"Avatar" - movie by James Cameron

[kurt]

James Cameron’s New 3-D Epic Could Change Film Forever | Magazine

With the language established, Cameron set about naming everything on his alien planet. Every animal and plant received Na’vi, Latin, and common names. As if that weren’t enough, Cameron hired Jodie Holt, chair of UC Riverside’s botany and plant sciences department, to write detailed scientific descriptions of dozens of plants he had created. She spent five weeks explaining how the flora of Pandora could glow with bioluminescence and have magnetic properties. When she was done, Cameron helped arrange the entries into a formal taxonomy.
This was work that would never appear onscreen, but Cameron loved it.



He brought in more people, hiring an expert in astrophysics, a music professor, and an archaeologist. They calculated Pandora’s atmospheric density and established a tripartite scale structure for the alien music. When one of the experts brought in the Star Wars Encyclopedia, Cameron glanced at it and said, “We’ll do better.”


Eventually, a team of writers and editors compiled all this information into a 350-page manual dubbed Pandorapedia. It documents the science and culture of the imaginary planet, and, as much as anything, it represents the fully realized world Cameron has created. For fans who want to delve deeper, parts of Pandorapedia will be available online this winter.

[kurt]

Inventing Effects to Create the Avatar Universe | Magazine

What’s truly remarkable here is what appears on his display. Looking into it, Cameron doesn’t see Worthington and Saldana on a soundstage. Instead, he sees Sully and Neytiri, each 10 feet tall with blue skin, catlike features, and long tails. The background is not a bunch of gray plywood risers but the deep rain forest of the planet Pandora, where most of this movie takes place. Cameron can view in real time what other directors have to wait months to see.

[kurt]

5 Steps to Avatar: Reinventing Moviemaking | Magazine

To create a precise template for the CG sequences, actors first perform scenes in a barren warehouse. Cameron views the action through a virtual camera — an LCD that shows the actors as 10-foot-tall aliens inhabiting Pandora’s lush environment. This system allows Cameron to position performers and direct action while seeing a real-time simulation of the finished product.

[Alicia Leonard]

This is the only movie I am really excited about this year. Thanks for posting this!

[kurt]

It is a good read about a lot of money and brain power going to entertainment. Take that emerging nations!

[passin thru]

Wow, can't waait to see it. I'm glad he had the will & push to become more than a truck driver.

[LuciferSam]

Sounds awesome!

[Mango]

I saw the preview in 3D and it was awesome. This is going to be a blockbuster, no doubt.

[kurt]

So how was the experience? I haven't seen the new 3D - are there no special glasses?

[Mango]

So how was the experience? I haven't seen the new 3D - are there no special glasses?

I saw A Christmas Carol and they gave out hard plastic, good quality glasses. You have to see the new 3D on special screens, so you have to check if they have it in 3D. The cost per ticket is also higher, but well worth it. I do not go to movies anymore unless they are visually striking on big screen. Why pay $10 a ticket for 2D when I can see it on my 60 inch home screen for $1 or so with many people. If you have been to Universal Studios, the quality is just as good. (minus the seats shaking and water or fire being blown on you) I was blown away. I wish I could see every movie now in 3D.

Next up is Avatar, then Alice in Wonderland, and something by the makers of Shrek called How to Train a Dragon in one Day, which looks real cute for young kids. Looks like many more are being released in the next 6 months and I'll be at all of them.

[Miss Critter]

James Cameron was on Today this morning and Hoda and Kathie Lee could not stop gushing about this movie. Both said they were mesmerized, that is was a beautiful love story and very spiritual. Oh, and the special effects were pretty amazing, too.

[kurt]

Of course nerds our predisposed to like this type of movie but they are quick to let you know when something sucks. This guy gushes.

Avatar Review: Yes, It Changed Everything After All - Avatar review - Gizmodo

Put simply, Avatar is the most visually fantastic film I've ever seen. It will be hailed as the groundbreaking 3D release of its time while setting a new standard by which all blockbusters are measured. Yes, it's that good. I'm not going to talk about plot (or that I thought to myself, Dances with Wolves in space more than once). I'm not going to talk about dialog or pacing (or that the limited narration was totally unnecessary). There are other reviews, more reviewy type reviews, that have all that covered. I'm not going to spoil anything, either. Heck, I'm not even going to talk about Avatar...not just yet.

