Lucas, Jackson, etc....I'm sure he won't disappoint.

Lucas doesn't put everything into his movies. The guy directs like shit. He's a "one take" kind. Clint Eastwood is too, but he's intimidating behind the camera, so the actors make sure that one attempt is pure gold. Lucas managed to make Neeson, McGregor, and Portman look like kids in a high school play.

Sorry to rant, but Lucas is a fucking hack that hasn't made a decent movie in decades. A one trick pony on life support. It makes me ill everytime they have that tacky Oscars thing where he comes out there with Coppola, Scorcese, and Spielberg. The guy has no business being up there.

[GuyWithGun]

I was talkding about the movie. Some places have it in 3d and others just have the movie. However the theater I go to has it in both 4 showings a day of each. They just charge 2 or 3 bucks more for the 3d.
Gotcha. In the post I quoted you said you didn't think bluray would have the 3d option.

[DarkNessBear]

Ok, so let me get this straight. People are praising the movie simply for its CGI? Every review has said this: ZOMG teh graphics will make you shit your pants, but the story is cliche and predictable. 95%. What makes this movie any different from a Michael Bay film? Prettier graphics? That doesn't make a film good.
Why aren't you allowed to praise great CG work and creativity?

[billyrox]

Holy SHIT


Jame Cameron is Back









THAT


Movie



Was




SIck



as



Hell





a masterpiece, and i loved it.

[Dezuria]

Is it worth seeing in 3D? Is it like the old days with the red/blue glasses? Or is it better these days, where we can see it in 3D with perfect color and image quality?

[billyrox]

no its like polorized glasses or something... no red and blue anymore.. and the 3d was incredible.. i've never seen anything like it.. and i've seen a lot of 3d movies in the Imax

[CoffeeEdge]

Caught a midnight premiere in IMAX 3D.

Pure love. I came out of a theater shaking like a leaf, for the first time in ages. I think I saw new colors I've never seen before. I can't think of many movies with so rich of a world to think about. The story, yes, isn't the most original, but it was perfectly executed, as far as I'm concerned. The criticism I'm seeing is mostly pretentious film-school bullshit (and make no mistake, I'm into fussy art-cinema as well, but I'm not absorbed into only being able to enjoy that sort of thing, and obsessing over trying to apply the same measurements to a movie like Avatar; I pity people who are so absorbed into that sort of thing, as I think they just plain have less fun).

Absolutely wonderful. A magnificent movie. Will be back on Sunday.

[billyrox]

Caught a midnight premiere in IMAX 3D.

Pure love. I came out of a theater shaking like a leaf, for the first time in ages.

Wonderful. Will be back on Sunday.


I know.. I loved it more than i thought i would... took a cute girl with me and totally ignored her because I was enthralled



Was it me, or did anyone else have a total crush on the the Lady Na'vi... she was something else

[crystalklear64]

Its the tech demo of the cinema world.

[CoffeeEdge]

So it wouldn't surprise me if when the movie comes out on DVD they make it 3d as well.


3D HDTV is poised to really take off, by most estimates in the second half of 2010 (and no, not that red/blue paper glasses shit that they've been including with DVDs of like, Shrek 3D or whatever; we're talking about active shutter polarized glasses, for an overall experience and technology very similar to what we're seeing in cinemas now). No question, some 3D home version of Avatar will be available, doubtless as a flagship title. Wouldn't count on DVD, though; all the talk about 3D home cinema is hinging on Blu-Ray being a required component.

[tehweezner]

Watch it. In IMAX 3D. Tremendous stuff.

James Cameron <3

[bardockkun]

Oh and is this the third or fourth movie Michelle Rodrieguiz has died in?

[Ronzilla]

Lucas doesn't put everything into his movies. The guy directs like shit. He's a "one take" kind. Clint Eastwood is too, but he's intimidating behind the camera, so the actors make sure that one attempt is pure gold. Lucas managed to make Neeson, McGregor, and Portman look like kids in a high school play.

Sorry to rant, but Lucas is a fucking hack that hasn't made a decent movie in decades. A one trick pony on life support. It makes me ill everytime they have that tacky Oscars thing where he comes out there with Coppola, Scorcese, and Spielberg. The guy has no business being up there.

I guess we'll just have to disagree on this one. I don't think you become one of the most successful producers/writers/directors
of all time by half assing it. As they say, the harder you work, the luckier you get ;). While the Phantom Menace was my least
favorite of all, I think Star Wars is one of the most EPIC stories in movie history and I'm probably not the only one. It's all good
with the rant though. Get that Sh!T out!

On a side note, AVATAR WAS SOLD OUT and I couldn't watch it tonight.:bomb: I can't go see it this weekend because of prior plans.
It will have to wait til next week. :cry:

[DarkNessBear]

Oh and is this the third or fourth movie Michelle Rodrieguiz has died in?
I think so and damn Cameron for making me really like Michelle Rodrieguiz in a movie! AGH! She kicked ass

@Billyrox and Coffee: HELLS YEA! I was beginning to feel alone with those sentiments.

Caught a midnight premiere in IMAX 3D.

Pure love. I came out of a theater shaking like a leaf, for the first time in ages. I think I saw new colors I've never seen before. I can't think of many movies with so rich of a world to think about. The story, yes, isn't the most original, but it was perfectly executed, as far as I'm concerned. The criticism I'm seeing is mostly pretentious film-school bullshit (and make no mistake, I'm into fussy art-cinema as well, but I'm not absorbed into only being able to enjoy that sort of thing, and obsessing over trying to apply the same measurements to a movie like Avatar; I pity people who are so absorbed into that sort of thing, as I think they just plain have less fun).

Absolutely wonderful. A magnificent movie. Will be back on Sunday.

Fucking 100% agree. Those snobby heartless people that don't like it, really need to get out of themselves for a bit.

[billyrox]

Oh and is this the third or fourth movie Michelle Rodrieguiz has died in?



haha... great body.. ugly as hell face... why does she look permanently pissed off

[sendme]

Gotcha. In the post I quoted you said you didn't think bluray would have the 3d option.

I don't think it will when it comes out. Not unless them new tvs that have the 3d are out by then. So if Sony has that 3d tv come out in the next 6 months I don't see the BD having 3d.

EDIT: I thought Rodrieguis looked good in this movie.

I know.. I loved it more than i thought i would... took a cute girl with me and totally ignored her because I was enthralled



Was it me, or did anyone else have a total crush on the the Lady Na'vi... she was something else

If you are talking about Neytiri it might be because it was Zoe Saldana that played her. I'm going to guess that they used her likeness to make the character like they did with sam worthington's Na'vi avatar.

Damn all of you that could see this in IMAX 3d are lucky I would pay 20 bucks to see this on the IMAX 3d, but the only one that I know of around here has Christmas Carol on the IMAX and all future dates never show Avatar.

[GuyWithGun]

I don't think it will when it comes out. Not unless them new tvs that have the 3d are out by then. So if Sony has that 3d tv come out in the next 6 months I don't see the BD having 3d.

There are already TVs out there that will support the 3d Avatar game which uses the same technology as the 3d movie.

[GuyWithGun]

3D HDTV is poised to really take off, by most estimates in the second half of 2010 (and no, not that red/blue paper glasses shit that they've been including with DVDs of like, Shrek 3D or whatever; we're talking about active shutter polarized glasses, for an overall experience and technology very similar to what we're seeing in cinemas now). No question, some 3D home version of Avatar will be available, doubtless as a flagship title. Wouldn't count on DVD, though; all the talk about 3D home cinema is hinging on Blu-Ray being a required component.
Sorry, I meant BluRay.

[hohez]

I can't believe the blind hate through the first couple of pages in this thread. I'm cynical, and I generally go into big hype movies pessemistic as hell, but oh my shit it's amazing.

Seeing this in 2d probably isn't that great, this is something that HAS to be seen in 3-d. it's like watching a brand new hd movie on youtube in lo-def and chunks if you see it in 2d.

I saw it yesterday at the first matinee, and just, omg I hate how much I can't stop gushing about the effects and the world, and everything.

in 2d i'm sure the CG is just like any other top notch CG, but when you see it in 3d, you see it has actual depth, and it comes to life. Half of my brain knows it isn't real, that it is some computer making it, but the other half of my brain can SEE, the depth of the fronds and individual blades of grass waving going back and out of view.

I have never seen 3d in a theatre before, so I can't compare it to say pixar movies in 3d, but this is the starting of every scifi writers predictions becoming reality.

I thought about the movie all day yesterday and have today as well, I'll probably see it again in the next couple of days.

[mmartigan2]

Star Wars.........Jurassic Park.......Avatar .......'nuf said.......

[DarkNessBear]

Star Wars.........Jurassic Park.......Avatar .......'nuf said.......
Exactly what I was thinking! Jurassic Park has had some of the best visual effects in movies for the longest time and it is pathetic that we have not met its continuity... until Avatar.

[redshadow]

Avatar is my pick for best Movie of 2009. So much awesome in 2 hrs and 30 minutes. I will definitely be seeing it again before it's gone.

I saw it in IMAX 3D at Citywalk AMC, Hollywood:D now THAT is a great movie theatre.

[billyrox]

I can't believe the blind hate through the first couple of pages in this thread. I'm cynical, and I generally go into big hype movies pessemistic as hell, but oh my shit it's amazing.


Lol same here man... i typically love James Cameron movies... but the movie really exceeded my expectations and i left in awe...just can't stop thinking the amount of effort and time put into Avatar... it was totally game changing...


I'm thinking that i will take my dad to watch it in the Imax 3d when I head home for Christmas Tuesday... early Christmas present... it's like 14 dollars for an amazing experience

[tehweezner]

Avatar is my pick for best Movie of 2009. So much awesome in 2 hrs and 30 minutes. I will definitely be seeing it again before it's gone.

I saw it in IMAX 3D at Citywalk AMC, Hollywood:D now THAT is a great movie theatre.

Will probably end up watching it 3 times at theaters. :)

[sendme]

"Steven Spielberg called Avatar "the most evocative and amazing science-fiction movie since Star Wars," according to a report on The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog; director James Cameron held a private screening earlier this month for a few friends, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Spielberg.
...

Speaking of Cameron, he will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today; doesn't he have one already?"

http://scifiwire.com/2009/12/news-briefs-spielberg-lov.php

[DarkNessBear]

"Steven Spielberg called Avatar "the most evocative and amazing science-fiction movie since Star Wars," according to a report on The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog; director James Cameron held a private screening earlier this month for a few friends, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Spielberg.
...

