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scooterbug44

SoWal Expert
May 8, 2007
16,706
3,339
Sowal
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

SoWal Insider
Apr 7, 2006
9,699
1,368
New York/ Santa Rosa Beach
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

Beach Fanatic
Jun 12, 2007
343
126
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

Banned
Apr 26, 2008
4,749
1,069
Sowal
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!
 
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Jdarg

SoWal Expert
Feb 15, 2005
18,039
1,984
Bdarg and the kids saw it today and loved it. Kate (age 8) gave it 2 thumbs up!
 

Kurt

Admin
Oct 15, 2004
2,394
5,079
SoWal
mooncreek.com
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

SoWal Insider
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.
 
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Lake View Too

SoWal Insider
Nov 16, 2008
6,985
8,491
Eastern Lake

Kurt

Admin
Oct 15, 2004
2,394
5,079
SoWal
mooncreek.com
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.
 
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