I want to talk about Jurassic Park.
Jurassic Park was the first movie I remember being excited to an unhealthily obsessive level. My dad, a huge Michael Crichton fan, did his best to tempt my young self into reading the full-out book. So he told me a sort of good parts version, filling my head with tales of dinosaur resurrection from amber dug up deep in the Earth, all while I would do my best to get more and more out of him without actually having to crack open a book.
So when I heard Jurassic Park was becoming a movie, not only did that dash any chance of me reading the story, but I literally could not fathom a world in which I'd be patient enough to wait to see it (not that I had any other option). I mean, dinosaurs, theme parks, and terror? Jurassic Park was biologically engineered for young boys.
All of this is nice background, but my point is simpler. When I saw those dinosaurs on screen, knowing that, in many cases, they'd been modeled purely by computers—computers!—I felt like anything was possible. Yes, it's a cliche feeling. That's actually why I'm sharing it. Because ultimately, we all have that movie—be it Star Wars or Terminator or whatever—that movie we actually felt a bit humbled, even challenged, watching because it was was an amuse-bouche of the future, even if a bit cheesy at heart.
Avatar is that movie for the new generation.
I don't expect you to believe me if you haven't seen the film yet. I, myself, was a huge skeptic until a few hours ago. Blue people? Papyrus font?? What the **** happened to dinosaurs and light sabers and killer robots from the future? Did we use all the cool stuff up?

But about 30 minutes in to the film, you realize that the marketing has undersold the movie. In an era when every great moment of a film makes its way to a trailer, Avatar surprised me with an endless amount of unparalleled optical overload. Every single shot is just so full of detail that you literally open your eyes wider to take as much in as you can before each cut.

Gizmodo readers will love the tech, especially as that about 50% of the film's budget apparently went to rendering badass 3D curved displays and absurdly awesome cockpits. But sequences from Pandora's woods at night...let's just say they're the first luminescent visual effects I've seen that made 1982's Tron look like a 27-year-old movie.

Also, while shots of the Na'vi (the blue dudes) clearly cut between live actors and complete CGI, their body animation is unparalleled. While their faces and eyes especially can appear a tad cartoony at times, the overall effect is not done justice by YouTube trailers or that shot pasted above. Call the effect hyperreal or even unreal, but it's certainly doesn't look "fake." I don't know that I've ever witnessed complete humanoid models move so realistically, especially given their exposure (in both screen time and skin).

Of course, Avatar's 3D is the basis of my obnoxious zeal for the aesthetics. I viewed the film in a full-sized IMAX theater. And while I knew that a fair share of missiles would fly off the screen (and ZOMG the mechs look amazing), I couldn't have expected the sheer tangibility that 3D—what I once supposed a gimmick—added to the experience. I mean, I saw textures in this film that I've never seen in a movie before, like wet, rubbery skin on the wildcats of Pandora that made people around me gasp more than once. There's a more understated moment, too, when Sam Worthington shaves and you realize, wow, stubble is pretty remarkable in 3D. The jagged hairs bring a level of humanity to his character, adding something unexpectedly corporeal to what's really a 30-foot-tall head in closeup.
So yes, 3D is more than a gimmick. The glasses are still a pain, but 3D is here to stay.
Avatar doesn't handle this new technology perfectly, however, and I hope that other filmmakers learn from its mistakes. Especially early in the film during shots in close quarters, the direction allowed many objects to break frame (think of a person walking from one end of the screen to the other). For my untrained eyes, seeing a figure go from 2D to 3D to 2D was not only distracting, it was tiring. And the same can be said for a constantly shifting depth of field—based upon where the camera is focusing, you'll need to figure out whether to look deep into the screen or right in front of you.