Speaking of Cameron, he will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today; doesn't he have one already?"

http://scifiwire.com/2009/12/news-briefs-spielberg-lov.php
So what if Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and Peter Jackson loved the movie. They have no talent and don't do anything! I get all my movie advice from slickkill77, he is the movie god. He knows everything and he hates this movie so that means those "directors" don't know anything!

[evildeadjedi]

Wow from the sounds of some of the posters on this thread this movie is like Star Wars was in the 70's.

[JolietJake]

Exactly what I was thinking! Jurassic Park has had some of the best visual effects in movies for the longest time and it is pathetic that we have not met its continuity... until Avatar.
Have you never seen the LOTR trilogy?:???:

[Dead of Knight]

Ok, so let me get this straight. People are praising the movie simply for its CGI? Every review has said this: ZOMG teh graphics will make you shit your pants, but the story is cliche and predictable. 95%. What makes this movie any different from a Michael Bay film? Prettier graphics? That doesn't make a film good.

This is seriously all I am looking for here too. What the fuck makes this movie so great other than the CGI? It's not a complicated question, stop flaming people who ask.

[keithp]

.....(crickets)......

[tehweezner]

This is seriously all I am looking for here too. What the fuck makes this movie so great other than the CGI? It's not a complicated question, stop flaming people who ask.

Cameron. 8-)

But honestly, it's a good movie because it's well acted and the world is believable. You end up caring about the CGI blue natives, which I really did not expect to do.

[hohez]

Just because a story has been done before, doesn't mean it can't be told really really really well, and this film does exactly that.

[DarkNessBear]

Have you never seen the LOTR trilogy?:???:
My top 3 movies of all time. And yes you are right.

This is seriously all I am looking for here too. What the fuck makes this movie so great other than the CGI? It's not a complicated question, stop flaming people who ask.

I'll use a food analogy: It is like a perfectly crafted Hamburger, utterly delicious. Yea, you have gotten hamburgers before - but never made this perfectly and with this much care. Also, while you eat that hamburger - you receive a handjob from the waitress.

[SuperJedi]

Masterpiece - nuff said

[sendme]

You are going to hate this movie or love it from the way it looks. I'm a James Cameron fan so a year ago when I had heard about it I wanted to see it. I knew nothing about it other then the name. Soon after that I saw the poster. Sure the story has been done in the past but it was the way he did it. The CGI was done well when mixing with live action. The acting was great along with the 3d. I don't see 3d doing well but this movie made it work. I'm not big on the 3d but if the BD has the option then my next tv will be 3d just for this movie. To me it all blended well together. Sure it had its slow parts but that was to build up the characters and make it so that you gave a damn.

[billyrox]

.....(crickets)......


seriously, the lovely haters who don't want to watch the movie... don't ;)
dont care enough, and i'm not going to convince you.


personally, i'm just giddy and going to rave about it with everyone else who enjoyed it.

[camoor]

I'll eventually see it but the story just seems so cliche.

I wish he had done the Dune story instead - that story is similar but contains nuance.

[sendme]

I wonder what all the haters would be saying if this was 10 or so years ago. Camron had the thing wrote back in 1995. He didn't film it then because he wanted to give the people working with the CGI time to figure out how they would do it on the computer. He also was working on Titanic at the time. He thought after 2 years the CGI team would be able to do it and they told him to do it the right way the tech isn't there yet. So back in 2005 he came back to it and starting working on it again and the tech was there this time.

The video that he says that in can be seen in the link below.
http://scifiwire.com/2009/12/james-cameron-on-why-avat.php

[hohez]

I never understood why having a cliche story was a carnal sin. 99.99% of all stories have been told before, but as long as it's done well, i couldn't care less if I've seen it before.

And this movie does it really really really well.

[billyrox]

Bam! Avatar did well the first weekend... here's to a good run


http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/12/20/avatar-takes-73-million/

[billyrox]

Bam! Avatar did well the first weekend... here's to a good run


http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/12/20/avatar-takes-73-million/

[billyrox]

Bam! Avatar did well the first weekend... here's to a good run


http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/12/20/avatar-takes-73-million/

[bobo2k4]

Saw it in 3-D last night and was blown away. I had my doubts too but it won me over.

[darthbudge]

Why did you post that two times just 8 minutes apart?

[keithp]

seriously, the lovely haters who don't want to watch the movie... don't ;)
dont care enough, and i'm not going to convince you.


personally, i'm just giddy and going to rave about it with everyone else who enjoyed it.

Oh, I'm sure I'll go see it, but it's hard believing it's as good as you all are raving about when all the reviews I've read say the story sucks but the special effects are great. Maybe I'll change my mind after seeing it. And unless the story is absolutely horrible I'm sure I'll probably enjoy it.

So has anyone already watched it multiple times?

[evildeadjedi]

I definitely plan on watching it, how can I miss the "Star Wars of this decade"(since I was not alive when Episode 4 was first released). :) Seriously, people gushing over this movie all over the net. They are saying " It's not a movie it's an experience." "Most amazing thing I have ever saw." "You will not be the same after this movie it will blow your fucking minds!". "Fuck real life take me back to Pandora damnit!" etc etc etc. 12 dollars a ticket ouch I think I will wait till next week sometime so I can use a movie pass to cover part of the cost.

[camoor]

I never understood why having a cliche story was a carnal sin. 99.99% of all stories have been told before, but as long as it's done well, i couldn't care less if I've seen it before.

And this movie does it really really really well.

I don't know about Cameron and carnal sin - you'll have to ask one of his four ex-wives about that.

Sci-fi was always the genre that you could count on to escape the typical mindless stupidity. Even when not completely original, there were always sci-fi flicks with fresh concepts: 2001, Forbidden Planet, Total Recall and Blade Runner to name just a few.

These days intelligent movies can't catch a break. Even glib fare like Serenity can't attract an audience - no, people need dumbed-down pissed-off Will Smith backflipping off his motorcycle while firing two uzis before they'll pony up the dough.

If the plot is any better then "John Cena clone teams up with Ewok Smurfs" then it will exceed my expectations. And that's just sad.

[asgaga]

Was i the only one that loved Sigourney weaver way better in her avatar form? I actually cared about her and felt sympathy about her struggal, but when shown as a human she was just a jerk.

great movie, my tickets cost 18$ :(. but still planning on seeing it again.

[DarkNessBear]

I never understood why having a cliche story was a carnal sin. 99.99% of all stories have been told before, but as long as it's done well, i couldn't care less if I've seen it before.

And this movie does it really really really well.
I say; just enjoy the experience, don't be a prick and sit there with a pen and paper writing out all the inconsistencies and story cliches. Enjoy something for once and hang up your dbag hat.

Why can't people just watch movies for fun anymore?

[RedvsBlue]

Visually the movie was absolutely spectactular but the story just bored me to death. Its the exact same story we've seen in The Last Samurai, Dances With Wolves, and even as recent as District 9

I liked the movie and definitely thought it was worth seeing but it didn't blow me away and I certainly don't think its as good as District 9. I would say its the 3rd best (sci-fi) movie of the year though.

[Nohbdy]

Giant glaring plothole, anyone?

FROM: David Hines
TO: the interstellar corporation from AVATAR
RE: your stupidity

Hey, guys --

Lemme see if I've got this straight.

You're on Pandora to collect a mineral called unobtanium. There is a huge concentration of unobtanium underneath the nearby native village. You want the unobtanium, the natives don't want to move, and so you take direct action, which, as always and everywhere, means "killing people and taking their stuff." Am I right about this? OK, good.

The movie I saw about you doesn't actually tell us what unobtanium is good for, but it does show us a sample of unobtanium on a character's desk, and based on that scene I think I can make a pretty good guess. The unobtanium is levitating a few inches above some kind of self-contained powered base. When taken away from this base, it doesn't levitate on its own. Obvious inference: that device on the desk creates an electromagnetic field, and unobtanium is a room-temperature superconductor.

Here's the thing: unless you're more interested in being evil, rather than ruthless, you're not necessarily in the business of oppressing natives. You're in the business of getting unobtanium. Right?

Well, I am totally not a geologist or a physicist or anything like that, but we are told several times in the movie that there are strong fields of whooziwhatsis on Pandora that screw up your instrument readings and various aspects of your technology, and we see that these fields are strongest in the Hallelujah Mountains, which are great big levitating rocks.

...yes. That's right; you are on this planet to collect an extremely valuable element that levitates when exposed to a presumably magnetic field, and your planet has great big levitating rocks in an area characterized by strong presumably magnetic fields.

Might I suggest that if you're having so many problems with the natives, you might want to ignore their goddamn village and check out THE GIANT FUCKING FLOATING MOUNTAINS, because you can bet your ass they are chock full of unobtanium.

If you aren't mining the Hallelujah Mountains, you are stupid.

This is not your fault, I know. You have to be stupid. Because if you're not stupid, there's no way you're wasting time with the blue kittycat people when you could literally be plucking unobtanium from the sky. But you're in a lefty self-hate movie, so it's not enough for you to be ruthless and amoral; you have to be out and out evil, to the point of killing people when it makes no business sense to do so. I get that. I do. I'm sick of it, sure -- just once, man, I would love to see a movie where a guy embeds in another culture and, while he comes away respecting them, still feels more comfortable and happier in his own -- but hey, that's the genre.

If it's any consolation, you guys aren't alone. When the hero -- who's never seen or heard of the Hallelujah Mountains -- finally sees them, he doesn't do what any other human being would do and ask, "So, how come those fucking mountains are floating, then?"

Anyway, best of luck with your endeavors, but I'm telling you, forget the Smurfs. Check out the floating rocks. I don't know how you guys wound up being there however long and never thought about them.

I don't know how James Cameron had them on the screen for a good chunk of a three-hour movie and expected *me* not to think about them, either.

Best,

David Hines


http://hradzka.livejournal.com/378981.html

[billyrox]

I say; just enjoy the experience, don't be a prick and sit there with a pen and paper writing out all the inconsistencies and story cliches. Enjoy something for once and hang up your dbag hat.

Why can't people just watch movies for fun anymore?

requoting for post above

[Nohbdy]

Maybe because I don't want to spend a shitton of money to spend two-and-a-half hours plunking my ass down on an uncomfortable seat to watch a screen saver with my family.