An out of focus shoulder breaking the corner of the frame is pretty much the worst implementation of 3D I could imagine. Luckily, the forest sequences that make up the majority of the film seemed to have been planned with a wider depth of field—more of the shot is in focus.
After 2 1/2 hours in the theater, I am exhausted far more than the same amount of time playing an FPS would make me, but Avatar was so remarkable that it was well-worth the work of watching it.
I still can't imagine popping on a pair of glasses to watch the evening news after a long day of work, and I sympathized for the guy sitting beside me as he started rubbing his eyes about halfway through. As someone with a slight uncorrected astigmatism, my left eye was ready to fall out of its socket by the final climactic sequence.

But as viewers, we'll adapt to the new tech. And as technicians, Hollywood will learn the rules of 3D as it writes them.
So for now, I'm not quite ready to see every piece of the world's media in 3D. But Avatar? Yeah, I'll be seeing it again...and maybe again...just in hopes of absorbing a bit more of the visual splendor.

[kurt]

Of course nerds our predisposed to like this type of movie but they are quick to let you know when something sucks. This guy gushes.

Avatar Review: Yes, It Changed Everything After All - Avatar review - Gizmodo

Put simply, Avatar is the most visually fantastic film I've ever seen. It will be hailed as the groundbreaking 3D release of its time while setting a new standard by which all blockbusters are measured. Yes, it's that good. I'm not going to talk about plot (or that I thought to myself, Dances with Wolves in space more than once). I'm not going to talk about dialog or pacing (or that the limited narration was totally unnecessary). There are other reviews, more reviewy type reviews, that have all that covered. I'm not going to spoil anything, either. Heck, I'm not even going to talk about Avatar...not just yet.

I want to talk about Jurassic Park.
Jurassic Park was the first movie I remember being excited to an unhealthily obsessive level. My dad, a huge Michael Crichton fan, did his best to tempt my young self into reading the full-out book. So he told me a sort of good parts version, filling my head with tales of dinosaur resurrection from amber dug up deep in the Earth, all while I would do my best to get more and more out of him without actually having to crack open a book.
So when I heard Jurassic Park was becoming a movie, not only did that dash any chance of me reading the story, but I literally could not fathom a world in which I'd be patient enough to wait to see it (not that I had any other option). I mean, dinosaurs, theme parks, and terror? Jurassic Park was biologically engineered for young boys.
All of this is nice background, but my point is simpler. When I saw those dinosaurs on screen, knowing that, in many cases, they'd been modeled purely by computers—computers!—I felt like anything was possible. Yes, it's a cliche feeling. That's actually why I'm sharing it. Because ultimately, we all have that movie—be it Star Wars or Terminator or whatever—that movie we actually felt a bit humbled, even challenged, watching because it was was an amuse-bouche of the future, even if a bit cheesy at heart.
Avatar is that movie for the new generation.
I don't expect you to believe me if you haven't seen the film yet. I, myself, was a huge skeptic until a few hours ago. Blue people? Papyrus font?? What the **** happened to dinosaurs and light sabers and killer robots from the future? Did we use all the cool stuff up?

But about 30 minutes in to the film, you realize that the marketing has undersold the movie. In an era when every great moment of a film makes its way to a trailer, Avatar surprised me with an endless amount of unparalleled optical overload. Every single shot is just so full of detail that you literally open your eyes wider to take as much in as you can before each cut.

Gizmodo readers will love the tech, especially as that about 50% of the film's budget apparently went to rendering badass 3D curved displays and absurdly awesome cockpits. But sequences from Pandora's woods at night...let's just say they're the first luminescent visual effects I've seen that made 1982's Tron look like a 27-year-old movie.

Also, while shots of the Na'vi (the blue dudes) clearly cut between live actors and complete CGI, their body animation is unparalleled. While their faces and eyes especially can appear a tad cartoony at times, the overall effect is not done justice by YouTube trailers or that shot pasted above. Call the effect hyperreal or even unreal, but it's certainly doesn't look "fake." I don't know that I've ever witnessed complete humanoid models move so realistically, especially given their exposure (in both screen time and skin).

Of course, Avatar's 3D is the basis of my obnoxious zeal for the aesthetics. I viewed the film in a full-sized IMAX theater. And while I knew that a fair share of missiles would fly off the screen (and ZOMG the mechs look amazing), I couldn't have expected the sheer tangibility that 3D—what I once supposed a gimmick—added to the experience. I mean, I saw textures in this film that I've never seen in a movie before, like wet, rubbery skin on the wildcats of Pandora that made people around me gasp more than once. There's a more understated moment, too, when Sam Worthington shaves and you realize, wow, stubble is pretty remarkable in 3D. The jagged hairs bring a level of humanity to his character, adding something unexpectedly corporeal to what's really a 30-foot-tall head in closeup.
So yes, 3D is more than a gimmick. The glasses are still a pain, but 3D is here to stay.
Avatar doesn't handle this new technology perfectly, however, and I hope that other filmmakers learn from its mistakes. Especially early in the film during shots in close quarters, the direction allowed many objects to break frame (think of a person walking from one end of the screen to the other). For my untrained eyes, seeing a figure go from 2D to 3D to 2D was not only distracting, it was tiring. And the same can be said for a constantly shifting depth of field—based upon where the camera is focusing, you'll need to figure out whether to look deep into the screen or right in front of you.

An out of focus shoulder breaking the corner of the frame is pretty much the worst implementation of 3D I could imagine. Luckily, the forest sequences that make up the majority of the film seemed to have been planned with a wider depth of field—more of the shot is in focus.
After 2 1/2 hours in the theater, I am exhausted far more than the same amount of time playing an FPS would make me, but Avatar was so remarkable that it was well-worth the work of watching it.
I still can't imagine popping on a pair of glasses to watch the evening news after a long day of work, and I sympathized for the guy sitting beside me as he started rubbing his eyes about halfway through. As someone with a slight uncorrected astigmatism, my left eye was ready to fall out of its socket by the final climactic sequence.

But as viewers, we'll adapt to the new tech. And as technicians, Hollywood will learn the rules of 3D as it writes them.
So for now, I'm not quite ready to see every piece of the world's media in 3D. But Avatar? Yeah, I'll be seeing it again...and maybe again...just in hopes of absorbing a bit more of the visual splendor.

[Lynnie]

I am excited about this one, too. I really like Sigourney Weaver and she was on Jay Leno the other night......can you believe she is 60?

[Lake View Too]

I saw it last night and it was awesome. It did live up to it's hype. You got totally immersed in it. It was Star Wars on steroids.

[Jdarg]

When I called Beachmom last night, she was on her way home from seeing Avatar. For the second time in 24 hours!!!! I think she kinda liked it!

[kurt]

The reviews have been really good with many people saying they wanted to see it more than once because there is so much packed in it. Sounds like a real benchmark in cinema.

[MattLorton]

I can honestly say that this is the best movie I have ever seen. I saw it in 3D, and the visuals were stunning. The director went to such great lengths to make Pandora feel real, and the effort shows. You quickly forget that the world isn't real, and it pulls you right into it. The story was engaging, and the movie itself did have a positive message. If you are someone like me who becomes emotionally involved with the story and characters in a movie, then expect to be strongly moved by it... It is a very emotional experience. I plan on seeing this one over and over again.

[tailwagger]

I can honestly say that this is the best movie I have ever seen. I saw it in 3D, and the visuals were stunning. The director went to such great lengths to make Pandora feel real, and the effort shows. You quickly forget that the world isn't real, and it pulls you right into it. The story was engaging, and the movie itself did have a positive message. If you are someone like me who becomes emotionally involved with the story and characters in a movie, then expect to be strongly moved by it... It is a very emotional experience. I plan on seeing this one over and over again.

Where did you see the 3d? Was it Pier Park? im wondering how it is at Pier Park 3d.

[MattLorton]

Where did you see the 3d? Was it Pier Park? im wondering how it is at Pier Park 3d.

I didn't see it at Pier Park. I'm up in Arizona visiting family for Christmas, so I saw it there. I will be going to the Pier Park theater to see it again though once I get back. I plan on seeing it again and again.