Also, plothole as big as those mountains.

[billyrox]

Maybe because I don't want to spend a shitton of money to spend two-and-a-half hours plunking my ass down on an uncomfortable seat to watch a screen saver with my family.

Also, plothole as big as those mountains.


so you are complaining about a plothole of a movie you haven't even seen?

[Nohbdy]

Would you like me to upload a picture of my ticket stub?

[hohez]

:lol: wow that's the big "plot-hole" some random internet blog post came up with?

It never says anything in the movie other than the ore is expensive. Assuming that little device is creating a magnetic field, wouldn't iron, or any other magnetic metal also float.

But then that's the flaw of making assumptions about shit I think I know what I'm talking about now isn't it.

[bickle]

That is the most non-plot hole ever.

That stupid ore is what is reffered to as a MacGuffin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin). It doesn't matter what it is or what it does, all that matters is that people want it. That's it.

And the "plot hole" is contingent upon so many ifs that it is completely ridiculous. Not to mention that its inconsistent with the story. They clearly stated that it is in the ground, but the plot hole is that it's flying? /fail

[billyrox]

That is the most non-plot hole ever.

That stupid ore is what is reffered to as a MacGuffin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin). It doesn't matter what it is or what it does, all that matters is that people want it. That's it.

And the "plot hole" is contingent upon so many ifs that it is completely ridiculous. Not to mention that its inconsistent with the story. They clearly stated that it is in the ground, but the plot hole is that it's flying? /fail


exactly... thats why was assuming he didn't even watch the movie... that is a ridiculous complaint

[Nohbdy]

And the "plot hole" is contingent upon so many ifs that it is completely ridiculous.

You may have a point there.

thats why was assuming he didn't even watch the movie...

You want the stub or not?

[billyrox]

no thanks but someone else might

[crunchb3rry]

How does this movie compare to Disctrict 9? Just curious as to what people think. Okay, the truth is I'm thinking of blind buying D9 and want to know if it's worth it.

[tiredfornow]

Saw this a few hours ago and wow. Some really good stuff.How does this movie compare to Disctrict 9? Just curious as to what people think. Okay, the truth is I'm thinking of blind buying D9 and want to know if it's worth it.I would say District 9 is better than this movie, but it's very close.

[kilm]

How does this movie compare to Disctrict 9? Just curious as to what people think. Okay, the truth is I'm thinking of blind buying D9 and want to know if it's worth it.

District 9 is a good movie, but I would rather spend my money to watch Avatar.

[bardockkun]

They're both two different movies, but while I liked District 9 alot, I favor Avatar more. Avatar just had the larger scale and wow factor that good portion of the movies this Summer didn't give. That and I hate to say it, but the 3D made a HUGE difference as well as in soon as the movie starts and you see them floating in the air after waking up from cryo-sleep then you know it's going to be something amazing. Besides that, story is cliched, but it makes up for it in every other way.

Though like I said District 9 is still good.

[lordopus99]

Saw it in 3D this weekend. I thought it was a good movie. These are my thoughts:

I loved the movie outside the end of the battle between the Avatar/Forest creatures and the Humans. I thought the action scenes were all overdone... case in point, final battle where Jake Sully in Avatar pulls off the gun of the mech and the colonial pull out a mech knife... are you serious... I know its a movie but that was just cheesy.

Did anyone find it weird that at the very end of the movie when they are escorting the humans off the planet that both Noah and his Avatar were both standing around during the scene?

[Retom7]

I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie. Best movie I've ever seen? No, not really. Best action movie I've ever seen? I think it would be up there, it has all the right elements in my opinion. Were there flubs here and there? Yes, but nothing that takes away from the movie.

I would say that it is certainly predictable, but that still doesn't take away from it.

Honestly, I am not sure what I would have thought of it at a regular movie, or even 3D in a regular theater. I saw it in IMAX 3D and it was Fucking ridiculous! I can't even describe how amazing this movie was to look at. Like it or not, it will be difficult to watch any other movie without comparing it to the visual bliss I just witnessed yesterday. I paid $18 via internet, and it was well worth every dollar. There was a premium of $2.75 for ordering online, but I wanted to guarantee a seat with friends. Glad we did because it sold out.

Seriously though, just go to see how amazing the CGI and cameras that Cameron had developed are. This is a new technology and it puts everything else in the world up until now to shame.

[kilm]

Saw it in 3D this weekend. I thought it was a good movie. These are my thoughts:

Did anyone find it weird that at the very end of the movie when they are escorting the humans off the planet that both Noah and his Avatar were both standing around during the scene?

Yes, but you know from Grace and later Jake that the Na'vi can transfer consciousness, so it may not have even been Noah in that body (But it is implied that only the DNA of a specific human is compatible with that Avatar body, but maybe only in the pods). It could be a total oversight, but it's really not a big deal.

[RAMSTORIA]

saw it in imax 3d last night. the movie looked fantastic. but i thought they writing was shallow, the acting was average and the story was as predictable as fried chicken. if i saw this in a normal theater id be very bitter, but imax 3d was pretty awesome. i was nauseous for the first 20 minutes or so, especially the zero g scene at the beginning and when they run off the ship when they first arrive to pandora, after i was used to the 3d though it was visually stunning.

[billyrox]

Going to rewatch it in Imax tonight! taking the old man with em

[saunderscowie]

I prefer it way more than District 9, although I didn't like that movie too much.

[ITDEFX]

Saw it last night. It wasn't a master piece...it wasn't epic .. it was good. Special effects were nice but not too many WOW scenes. I agreed that District 9 was better though.

Don't see how the Winter storm(or blizzard) could really effect the numbers for the movie though.

[JolietJake]

Seems that most people love the visuals, but the story is pretty meh. From what i understand of the story, that sounds right.

[CoffeeEdge]

Seems that most people love the visuals, but the story is pretty meh. From what i understand of the story, that sounds right.

No. The story is really good. People are just being really stupid with this "story is meh/cliched/unoriginal/done before/whatever" thing.

[redshadow]

No. The story is really good. People are just being really stupid with this "story is meh/cliched/unoriginal/done before/whatever" thing.


This.


And the whole "Is the CGI the only good part of it, because we already had a movie like that called Episode 3."


People need to get over it. it's not like it was a hidden fact that this was a CGI movie. This will be demo Blu-Ray material for years to come.

[RAMSTORIA]

No. The story is really good. People are just being really stupid with this "story is meh/cliched/unoriginal/done before/whatever" thing.


damn people and their opinions.

[c0rnpwn]

This was not a good movie. The end reminded me of ROTJ. Navi/Ewoks versus Corporate/Empire. Spears triumph over guns -- deus ex machina. Someone shoot me.

Also CGI still looks fake. I don't like CGI, it's not 'there' yet and when it does get 'there'...uncanny valley. No one likes uncanny valley.

And the 3D? Totally unnecessary. It didn't add anything to the movie other than oohs and ahs. I agree with the previous poster who called it a 'tech demo.'

[redshadow]

This was not a good movie. The end reminded me of ROTJ. Navi/Ewoks versus Corporate/Empire. Spears triumph over guns -- deus ex machina. Someone shoot me.

Also CGI still looks fake. I don't like CGI, it's not 'there' yet and when it does get 'there'...uncanny valley. No one likes uncanny valley.

And the 3D? Totally unnecessary. It didn't add anything to the movie other than oohs and ahs. I agree with the previous poster who called it a 'tech demo.'


You don't happen to run a website called "The spoony experiment" do you?

[c0rnpwn]

You don't happen to run a website called "The spoony experiment" do you?

Haha no, but watching it now I pretty much agree with 'em.

[crunchb3rry]

The best comparison of why CGI sucks and tangible effects are better is, ironically, a James Cameron movie. Aliens. Specifically compared to, for example, Pitch Black. Both are similar, yet the Aliens are just terrifying while there is absolutely zero "scare factor" from the Pitch Black creatures. Those looked fake all the way through, while just that scene from Aliens where Hicks looks up above the droptile ceiling with his flashlight is without a doubt one of the scariest movie moment from my childhood except for maybe John Lithgow opening that airplane windowshade in Twilight Zone: The Movie.

[redshadow]

Haha no, but watching it now I pretty much agree with 'em.


To each his own.


I personally can't believe anyone who agrees with anything that "The Spoony Experiment" has to say has any even REMOTELY minute bit of fun at the movie theaters.

That guy hates on everything, and he's not even funny while doing it.

[CoffeeEdge]

damn people and their opinions.

Yes, I agree: damn them.

Avatar is a nigh-perfect "hero myth" tale. The hero myth has been a good story for thousands of years. So there.

[RAMSTORIA]

Yes, I agree: damn them.

Avatar is a nigh-perfect "hero myth" tale. The hero myth has been a good story for thousands of years. So there.

pfft if it was a true hero myth he would have died at the end. all heroes die. i think him dying at the end would have made me enjoy the movie significantly more. the way it ended, you could see it coming from an hour into the movie.

[CoffeeEdge]

the way it ended, you could see it coming from an hour into the movie.

Okay, so you're obviously falling into the "it's predictable" camp. As stated, these people are kind of stupid.

[RAMSTORIA]

Okay, so you're obviously falling into the "it's predictable" camp. As stated, these people are kind of stupid.

not sure how the movie being predictable makes me kind of stupid.

[CoffeeEdge]

not sure how the movie being predictable makes me kind of stupid.

Because it's a bad reason to criticize a good, solid story.

[ITDEFX]

Well with a ship in orbit they could have orbital bombarded the damn area... Take that mother nature!!! I like to see that planet stand up to something completely out of reach.... unless it had the power to call for a meteor strike to blow that ship up lol.

[RAMSTORIA]

Because it's a bad reason to criticize a good, solid story.

the fact that its so predictable inherently makes the story neither good nor solid.

Well that avatar certainly doesn't help your cause.

ok...

[camoor]

Because it's a bad reason to criticize a good, solid story.

You're that guy who always wanted to discuss "The Matrix" in Philosophy 101, aren't you?

[CoffeeEdge]

the fact that its so predictable inherently makes the story neither good nor solid.

If that's how you feel, then I think you have really flawed standards for storytelling, and a poor understanding of the basic classic fundamental principals of fiction and mythology. Seriously, since when is unpredictability a requirement for a good story? Most of the great mythology of the world is pretty damn predictable.

You're that guy who always wanted to discuss "The Matrix" in Philosophy 101, aren't you?

Oh god, no. The Matrix is stupid as hell, and so are people who think it's deep or whatthefuckever.

[RedvsBlue]

Congratulations, you have a flagrant disregard the basic fundamental principals of fiction, storytelling, or mythology! Seriously, since when is unpredictability a requirement for a good story? The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are predictable, man.


Huh? Star Wars gave rise to one of the greatest of plot twists of all time...

While I agree that predictability shouldn't be a determining factor in whether or not its a solid story, originality is and Avatar is far from original. Dances with Wolves, The Last Samurai, District 9, etc. Its a story we've seen a hundred times and Avatar did little to expand upon the story or re-invent it.

[RelentlessRolento]

still have no desire to see this. im sure its good, just can't find anything that makes me want to see it. I'll watch it eventually.

[CoffeeEdge]

Forget what I said about Star Wars: I broadened that statement a lot. And in the grand scheme of things, no Vader being Luke's father isn't one of the "greatest plot twists of all time." Star Wars cherry picks pretty much everything it has from Greek and other classical mythology; nothing is, or ever was, innovative about it's core plot.

While I agree that predictability shouldn't be a determining factor in whether or not its a solid story, originality is and Avatar is far from original. Dances with Wolves, The Last Samurai, District 9, etc. Its a story we've seen a hundred times and Avatar did little to expand upon the story or re-invent it.

Originality is not required, either. You're ignoring creativity (which is wholly different from originality), which Avatar has in spades.

Avatar is not really original or unpredictable. It is, however, incredibly creative. The setting is extremely imaginative and creative, solidly built and fleshed-out, and the plot is effectively told. Thus: solid overall story.

[slickkill77]

So what if Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and Peter Jackson loved the movie. They have no talent and don't do anything! I get all my movie advice from slickkill77, he is the movie god. He knows everything and he hates this movie so that means those "directors" don't know anything!

I would hope that James Cameron would love his own movie. That would be a telling sign....

A lot of people loved Paranormal Activity and I thought it sucked. What of it?

Peter Jackson? It doesn't surprise me that he liked it. He has a thing for movies-that-go-on-way-to-god-damn-long-too.


Let me ask this one question since no seems to want to do anything other than flame us: If this movie had cgi on the level of say, District 9 or SW Ep3, would you have loved it?

[RAMSTORIA]

If that's how you feel, then I think you have really flawed standards for storytelling, and a poor understanding of the basic classic fundamental principals of fiction and mythology. Seriously, since when is unpredictability a requirement for a good story? Most of the great mythology of the world is pretty damn predictable.


this is a discussion on fiction and mythology. we arent comparing roland and seyavash. were talking about a 2 and a half hour movie with a rehashed story that i personally think wasnt executed very well. heres the situation, people like different things for different reasons. youre posting on an internet forum with a petty attitude that anyone who happens to dislike avatar for reason x is either a moron or uneducated. you have no idea how much me, or anyone else here has studied literature and mythology or a studied screen writing or any other type of storytelling, the fact of the matter is its not relevant in the enjoyment of a fucking movie.

[CoffeeEdge]

I don't care how educated you are; I think that anyone who insists that a story be "unpredictable" is lame-o. TL;DR: Haterz don't know what's up, let's press on with the thread.


Heading out for my third showing probably tomorrow. 8)

[sendme]

pfft if it was a true hero myth he would have died at the end. all heroes die. i think him dying at the end would have made me enjoy the movie significantly more. the way it ended, you could see it coming from an hour into the movie.

I guess I will put it in spoilers just for the ones that have not seen it yet that want to. I thought he was going to die at the end until the tree. When I saw them do that I thought he would become his avatar. When I saw that I thought he was going to die and then they would use it to make him is avatar. I was close but he didn't die.

Now for the story I liked it and everything else about the movie. As for the story being done already yeah it has but so what and if that is your only bitch about it then get over it. He took the story and made it he own and did it the way he wanted to. If you dont like that you write and direct a movie. I say if you liked it fine like it for what ever you liked it for but if you hated it then fine hate it for what ever you hated it for. The only thing is you should not force someone to like it or not like it.

[RAMSTORIA]

I don't care how educated you are; I think that anyone who insists that a story be "unpredictable" is lame-o. TL;DR: RAMSTORIA doesn't know what's up, let's press on with the thread.


Heading out for my third showing probably tomorrow. 8)

i never said that a movie must be unpredictable. i never limited my criticism to predictability. for someone reason youre hung up on it and only counter someones distaste the aforementioned predictability other than someone "doesn't know what's up" or that "People are just being really stupid", even though you originally attacked my understanding of story telling and mythology.

[Ikohn4ever]

still have no desire to see this. im sure its good, just can't find anything that makes me want to see it. I'll watch it eventually.


its going to be out awhile but i would make sure to see it in the theaters for the 3d effects.

[DarkNessBear]

I would hope that James Cameron would love his own movie. That would be a telling sign....

A lot of people loved Paranormal Activity and I thought it sucked. What of it?

Peter Jackson? It doesn't surprise me that he liked it. He has a thing for movies-that-go-on-way-to-god-damn-long-too.


Let me ask this one question since no seems to want to do anything other than flame us: If this movie had cgi on the level of say, District 9 or SW Ep3, would you have loved it?
District 9 had great CGI and EP3 had some good stuff for its time.

But, if you mean the CG was BAD - then I don't think I would like it as much as I did. But, still the creativity of the environment and world has well surpassed most films I've seen.. What is your point?

I mean, the story is not the BEST it could have been - but it is competent. You must immensely detest all Pixar films (due to their ALWAYS predictable stories) but I happen to love those as well.

Wait, didn't you say you haven't seen it yet?

still have no desire to see this. im sure its good, just can't find anything that makes me want to see it. I'll watch it eventually.

Rolento, I've heard you say that in a lot of threads! You crazy.

I don't care how educated you are; I think that anyone who insists that a story be "unpredictable" is lame-o. TL;DR: Haterz don't know what's up, let's press on with the thread.


Heading out for my third showing probably tomorrow. 8)
Yea, what is this whole thing about "predictability". I've seen a bunch of movies that were unpredictable that were complete garbage. The Village was extremely unpredictable, but I'd take the predictability of WallE or Ratatouille over it any day!

[slickkill77]

I love Pixar films. They are funny and cute. They have personality.

My point being that CG is essentially what made this film. So I don't see why it should be held to such an amazing standard if it's nothing more than a tech demo.

"Wait, haven't you not even seen it?"
Wait, have not you not even seen it?...

[sendme]

I just got an email from ronnies theater in St. Louis MO. They are the only ones I know of in the St. Louis MO area that have an IMAX screen and they were unable to get the IMAX print from the distributor. I guess they wont get it at all then. This is one that I would like to see on the IMAX screen in 3d but I guess I wont ever be able to.

[CoffeeEdge]

I just got an email from ronnies theater in St. Louis MO. They are the only ones I know of in the St. Louis MO area that have an IMAX screen and they were unable to get the IMAX print from the distributor. I guess they wont get it at all then. This is one that I would like to see on the IMAX screen in 3d but I guess I wont ever be able to.

That's too bad. Can you see it in RealD? That's perfectly fine, as well. And hey, maybe they can get an IMAX print second-run?

[Z_meista]

great visuals... the story seems uninspired..

[hohez]

The CG is essentially what makes a lot of films. Let's say the Pixar movies were done exactly the same except with squidbillies animation, would they still be these mega-hits every time?

I seriously doubt they would break 20 million even with the best of writing if they had dog shit animation/cg behind them.

I also don't think this films only trump card was CG. It may be their Ace on the river, but they also provided the 10 through King to make that Ace really mean something.

Regardless of all of this, if you didn't enjoy it, fine go enjoy other movies. I was blown away by this movie and will continue to spread its gospel to those that want to listen.

Amazing, in one post I've semi-shat on Pixar, Squidbillies, used a crappy poker reference, and blowjobbed Cameron and the movie again. My work is done for the day. I also used the term semi-shat. :bouncy:

[hiccupleftovers]

Boring, crappy movie with a linear predictable story and mediocre acting. Sigourney weaver's character is essentially pointless/useless to the plot as a whole. I had no emotional attachment to the plot or characters, with the exception of the colonel (sp) who I was sad to see what happened to him, but still, he was merely an amalgamation of the seargent (sp) from the first part of full metal jacket and the one commander from apocalypse now who says the famous napalm line. I found much of the film as being derivative of so many other, better films and boring as a whole. The cgi and effects are amazing to behold, especially in 3d, but in qll honesty, it doesn't make for a better movie

[CoffeeEdge]

The cgi and effects are amazing to behold, especially in 3d, but in qll honesty, it doesn't make for a better movie


Are you sure? Consider if it has poor effects. Unless you can honestly say that it would be just as good with Lawnmower Man CGI, then that statement really isn't true.

Movies are a visual medium, so I don't think it's bad to think that yeah, the visuals are absolutely tied to a movie's quality.

[winterice]

Let's not shit on Pixar. Their movies have a lot of heart to them. I'm of the mind that if you change their movies from CG to hand drawn, they'd still be good.

[supermodestmouse]

i really liked the movie. My friend and I were trying to see where it may have pulled influence from though too. so far we have:

story
Pocahontas - Classic John Smith/Pocahontas thing going on
Matrix - user interface
Fern Gully - that really hokey movie with fairies that help keep the forest alive
Princess Monoke - advancing army vs nature

characters/vehicles
Starcraft - the native animals looked similar to the ones that were idle around the maps of starcraft
Matrix - Mechs were almost straight out of revolution
Gears of War - Mech guns had bayonets that looked like chainsaws
HALO - the helicopters looked a lot like Hornets but with cargo bays
HALO wars - the main gunship the Colonel rode on (dragon?) was reminiscent of the big ship USNC can make

I'm sure a lot of these points may have been discussed in the previous posts, but I just thought it was an interesting way to see things :)

[Malik112099]

I want to see this but at the same time I feel that special effects dont make a movie. Transformers 2 had great CG but the movie itself was shit. i expect the same from Avatar. I visual feast with no substance. A lot of you confuse good visuals with good movies.

[JolietJake]

I can only watch the same story some many times. You can use different settings and characters, but its still the same.

[c0rnpwn]

Let's not shit on Pixar. Their movies have a lot of heart to them. I'm of the mind that if you change their movies from CG to hand drawn, they'd still be good.