[sunspotbaby]

Is there a character named "Hears me" ?? My little girl kept saying she wanted one yesterday in Publix. I couldn't understand what she was talking about so i looked around and there was a display of something with the Avatar thingy close by. Kind of creeped me out hearing her say it over and over.

Hears Me. Hears me. Hears me.

wth?

[TreeFrog]

I saw it in 3D yesterday at Rave. My thoughts...

-It's visually spectacular, and would be so with or without 3D.
-The best use of 3D I've seen in a movie
-The world of Pandora is beautiful and imaginative
-Love the tech toys employed by the humans
-The story line and characters are stereotyped and predictable
-It runs a little long, because you know what's going to happen next

I didn't expect the theme of a $500M movie to be cerebral. You should see it, great entertainment.

[carmen]

Saw it tonight, in 3D. Found the plot and character development superficial. The focus on the film was in special effects. Yes, some beautiful imagery. The value for Hollywood is that the experience is in going to the theater rather than checking out the video. Was it worth it? Not really. But on a snowy afternoon in the pre-Christmas narcolepsy, it was a decent way to spend a few hours with the kids.

[aggieb]

Has anyone seen this in IMAX? We are thinking of going to see it at IMAX but I don't feel like getting dizzy. Thoughts?

nm, that's what dramamine is for.

OMG!! all i can say is WOW! what an awesome movie. zoe saldana is hot, she and sam worthington were perfect together.

[Lake View Too]

Saw it tonight, in 3D. Found the plot and character development superficial. The focus on the film was in special effects. Yes, some beautiful imagery. The value for Hollywood is that the experience is in going to the theater rather than checking out the video. Was it worth it? Not really. But on a snowy afternoon in the pre-Christmas narcolepsy, it was a decent way to spend a few hours with the kids.

I understand some of your criticisms but I'm not quite so cynical. It would be great to have effects like this incorporated into a more adult and complex story, but because of the costs of a move like this, it comes down to trying to capture the largest demographics you can, hence the bow and arrows against the helicopters. All in all, it still was a stunning movie (and made me feel like a teenager again).

[scooterbug44]

The reviews I keep hearing is that it is a good movie w/ amazing graphics - just like Titanic, the storyline is the weak part so you see it for the special effects/3D.

[kurt]

I think Titanic was pretty big story. Apparently Avatar is also just not original, but then what is?

[scooterbug44]

The story of the Titanic, yes. Kate Winslet learning to spit and running around in icy sea water to rescue Dicraprio, not so much!

[Lake View Too]

I thought Titanic had everything, a good plot, great characters, and a strong theme. Avatar plot was very obvious from the beginning.I think James Cameron made a conscious effort to bring the story down to kid's level to clean-up on the merchandising...Avatar Cokes and Avatar McDonald's meals, c'mon now...but nevertheless he did provide enough visuals to keep us enthralled visually, if not mentally. It will bring us all back for a second look even though we knew what was going to happen even at the beginning of the movie.

[MiMi n MiRaMaR]

One word.....FASCINATING!

[scooterbug44]

Very cool movie - plot and dialogue are so-so, but the creativity that went into the new world's people, animals, and plants is truly amazing!

We saw it in 3-D (with the nerdy black glasses) and didn't really feel that it NEEDED to be 3D. The 3D effects sort of died down as the movie progressed and actually detracted IMO because of their inconsistency and the fact that they would sort of "pop-up" at weird times.

Review criticized the CGI people for having dead eyes etc. but I did not feel that was the case. I would love to see there be a sequel or series focused on them.

This is definitely a movie to see in a theater - or on someone's giant plasma TV because of the detail and scope. Cameron's techies did for the flora, fauna, and landscape of Pandora what they did for the Titanic sinking.

P.S. The movie is rated PG-13 for a reason - very violent and lots of cursing and more adult themes (not sexual, just adult) that might bore kids. Also don't know why Sigourney Weaver's character had so much focus on the fact that she smoked - very at odds w/ her character IMO.

P.P.S. Saw the Alice trailer in 3-D! Can't wait!