And that's the point. Pixar makes fully animated movies. I can deal with their CG because it's a cartoon (that's not to say cartoons cannot be deep, Pixar and Studio Ghibli have demonstrated their depth and caliber).

This, however, was not a fully animated movie. It's schizophrenic and lame -- this could've been good if it had gone all CG or instead a more Star Wars OT route (which would be financially impossible unless they changed much of the cinematography). Instead it switches between realistic actors and then wholly unrealistic blue elves. To say that the CGI created an aesthetic distance is an understatement -- the only time I felt part of the movie was the first 30 minutes when it was mainly real actors hanging around with (really fucking cool) future tech HUDs and UIs and hologram things.

However, I found the Colonel to be hilarious -- he was so camp that I couldn't take him seriously at all. He needed to be doing more smoking or something.

[CoffeeEdge]

I want to see this but at the same time I feel that special effects dont make a movie. Transformers 2 had great CG but the movie itself was shit. i expect the same from Avatar. I visual feast with no substance.
Uh, there's plenty more substance than Transformers, don't you worry. The preconceived notions won't help your enjoyment, I imagine.

Not being Citizen fuckin' Kane (or as people seem to continually be referencing in this thread, a sappy sad-eyed Pixar movie with cheap heartstring-pulls, and yes, this is coming from a HUGE Pixar fan) doesn't automatically mean that a movie has "no substance." That's just a ridiculous absolute, if you ask me.

A lot of you confuse good visuals with good movies.
I'm calling out this statement as being even more condescending than I am.

[c0rnpwn]

Yeah, but Cameron wasn't being subtle with his 'messages' at ALL. Isn't that filmmaking 101? Show, don't tell?

[StarKnightX]

Not being Citizen fuckin' Kane (or as people seem to continually be referencing in this thread, a sappy sad-eyed Pixar movie with cheap heartstring-pulls, and yes, this is coming from a HUGE Pixar fan) doesn't automatically mean that a movie has "no substance." That's just a ridiculous absolute, if you ask me.

I kinda eluded to this in my critique of the movie back in the first page of this thread , but maybe a cheap heartstring pull was what I needed. As lame/stupid/pathetic/whatever you might want to call this sounds , for me , having that emotional moment (doesn't have to be a sad one , but it's usually the easiest or most common) can be the difference between me giving the movie a 7/8/9/10 out of 10 score (or a 4 or 5 out of 5 in netflix scoring). Counting only 2009 movies , Star Trek , Up , District 9 and even damn 2012 gave me one of those moments. Avatar came close at one or two parts , but couldn't seal the deal.

Now this isn't an absolute thing for me , since of course different genres lend to different elements of what makes them good. But that emotional moment can be the big difference between me feeling the movie is good , great or fantastic.

I apologize if this post makes no sense to anyone but me.

[RelentlessRolento]

Rolento, I've heard you say that in a lot of threads! You crazy.

:lol: I should prob just shut my mouth then :-#

[sendme]

That's too bad. Can you see it in RealD? That's perfectly fine, as well. And hey, maybe they can get an IMAX print second-run?

I saw it in RealD over the weekend when it came out. Still would be nice to see it on IMAX. I hope they can get it maybe after the first of the year.

i really liked the movie. My friend and I were trying to see where it may have pulled influence from though too. so far we have:

story
Pocahontas - Classic John Smith/Pocahontas thing going on
Matrix - user interface
Fern Gully - that really hokey movie with fairies that help keep the forest alive
Princess Monoke - advancing army vs nature

characters/vehicles
Starcraft - the native animals looked similar to the ones that were idle around the maps of starcraft
Matrix - Mechs were almost straight out of revolution
Gears of War - Mech guns had bayonets that looked like chainsaws
HALO - the helicopters looked a lot like Hornets but with cargo bays
HALO wars - the main gunship the Colonel rode on (dragon?) was reminiscent of the big ship USNC can make

I'm sure a lot of these points may have been discussed in the previous posts, but I just thought it was an interesting way to see things :)

I was thinking the same as you when I saw the trailers. However this isn't the only movie to do that. War of the Worlds did that. The ships that walked looked like the things in Half-Life 2 and the aliens that were in them looked like the ones from ID4.

[Ikohn4ever]

i really liked the movie. My friend and I were trying to see where it may have pulled influence from though too. so far we have:

story



Dances with Wolves?

[redshadow]

QUoted from teamxbox regarding peoples opinions without having seen the movie: Nice review dude!!! Here are my reviews of some movies I haven't seen.
-Inglorious basterds: SUCKED. Historically inaccurate. If this is the future of filmaking then count me out.
-Up in the air: STUPID! LOL! A movie about airports? How stupid.
-Invictus: LOL what is this a movie about rugby or something? BORING!

seriously, some of you need to learn how to just grab some popcorn, your girl, and turn your mind off for 2 minutes to enjoy a flick instead of trying to sound like an intelligent e-snob, or a Mars Volta fan(you pick.)

[Malik112099]

QUoted from teamxbox regarding peoples opinions without having seen the movie:

seriously, some of you need to learn how to just grab some popcorn, your girl, and turn your mind off for 2 minutes to enjoy a flick instead of trying to sound like an intelligent e-snob, or a Mars Volta fan(you pick.)


If turning your mind off is all it takes to enjoy a movie then movies would be nothing but random colors and shapes for 2 hours in a manner pleasing to the eyes. Maybe someone talking about shit that doesnt make sense but sounds interesting here and there.

[JMEPO]

I REALLY loved this movie; seeing it in IMAX 3D is a must. I seriously think this movie will redefine the way films are made.

[DarkNessBear]

If turning your mind off is all it takes to enjoy a movie then movies would be nothing but random colors and shapes for 2 hours in a manner pleasing to the eyes. Maybe someone talking about shit that doesnt make sense but sounds interesting here and there.You obviously prefer intense intelligent films that cause you to question morality with deep meaningful symbolism (which is totally fine). Then why do you belittle yourself by seeing this type of movie? Shouldn't you be seeing movies like: There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men (great thought provoking movies!)

For me ("majoring" in CG Entertainment Design), I have great appreciation and respect when it comes to these sorts of films. In THIS context, even if there was no real story at all (creatures just running around ect.) I'd still think it is a masterpiece of a creative art. I find that people don't respect the amount of talent and creativity it takes to create such worlds. And if you really just rely on compelling story telling, then there a bunch of movies that cater to that and don't mess around with any sort of "graphical entertainment". Also, books are one of the best ways to get this sort of experience.

[CoffeeEdge]

Dances with Wolves?
And while we're at it, how about Pocahontas, Ferngully, The Last Samurai, Last of the Mohicans, and of course, plenty of classical mythology and basic "hero myth" stuff.

By the way, I doubt they got anything from, like, Halo Wars. The production design on this movie was done years before that game came out.

If turning your mind off is all it takes to enjoy a movie then movies would be nothing but random colors and shapes for 2 hours in a manner pleasing to the eyes. Maybe someone talking about shit that doesnt make sense but sounds interesting here and there.
There are more than two degrees. It's not like, you have the 2012s and Transformers 2s, and then you have the There Will Be Bloods and Godfathers, and these are the only two degrees of filmmaking possible. Avatar is no Wild Strawberries, but shit, you sure as hell don't have to "turn your brain off" to enjoy it.

[Dezuria]

I just saw Avatar in 3D and I totally loved the movie. Maybe the characters and story aren't really deep, but still, I loved it and I was totally entertained the whole time.

[Malik112099]

And while we're at it, how about Pocahontas, Ferngully, The Last Samurai, Last of the Mohicans, and of course, plenty of classical mythology and basic "hero myth" stuff.

By the way, I doubt they got anything from, like, Halo Wars. The production design on this movie was done years before that game came out.


There are more than two degrees. It's not like, you have the 2012s and Transformers 2s, and then you have the There Will Be Bloods and Godfathers, and these are the only two degrees of filmmaking possible. Avatar is no Wild Strawberries, but shit, you sure as hell don't have to "turn your brain off" to enjoy it.


I get it but I am trying to to weed out the HOLY SHIT THIS MOVIE ROCKS DID YOU SEE THOSE CG ANIMATIONZ!?!?? from the "Good movie, few flaws and plot holes, but overall an enjoyable movie going experience with a good story and enjoyable characters"

see what im saying?

[slickkill77]

At this point I would give up. If they enjoyed the film, let them enjoy it. Nothing you say will change their opinion.

[kilm]

I get it but I am trying to to weed out the HOLY SHIT THIS MOVIE ROCKS DID YOU SEE THOSE CG ANIMATIONZ!?!?? from the "Good movie, few flaws and plot holes, but overall an enjoyable movie going experience with a good story and enjoyable characters"

see what im saying?

Sounds like you're just complaining about your own slow reading speed, inefficient use of the scroll wheel, etc.

[CoffeeEdge]

I get it but I am trying to to weed out the HOLY SHIT THIS MOVIE ROCKS DID YOU SEE THOSE CG ANIMATIONZ!?!?? from the "Good movie, few flaws and plot holes, but overall an enjoyable movie going experience with a good story and enjoyable characters"

see what im saying?

Fair enough. Avatar is the latter, I assure.

Also, after you see it, be sure to check out this excellent article on the real science fiction elements of the movie (spoiler alerts):
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43440

The science is all really well-thought out, more than really any other big "sci-fi" movie in some time. I think Cameron deserves credit for this. Yeah, of course it's not real "hard" science or whatever, but it's the sort of grounded, though-out fictional science, that I think can be really inspiring in movies. As the article mentions, like Star Wars and Star Trek inspired many a youth to enter astronomy and other science, I'm sure that Avatar will do the same.

[c0rnpwn]

Fair enough. Avatar is the latter, I assure.

Also, after you see it, be sure to check out this excellent article on the real science fiction elements of the movie (spoiler alerts):
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43440

The science is all really well-thought out, more than really any other big "sci-fi" movie in some time. I think Cameron deserves credit for this. Yeah, of course it's not real "hard" science or whatever, but it's the sort of grounded, though-out fictional science, that I think can be really inspiring in movies. As the article mentions, like Star Wars and Star Trek inspired many a youth to enter astronomy and other science, I'm sure that Avatar will do the same.

I agree that Cameron did do a seemingly (that floating mountains point made earlier, while I didn't realize it during the movie (and no one else did except for that guy) it does make sense) good job of mapping out the science.

However, the movie did show me that all scientists are huge pricks (except that one Indian guy) without any sense of reality (which is untrue). There wasn't even a lot of science in this movie aside from the War Machine. Which is cool I guess, let's all raise little Hitlers 8-)

[CoffeeEdge]

However, the movie did show me that all scientists are huge pricks
Err...I didn't get that. Like, Norm, really? :/

And in contrast to, what, the really nice guys from corporate and security?

without any sense of reality (which is untrue).
Unlike, say, Quaritch, who was really down-to-earth and level-headed, right?

[c0rnpwn]

Err...I didn't get that. Like, Norm, really? :/

And in contrast to, what, the really nice guys from corporate and security?


Unlike, say, Quaritch, who was really down-to-earth and level-headed, right?

Everyone was campy in that movie.

Sigourney Weaver was a bitch with a cigarette -- her treatise on the navi having the internet was a joke and showed her character's 'head in the clouds' mentality.

Her lackey, I don't even know his name it was hardly ever mentioned, was an arrogant little dick who hated anyone that was ignorant (it's like he was birthed from the internet).

The Indian guy (did he even have a name?) was cool, seemed like a nice guy. The techs inside with the two Avatars were incompetent.

Everyone in corporate was douchey and tooltastic -- stereotypical.
Security were meatheads -- again stereotypical.

So yeah, they're all jerks and I don't know what good to make of it, unless to conclude that James Cameron is incredibly pedantic to the point of nausea.

EDIT: Who's Quaritch?

[redshadow]

If turning your mind off is all it takes to enjoy a movie then movies would be nothing but random colors and shapes for 2 hours in a manner pleasing to the eyes. Maybe someone talking about shit that doesnt make sense but sounds interesting here and there.



I was merely commenting on the fact that some people must have the sole intention of sitting through movies only to talk about what is or is not plausible in the real world, and what the director did wrong by common standards.


Basically, either sit and watch the movie and enjoy it, or don't. But if people are going to come into this thread saying "I heard the story wasn't original. Screw this movie." Then I am perfectly willing to respond with "Grab a book."

[CoffeeEdge]

Everyone was campy in that movie.
I didn't deny that. This movie wasn't a character study.
Her lackey, I don't even know his name it was hardly ever mentioned, was an arrogant little dick who hated anyone that was ignorant (it's like he was birthed from the internet).
Norm. Eh, I just didn't get that.
The Indian guy (did he even have a name?) was cool, seemed like a nice guy.
Max.
James Cameron is incredibly pedantic to the point of nausea.
Pedantic? Hah, jeez.

EDIT: Who's Quaritch?
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/8461/15119975.jpg

[c0rnpwn]

He's quite literally, level-headed. (zing)

Norm, you see it when he's talking to Jake -- "what?! you don't understand what "I see you" means? Plebeian." or "What?! You don't understand Navian nuance xyz?!" He did it repeatedly. He sorta grew as a character after he realized Jake was accomplishing way more with his brand of 'science' than his textbook learnin'. I ended up not hating him as much as I started.

I'm softening up on my stance about the movie having slept on it -- I liked Quaritch but I still feel like this movie could've accomplished so much more.

So it's an average/good movie, but it's no (OT) Star Wars. It wasn't even Star Trek. I think it will go down in history as a tech demo and nothing more.

[CoffeeEdge]

Norm, you see it when he's talking to Jake -- "what?! you don't understand what "I see you" means? Plebeian."

Hmm...I suppose I can see what you mean, but isn't that the exact scene where Jake mentions that Norm's "attitude is improving"?

[evanft]

Saw it today. It was fucking fantastic. Much better than Star Trek or any of the recent big CG action type movies of the last decade.

[c0rnpwn]

Hmm...I suppose I can see what you mean, but isn't that the exact scene where Jake mentions that Norm's "attitude is improving"?

I'll take your word for it -- but again, actions not words. Towards the end Norm mellowed, which is cool, but at that moment just cuz he said it doesn't make it true.

[dwhelan]

Her lackey, I don't even know his name it was hardly ever mentioned, was an arrogant little dick who hated anyone that was ignorant (it's like he was birthed from the internet).

Lets be honest, if you just spent the last 11 years of your life preparing for this opportunity (5 learning the language and 6 in cryosleep) you would probably be annoyed too. The only reason Jack is able to do what he does, is because Grace's (Weaver's character) team has been able to set up the infrastructure. Take them out of the equation, and you would have a very different story.

Security were meatheads -- again stereotypical.
I would imagine that when you hire ex-military for a 6 year trip to play security guard on another planet, you are probably not getting the socially adjusted ones.

Just some thoughts though.

Giant glaring plothole, anyone?



http://hradzka.livejournal.com/378981.html


I am a little confused here, in the movie they clearly state that the deposit under the Home-Tree is the largest within 200 kliks (not sure why you would limit that but maybe they did not pay the surveyor) and the example of the rock from the table shows a chunk that big being levitated by the coaster. Which would seem to indicate it take a small amount of energy to levitate the material. Combine that with the fact that we already have proof of the existence of humans at the Floating Mountains and I come up with really one solution, the amount is insignificant compared to the cost to mine. I mean, you are talking about mining a floating rock, and you are looking to remove the reason it is able to float. But, lets entertain that for a moment, how do you do it?

1)Do you attempt to move the rock out of the field, causing it to crash to the planet's surface? (assuming the fields change, which is a reasonable assumption, since the Home-tree is not floating) How do you move it? Once it crashes, what is the expense for searching and discovering where your precious rock went? What does that mean to the potential colonization in the future, not to mention the smaller deposits you have just buried on the falling rock. - Seems really illogical when I know there is a large deposit over there underneath a tree with natives I do not care about.

2)Do you try to mine and determine how much you can take out while causing a controlled descent. Great plan, will it take longer then 3 months? What are the risks? (Outside of the obvious one, the natives attacking because you are disturbing the home of their flying beasts) In controlling the descent, that means I need to start removing pieces of this floating rock, not related to the mineral, assuming the controlled descent is possible.

3) Only mine enough that it has no real impact on the environment. <-- Yeah this would be completely the character of the movie.

Now I am fine with picking apart of movie for issues with the world. I wonder how the transmission of the drivers to the avatar worked and how it continued to work through the FLUX? How video communications is not monitored when the base is in lockdown? Why Grace got UDP for her transmission and Jake got TCP? Is a NaVi given a premanent IP during one of the two births or is it dynamic based on sleep cycles? Where do you get throat communicators and Standford shirts that big? (A problem that plagues me to this day).

All, what I consider, legitimate questions that I hope other people can answer for me.

[DarkNessBear]

They just recently created a device that made a mouse experience a 0gravity on earth. Could they not in the future, figure out a way to make a "trophy" holder - hold up a piece of rock?

And how do these people claim to know every single sediment type on the Pandora planet? Maybe, there is another type of rock that floats that is not valuable?

Christ... why even bother.

[DrFoo]

I'm with CoffeeEdge. The story wasn't the most original but I didn't really care because everything was so well done. There weren't really any plot holes and although the characters fit into standard archetypes the writing was very well done and I still ended up liking most of them. And yeah I loved this movie. It has actually made me kind of depressed that real life isn't as exciting. Just leaving the world itself left me feeling very bittersweet.

[Malik112099]

Sounds like you're just complaining about your own slow reading speed, inefficient use of the scroll wheel, etc.

Do you read this shit before you click "Submit Reply"?


OT: I am seeing this in IMAX 3D today at 2:30. I am glad my first viewing will be the best possible experience and I do have high hopes in general for this.

[sendme]

People that keep saying that the story is not original sure it wasn't but you have other movies that take something from another one. Also Cameron wrote this movie back when he started to film Titanic. So the script and his version of the story is about 10 years old.

[Dead of Knight]

People that keep saying that the story is not original sure it wasn't but you have other movies that take something from another one. Also Cameron wrote this movie back when he started to film Titanic. So the script and his version of the story is about 10 years old.

Pretty much all the movies he ripped off are even older than that.

[Dr. Venkman]

The movie was really really good. There were only two things that took a little away for me (and it's not a lot, but worth mentioning)

1.) Just about every key event in this movie is sadly predictable. BUT still really enjoyable.

2.) The 3-D glasses in my theater has scratches on the lens. UGH! It seriously bothered me. I had to randomly remove them to adjust my eyes.

I'm SO glad they didn't extend the sex scene to make it as weird as the one in The Matrix Reloaded. That would have been REALLY awkward.

I can def see Cameron winning many awards for this movie and I hope it breaks many many records. The entire cast and crew for this movie deserves it.

[Malik112099]

Do you read this shit before you click "Submit Reply"?


OT: I am seeing this in IMAX 3D today at 2:30. I am glad my first viewing will be the best possible experience and I do have high hopes in general for this.


Didnt go :( the weather here is REALLY bad....we are in a blizzard warning until friday...oh well

[DarkNessBear]

What?! Malik hasn't seen it either? The two biggest opponents of the movie were the two that didn't even see it. Sweet Xmas Baby balls!

[billyrox]

What?! Malik hasn't seen it either? The two biggest opponents of the movie were the two that didn't even see it. Sweet Xmas Baby balls!

wtf

[Nebenator]

Just came back from seeing this in 3D, and WOW! Fantastic movie, even with all the holes. The CG was great, the characters were good, though the plot was predicable and some of the dialogue was meh I'm going to say that it's my favorite movie this year, unless Sherlock Holmes beats it (you never know).

[Malik112099]

What?! Malik hasn't seen it either? The two biggest opponents of the movie were the two that didn't even see it. Sweet Xmas Baby balls!


im not an opponent of the movie. never said i was. i am an opponent of people who consider pretty movies that lack substance to be good. I am looking forward to this movie. I have just voiced that I hope this isnt like Transformers 2 - pretty CG and a lackluster story. Don't put words in my mouth and/or learn to read.

[kilm]

Do you read this shit before you click "Submit Reply"?

lolumad. Boo hoo. People like a movie, enthusiastic about it, and you can't be bothered to read through 1-2 lines of text per post. Go cry to your mother.

Transformers 2 had great CG but the movie itself was shit. i expect the same from Avatar. I visual feast with no substance. A lot of you confuse good visuals with good movies.

LoL. You ever read the shit you type? Clearly not.

[CoffeeEdge]

i am an opponent of people who consider pretty movies that lack substance to be good.

Wow, man. It's pretty impressively pretentious and self-important to consider yourself an "opponent" of something like that, even by my standards.