[Mango]

Very cool movie - plot and dialogue are so-so, but the creativity that went into the new world's people, animals, and plants is truly amazing!

We saw it in 3-D (with the nerdy black glasses) and didn't really feel that it NEEDED to be 3D. The 3D effects sort of died down as the movie progressed and actually detracted IMO because of their inconsistency and the fact that they would sort of "pop-up" at weird times.

Review criticized the CGI people for having dead eyes etc. but I did not feel that was the case. I would love to see there be a sequel or series focused on them.

This is definitely a movie to see in a theater - or on someone's giant plasma TV because of the detail and scope. Cameron's techies did for the flora, fauna, and landscape of Pandora what they did for the Titanic sinking.

P.S. The movie is rated PG-13 for a reason - very violent and lots of cursing and more adult themes (not sexual, just adult) that might bore kids. Also don't know why Sigourney Weaver's character had so much focus on the fact that she smoked - very at odds w/ her character IMO.

P.P.S. Saw the Alice trailer in 3-D! Can't wait!

I felt exactly the same way, Scootie. The 3D wasn't as good as the last 3D film I saw and they ample opportunity to use it. Because the movie is long, 2.5 hours, the 3D became tiresome on my eyes and really wasn't needed after a while. I also found the film be highly political and won't elaborate because I would give up too much of the story line, but if you see the film, judge for yourself and see what you pick up.

There's also a cartoon called Avatar. I am not sure if it is similar in story, but Avatar the movie is definitely not for small children. I am sure some kids are exposed to similar violence with their video games, but some parents may be annoyed if they take their kids and think it is Disneylike because it comes in a happy meal.

I wouldn't go back to the theatre to see it, but will definitely buy the movie when it eventually comes out on DVD.

[passin thru]

We saw it yesterday & loved it .... so very creative, and I'm not a big fantasy/sci-fi fan usually. The moon's flora & fauna were fascinating.

I thought the 3D really added to the experience. Don't know if it actually "died down" a ways into the film, or if we just got used to it as the norm. Instead of "wowing" us with things flying into your face, I thought it simply added a depth & texture to the scenes that was excellent.

Can't wait to go for a second screening.

[LuciferSam]

This film was beautiful with a wonderful but somewhat predictable story line. The 3D effects made the film incredibly immersive which actually drew me into the story more than it otherwise would have. I actually cared about the people involved and felt like I was a part of their environment. A couple of prevalent themes in the movie were the oppression and exploitation of alien culture, and also the idea of transferring consciousness from one body to another. Hence the title Avatar. It reminded me of two other movies in this regard, Fantastic Planet and ExistenZ. The former an animated movie about a race of giants who keep miniature humans a pets, and the latter about people who mesh their minds in a cyber game and blur the distinction between what is real and what is not. Finally the action elements were spectacular, like when you're playing some incredible video game and everything just happens to occur in a cinematic fashion. By the time I got to the theater, I was left with seats fairly front and center. I normally don't like to sit that close, but it turned out to be an incredible experience. On top of that, the sound was spectacular. Highly recommended!

[Jdarg]

Bdarg and the kids saw it today and loved it. Kate (age 8) gave it 2 thumbs up!

[Bobby J]

Loved it! Took Brody and some cousins. He loved it and wants to see it again!

[kurt]

Warning - contains theme and plot spoilers - and he missed a few bleeps - a funny and insightful review of Avatar.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJarz7BYnHA"]YouTube- Avatar Review (Part 1 of 2)[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLzKwTcGO_0"]YouTube- Avatar Review (Part 2 of 2)[/ame]

[Alicia Leonard]

This film was beautiful with a wonderful but somewhat predictable story line. The 3D effects made the film incredibly immersive which actually drew me into the story more than it otherwise would have. I actually cared about the people involved and felt like I was a part of their environment. A couple of prevalent themes in the movie were the oppression and exploitation of alien culture, and also the idea of transferring consciousness from one body to another. Hence the title Avatar. It reminded me of two other movies in this regard, Fantastic Planet and ExistenZ. The former an animated movie about a race of giants who keep miniature humans a pets, and the latter about people who mesh their minds in a cyber game and blur the distinction between what is real and what is not. Finally the action elements were spectacular, like when you're playing some incredible video game and everything just happens to occur in a cinematic fashion. By the time I got to the theater, I was left with seats fairly front and center. I normally don't like to sit that close, but it turned out to be an incredible experience. On top of that, the sound was spectacular. Highly recommended!