[The Crotch]

Wow, man. It's pretty impressively pretentious and self-important to consider yourself an "opponent" of something like that, even by my standards.
Your standards must be higher than mine. I'm an opponent of whoever the fuck keeps throwing his rice out in the sink. Throw it in the garbage, asshole! Or, hey - try composting it! We have a garden, you know!

[Malik112099]

wow..it is like the sony defense force in here...no rationalizing with people acting like this over a movie with good CG

[CoffeeEdge]

wow..it is like the sony defense force in here...no rationalizing with people acting like this over a movie with good CG


No, we just really don't need anyone being a dick about "waah waah you plebeian sheeple are so stupid enjoying movies that aren't art cinema ;___; don't you know that you're not allowed to enjoy a movie unless it's on at LEAST a dramatic par with perhaps Raging Bull, and also you SHOULD ALL BE FUCKING GASSED FOR BEING SO DUMB AND ENJOYING A MOVIE WITH STUNNING VISUALS (because similar to videogames, VISUALS ACCOUNT FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN MOVIES, and actually, the better the visuals, the more brutally the movie on the whole must be judged) AND AN ACCESSIBLE PLOT" because seriously, what the fuck is that trying to prove?

Take it to IMDb, dude.

[dastly75]

This movie was a decent enough popcorn movie, though, at $12.50 that's pushing it. The colonel was the best character and the scenes with him were the most engaging. I would not call this movie a masterpiece given how run of the mill the story is(specifically in the way it is told). Compared to other popcorn flicks this year like Transformers 2(big pile of shit), I guess it could look like a masterpiece.

[erehwon]

I really enjoyed this movie. The plot was kind of predictable, but it was told in a good way. I didn't see many movies this year, but I would rank it in the top.

1. District 9
2. Watchmen
3. Avatar
4. Terminator Salvation
5. Land of the Lost (had a free ticket)

[Nebenator]

I really enjoyed this movie. The plot was kind of predictable, but it was told in a good way. I didn't see many movies this year, but I would rank it in the top.

1. District 9
2. Watchmen
3. Avatar
4. Terminator Salvation
5. Land of the Lost (had a free ticket)
Ah crap, I thought Watchmen came out in late 2008. In that case, it is not my favorite movie this year, but still very good (I enjoyed it more than District 9)

[david12795]

Amazing movie!

[rumblebear]

What an utter disappointment. It's essentially a dumbed down dances with wolves with Peter Jackson's King Kong extravagance treatment. Good visuals but that's about it. The blatant Indian culture completely ruined any sense of fascination with the alien race. And WTF is with the treason part? Way to go James Cameron for reinforcing the slander that left wing tree huggers are American hating traitors.

[Megalith]

I think Avatar is great not because of the 3D or CG, but simply for its mythology, world, and score.

I'm kind of confused when I see people say this is the best thing they've ever seen, however---I went to the IMAX 3D show today at NYC's Lincoln Loews, and maybe I was expecting more out of IMAX, but the screen didn't even seem big to me, and while the 3D was effective, a lot of things looked soft and/or glossed over.

[Xevious]

Great special effects but I lost interest in the story around the 2nd half of the movie. It's not a bad film but admittedly I was a little disapointed.

[Rocko]

Saw it tonight, no Imax or 3D, and I really enjoyed it.

[DrFoo]

What an utter disappointment. It's essentially a dumbed down dances with wolves with Peter Jackson's King Kong extravagance treatment. Good visuals but that's about it. The blatant Indian culture completely ruined any sense of fascination with the alien race. And WTF is with the treason part? Way to go James Cameron for reinforcing the slander that left wing tree huggers are American hating traitors.
How did you get that out of a movie where all the protagonists were on the 'left wing tree hugger' side? They were fighting to stop a generic evil corporation from taking over a peaceful nature world. I don't know where USA comes into this other than some anti capitalism messages (and that stupid comment on how they will not be terrorized or something like that).

The rest of your criticisms are pretty fair. Won't stop me from enjoying it, though.

[sotc1988]

Pretty much all the movies he ripped off are even older than that.
Kubrick was such a hack. Can you believe that The Shining was a book before it was a movie?!
This only applies if you are saying it makes Cameron a less skilled story-teller simply because he adapts material. Your post seems to imply that.

[asgaga]

avatar already breaking records :) also beat Sherlock Holmes to be number #1

http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/12/27/avatar-box-office/

only dropped around 2% from last weeks amount. So hopefully the sequel is gonna be made.

[Strell]

I really liked how Guile is in this movie, with some awesome scars. I don't know why he started cutting his hair that short though.

[Lord_Kefka]

I just want to see if I can say this without being flamed.

Saw the movie last night and while I didn't hate it, I can't really get behind it with the fierceness others have. Visually it was very nice and I'm sure we will see more movies being pushed into 3-D now. But the characters, how much the actors made me feel for them? Not there. Story was very predictable and the film really doesn't do much that I would call revolutionary or a masterpiece. Visually perhaps, but it's not really sticking with me.

[benjamouth]

Saw the 3D version last night, I liked it.

[dastly75]

Kubrick was such a hack. Can you believe that The Shining was a book before it was a movie?!
This only applies if you are saying it makes Cameron a less skilled story-teller simply because he adapts material. Your post seems to imply that.

The quote you quoted was talking about movies copying movies, not movies adapting books.

[Dead of Knight]

Kubrick was such a hack. Can you believe that The Shining was a book before it was a movie?!
This only applies if you are saying it makes Cameron a less skilled story-teller simply because he adapts material. Your post seems to imply that.

Fail. We're not talking about adapting material. We're talking about him copying movies that have been out for years.

[The Crotch]

Fail. We're not talking about adapting material. We're talking about him copying movies that have been out for years.
http://www.animationmeat.com/rantsnraves/files/ferngullythnniversry_1.jpg

[blueweltall]

Saw it in Imax 3D and it was amazing. Best movie of the year for me.

[david12795]

Saw it in Imax 3D and it was amazing. Best movie of the year for me.


Same :D. Can't wait till it gets released on blu-ray. Which should take how long? till april/may?

[CoffeeEdge]

Same :D. Can't wait till it gets released on blu-ray. Which should take how long? till april/may?

No details on home release announced, yet. I know that the spec for Blu-Ray 3D was just finalized; I wouldn't be surprised if Cameron wants to hold out until that is out in force (the theatrical release was delayed an entire year, to wait for more theaters to install 3D systems).

[david12795]

No details on home release announced, yet. I know that the spec for Blu-Ray 3D was just finalized; I wouldn't be surprised if Cameron wants to hold out until that is out in force (the theatrical release was delayed an entire year, to wait for more theaters to install 3D systems).



I think it would be reasonable if he releases the 2D version anyway without delaying it because no one will want to buy a blu-ray 3D player right away and consumers can have an option of both 2D or 3D (which can be released later)


Although, I saw it in 3D imax, I want to see it in 2D if there's any difference :P

[blueweltall]

I heard the PS3 should be able to support 3D with an update later, but I think you would also still need a 3D ready TV also.

So I'm pretty sure there won't be any delay for a regular 2D blu ray version as most household won't be 3D ready. It's a really good movie, so I wouldn't mind having to pay for both version.

[CoffeeEdge]

Yeah, yeah, of course they won't delay a 2D version. The studio wouldn't tolerate it. I was just talking about Cameron's fussyness.

I'm planning on constructing an all-out home theater (12 foot screen, yadda yadda) sometime, but I'm going to hold out until there are 3D-capable 1080p projectors available. 8)

[StarKnightX]

No details on home release announced, yet. I know that the spec for Blu-Ray 3D was just finalized; I wouldn't be surprised if Cameron wants to hold out until that is out in force (the theatrical release was delayed an entire year, to wait for more theaters to install 3D systems).

I'm going to throw out wild and complete speculation here and say that there will be at LEAST 3 different major releases for Avatar. First , standard 2D version. Second , "traditional" 3D version using the old fashion 3D glasses. Third , a "true" 3D version once BR 3D and/or Sterostopic (Sterosopic? SP?) TVs become readily available.

I have no idea whether the movie could be converted to using traditional 3D visuals and glasses for a home release since the movie wasn't originally designed for it , but I wouldn't be surprised to see fox attempt to do it anyway.

[CoffeeEdge]

Second , "traditional" 3D version using the old fashion 3D glasses.

I have to hope that Cameron wouldn't let them cheapen it with that red/blue crap.

[david12795]

I'm going to throw out wild and complete speculation here and say that there will be at LEAST 3 different major releases for Avatar. First , standard 2D version. Second , "traditional" 3D version using the old fashion 3D glasses. Third , a "true" 3D version once BR 3D and/or Sterostopic (Sterosopic? SP?) TVs become readily available.

I have no idea whether the movie could be converted to using traditional 3D visuals and glasses for a home release since the movie wasn't originally designed for it , but I wouldn't be surprised to see fox attempt to do it anyway.


Haha that'll take years.

[CoffeeEdge]

Haha that'll take years.

3D HDTVs, using technology that is functionally comparable to to what they have in RealD 3D theaters (again, none of that red/blue crap), are already available, and better stuff will be coming out next year. Now that Blu-Ray 3D is finalized, 3D home theater stuff is set to really take off, I think.

[david12795]

3D HDTVs, using technology that is functionally comparable to to what they have in RealD 3D theaters (again, none of that red/blue crap), are already available, and better stuff will be coming out next year. Now that Blu-Ray 3D is finalized, 3D home theater stuff is set to really take off, I think.

Wow! I had no idea. I just looked it up on google. They are saying consumers should hold back if they are looking for a standard HDTV. Too bad most consumers won't start using 3D technology right away since they already have a standard HDTV in their household. IM not even using an HDTV. Let alone a blu ray 3D. :-P

[becuzimbrown]

That was fucking amazing to watch in 3D. My mind was blown.

That being said, Dances With Smurfs/The Last Samurai.

[rusty]

First off, I absolutely loved this movie. The CG was the best I've ever seen and the 3D was done tastefully and was not just for lame effects.

My question: How much of this movie was actually written/conceived of back in the mid 90s? There are obviously things in the movie that appear to be taken from other recent movies or games (Halo, Gears, D9). I wonder how much of the plot and the actual characters/environments in the movie were thought of before Halo/Matrix/etc came along in early 2000s. If James Cameron had drawing boards for most of this stuff early in the 90s, then I'd say this movie was insanely original, just done after everything else.

[asgaga]

this was sort of the original script that cameron put together after working on titanic

http://chud.com/articles/articles/21969/1/PROJECT-880-THE-AVATAR-THAT-ALMOST-WAS/Page1.html

he did have his ideas earlier than this, but this is some of the first things he actually wrote down in a somewhat script form that resembles avatar.

[CoffeeEdge]

My question: How much of this movie was actually written/conceived of back in the mid 90s? There are obviously things in the movie that appear to be taken from other recent movies or games (Halo, Gears, D9). I wonder how much of the plot and the actual characters/environments in the movie were thought of before Halo/Matrix/etc came along in early 2000s. If James Cameron had drawing boards for most of this stuff early in the 90s, then I'd say this movie was insanely original, just done after everything else.

The script was written in early 2006, based on treatments and scriptments from the past 12 years before that (and hell, Cameron's basic image for the Na'vi dates back to the mid-70s). Production design was worked on from 2006, up to mid-2007, when they started filming. I really doubt there is anything from Gears of War or D9 in here, obviously.

I'm glad you liked the movie, but the talk of Avatar aping production design from Halo and whatnot is tiresome. :/

[Ikohn4ever]

when a fan asked him to sign an Avatar poster. Cameron refused. The man went back to Cameron and asked again to which James replied, “I don’t owe you a f**king signature … just get out of my f**king personal space.”
That’s when the fan lost it and replied, “I’m an a**hole because I ask someone I admire for their autograph that makes me an a**hole? I make $15-an-hour at work to go see your film and I’m an a**hole?”
Ultimately, James calmly walked away from the situation while the fan continued to yell at him

[keithp]

when a fan asked him to sign an Avatar poster. Cameron refused. The man went back to Cameron and asked again to which James replied, “I don’t owe you a f**king signature … just get out of my f**king personal space.”
That’s when the fan lost it and replied, “I’m an a**hole because I ask someone I admire for their autograph that makes me an a**hole? I make $15-an-hour at work to go see your film and I’m an a**hole?”
Ultimately, James calmly walked away from the situation while the fan continued to yell at him

Wow. Dude had a point.

[billyrox]

Wow. Dude had a point.


which dude

[keithp]

which dude

;)

[CoffeeEdge]

Uh oh, someone from the entertainment business acting like a regular human being.

It sounds to me like the guy (who some claim was just an autograph hound out to flip signed crap on eBay) was pestering him, so, whatever. I'd probably do it, to. Wait, of COURSE I would.

[rusty]

The script was written in early 2006, based on treatments and scriptments from the past 12 years before that (and hell, Cameron's basic image for the Na'vi dates back to the mid-70s). Production design was worked on from 2006, up to mid-2007, when they started filming. I really doubt there is anything from Gears of War or D9 in here, obviously.

I'm glad you liked the movie, but the talk of Avatar aping production design from Halo and whatnot is tiresome. :/

My entire question was to try to show that Gears/Halo/etc did NOT have an impact on this film...

[Zerok]

I've gotta say, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I thought it was really good on all fronts.

The story... Yeah, yeah, so it's been done before, whatever. The only thing I care about is weather or not it was done well, not if someone else has already done it, and I think in this case it was done well.

The visuals... fuck me, were done very well. The 3D wasn't overdone, nor did it look cheesy or gimmicky. Definitely looking forward to a Blu-Ray release of this.

[Rocko]

James Cameron absolutely comes off as a giant douchebag in that video with the fan.

[asgaga]

why would this person have someone recording this? seems like he was setting up james cameron and not really wanting a autograph.

ps
saw it a 4th time in 2d really able to tell the diffrence from 3d showing.

[Malik112099]

This just in: Coffee is the TMK of Avatar.

[Sc4rfac3]

it was awesome. i will be buying the Blu-Ray ASAP!

[Strell]

I'd probably do it, to. Wait, of COURSE I would.

You heard it here first: CoffeeEdge would TOTALLY flip out over some insignificant shit.

I know - I was surprised too.

[Soodmeg]

Wow, look at the shit storm that is in this thread.

Just saw it today, like everyone said amazing CGI plot is a little Disney but that didnt make it crap. I am not even going to try to get into what ever the hell you guys are arguing about.

[integralsmatic]

Wow, look at the shit storm that is in this thread.

Just saw it today, like everyone said amazing CGI plot is a little Disney but that didnt make it crap. I am not even going to try to get into what ever the hell you guys are arguing about.

qft on that.

dont really care about the incident(s) either. this movie was a emotional roller coaster for me. I really got in to it. Personally for me and for me only, its the best movie i have ever seen. I love the the attention to detail on the wildlife and the people on pandora. I saw this in IMAX also and again, it was stunning. best CGI movie made in years.

[camoor]

Just saw District 9 and I have to say this comparison to Avatar is spot-on (excerpt below)

Politics: Avatar has a simple, but effective, corporations vs. aliens theme. In contrast, District 9 has more realistic politics. At first, humans are curious about the aliens and even welcoming. Later, they become a “social problem.” Aliens have weird habits, they attract the mafia, buy drugs, etc. Corporations are just the tool that people use to “solve” the alien “question.”

http://orgtheory.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/district-9-avatar/

[DrFoo]

Avatar is about humans discovering some self sustaining intelligent aliens on a planet with resources they want in a universe where aliens have already been found. District 9 is about a bunch of retarded aliens coming to earth in modern times and becoming a nuisance. I think the politics in both are fairly realistic (with the scientists in Avatar at the 'curious' stage and the military/corporation just thinking of them as savages who are getting in their way and trying to kill them).

[c0rnpwn]

Avatar is about humans discovering some self sustaining intelligent aliens on a planet with resources they want in a universe where aliens have already been found. District 9 is about a bunch of retarded aliens coming to earth in modern times and becoming a nuisance. I think the politics in both are fairly realistic (with the scientists in Avatar at the 'curious' stage and the military/corporation just thinking of them as savages who are getting in their way and trying to kill them).

You're half-correct. You nailed the setting and context of the two movies, but not what they're really about. What's the protagonist doing in each?

[DarkNessBear]

when a fan asked him to sign an Avatar poster. Cameron refused. The man went back to Cameron and asked again to which James replied, “I don’t owe you a f**king signature … just get out of my f**king personal space.”
That’s when the fan lost it and replied, “I’m an a**hole because I ask someone I admire for their autograph that makes me an a**hole? I make $15-an-hour at work to go see your film and I’m an a**hole?”
Ultimately, James calmly walked away from the situation while the fan continued to yell at him
Watching the video, it's obvious he wasn't a fan. And the "fan" acted like a total dick - he just shoves the poster in his face and then starts mumbling some BS (which you can't hear). And I heard that the "fan" was an employee of TMZ (or one of the photographers that supply to them) and if you know anything about those Dbag paparazzi they are there to get those kind of reactions. Also, the cutting up of the video (done by TMZ) doesn't show the whole thing. So, I'm guessing they left out important bits.

[sendme]

They chances are cut everything to make it look like Cameron is an ass. I have not read much of this thread in the past week or so due to people that hate it and people that liked it bitching back and forth. I don't know if this was posted but Avatar one of 5 movies to pass 1 billion dollars world wide. (http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/avatar-rules-with-683m-tops-1b-worldwide-ap)

James has 2 out of the 5 movies in the list.

Titanic 1.8 billion worldwide
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 1.13 billion world wide
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest 1.06 billion world wide
The Dark Knight at a fraction over 1 billion world wide
Avata 1.02 billion world wide and still counting

So this could be the highest grossing movie of all time when looking at just ticket sales.

[rusty]

They chances are cut everything to make it look like Cameron is an ass. I have not read much of this thread in the past week or so due to people that hate it and people that liked it bitching back and forth. I don't know if this was posted but Avatar one of 5 movies to pass 1 billion dollars world wide. (http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/avatar-rules-with-683m-tops-1b-worldwide-ap)

James has 2 out of the 5 movies in the list.

Titanic 1.8 billion worldwide
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 1.13 billion world wide
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest 1.06 billion world wide
The Dark Knight at a fraction over 1 billion world wide
Avata 1.02 billion world wide and still counting

So this could be the highest grossing movie of all time when looking at just ticket sales.

It's a shame Pirates 2 is on that list. Other than that, it's a list of incredible movies. Pirates just went completely down the shitter after Black Pearl.

[sendme]

The only one that I have not seen is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Never got into them movies so I have not seen it. Dead Man's Chest wasn't bad but you are right about them going down the shitter after Black Pearl. I would have thought that The Dark Knight would have made more. Well atleast more then Dead Man's Chest but that is more for kids then TDK was. I would not be surprised if Avatar made 1.2 or 1.22 billion by the time its run was over in theaters.

[billyrox]

The only one that I have not seen is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Never got into them movies so I have not seen it. Dead Man's Chest wasn't bad but you are right about them going down the shitter after Black Pearl. I would have thought that The Dark Knight would have made more. Well atleast more then Dead Man's Chest but that is more for kids then TDK was. I would not be surprised if Avatar made 1.2 or 1.22 billion by the time its run was over in theaters.


Agreed... its gotten a ridiculous amount of hype now going into January... most of my buddies and co workers who have seen it - love it

[Mr. Anderson]

Ok, just saw it less than an hour ago.

I have only two words: FUCKING AMAZING.

Put Star Wars on the shelf, 'cause it can't stand up to what Cameron created in Avatar. And to think that many people, myself included, thought it would be a giant bomb. Oh boy I have never been so glad to be proven wrong.

[sendme]

I never thought it would be a giant bomb but I never thought it would make this much. I wasn't even sure if it would make its 400 million back that was spent on it. I don't know if I would say it was better then star wars. However I think I will end up watching Avatar more then I will star wars if it ever comes to BD.

[billyrox]

Ok, just saw it less than an hour ago.

I have only two words: FUCKING AMAZING.

Put Star Wars on the shelf, 'cause it can't stand up to what Cameron created in Avatar. And to think that many people, myself included, thought it would be a giant bomb. Oh boy I have never been so glad to be proven wrong.


i was excited even before the movie came out... look at OP...but when i watched it it also exceeded expectations

[evildeadjedi]

Sweet, would be cool to see this pass Titanic.

[david12795]

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/movies/Hubba-Hubba-Avatar-Sex-Scene-Coming-to-DVD-80726152.html


nice.