You got the best seats. The 3D is better the closer you are to the screen. I agree, without the 3D, I would not have liked it as much.

[Lake View Too]

Warning - contains theme and plot spoilers - and he missed a few bleeps - a funny and insightful review of Avatar.

Kurt: How dare you make me sit thru almost sixteen minutes of a movie review...the only redeeming value was that it was funny as hell. I absolutely loved the narrator. He reminded me of a lot of guys I went to college with... and his take of the movie was right on.

[kurt]

Kurt: How dare you make me sit thru almost sixteen minutes of a movie review...the only redeeming value was that it was funny as hell. I absolutely loved the narrator. He reminded me of a lot of guys I went to college with... and his take of the movie was right on.

He did a 70 min. review of Star Wars 1 which became famous I guess.

[Carol G]

Warning - contains theme and plot spoilers - and he missed a few bleeps - a funny and insightful review of Avatar.

Those are worth the watch, IMHO! I don't agree with everything he said, but mostly I think he's spot on. Be careful if you watch, he does spoil the whole thing.

I finally saw Avatar last night, in 3D... Somehow, I managed to go into it almost completely ignorant of the story, and only saw a couple of early previews. I knew there were alien blue people on another planet, that James Cameron directed it, and that it is now the highest grossing movie ever made. That's it. It was very different from what I expected, and the first words out of my mouth were "I didn't know it would be so violent." I am dismayed to say that there were several children under the age of 8 in surrounding seats, and several of them cried audibly during the more violent parts. Why do parents insist on bringing their children to such movies? I remember being traumatized by far less violence in movies I saw as a child. Not to mention that I just paid $22 for two tickets to a movie so that I can watch and hear IT, not your alternating between chatty and crying kid.

It is a visually stunning film, although the 3D elements were mostly distracting, and the glasses annoying. I would like to see it again, without 3D.

[scooterbug44]

Why on earth would you expect parents to not take their 8 years or younger kids to a violent PG-13 movie?

[Mango]

Warning - contains theme and plot spoilers - and he missed a few bleeps - a funny and insightful review of Avatar.

OMG!! I laughed so hard, I tinkled my pants. That's about the funniest thing I have seen in a long time and exactly how I felt about this movie.

[symondneil]

AVATAR is currently the Second best Movie with 1.6 billion earned from Box Office sales over a span of just about 4 weeks, whilst Titanic is still the Highest with 1.7 billion over a span of 14 weeks when released in 1997.

Do you think AVATAR will beat Titanic in time?

Be weary: Titanic's 100 year anniversary of the actual sinking of the ship is in two years, meaning Titanic will be released to theaters again, possibly remaining the Highest of all time. If there was to be a sequel for AVATAR, would you go see it?

[kurt]

AVATAR is currently the Second best Movie with 1.6 billion earned from Box Office sales over a span of just about 4 weeks, whilst Titanic is still the Highest with 1.7 billion over a span of 14 weeks when released in 1997.

Do you think AVATAR will beat Titanic in time?

Be weary: Titanic's 100 year anniversary of the actual sinking of the ship is in two years, meaning Titanic will be released to theaters again, possibly remaining the Highest of all time. If there was to be a sequel for AVATAR, would you go see it?

I always wanted to see a Dances With Wolves Sequel. At the end of Avatar the thought crossed my mind that the marines would probably come back and napalm the whole planet. Marines are like that. But that would be hard to stretch into 3 hours.

[Lake View Too]

It seemed obvious to me, with the ending of Avatar having Sulley "come to life" as a Na'vi ,that we were in for a sequel. If you think about how much has been invested in this whole new technology, they have to make several more to really make the BIG BUCKS.