35ft6
Legend
Did you see Avatar? The story is great. I'll never get sick of stories like this one if properly executed.
Avatar! (believe the hype)
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Fedace
Banned
Is the story better than the Star Wars ? cause star wars was mojor predictable. only reason i saw the series was because special effects..
Avatar:
Predictable story, unremarkable acting, ok script...
...and fantastic, thoroughly enjoyable, beautiful visual effects.
This is a movie that MUST be seen in theatres, preferably in 3D. Turn your brain on standby and enjoy it. Not every movie needs to be some deep and meaningful artform.
Predictable story, unremarkable acting, ok script...
...and fantastic, thoroughly enjoyable, beautiful visual effects.
This is a movie that MUST be seen in theatres, preferably in 3D. Turn your brain on standby and enjoy it. Not every movie needs to be some deep and meaningful artform.
35ft6
Legend
^ You read the script? 
I think it's funny when people comment on the script without having read it (and it happens a lot!!!... often times by professional reviewers who should know better... lot of times I've read scripts and said "this script is awesome, but it's going to be a terrible movie" and was right... for example, Deja Vu and Godsend). So many things can go right or wrong between the time words on paper becomes a finished movie.
I think it's funny when people comment on the script without having read it (and it happens a lot!!!... often times by professional reviewers who should know better... lot of times I've read scripts and said "this script is awesome, but it's going to be a terrible movie" and was right... for example, Deja Vu and Godsend). So many things can go right or wrong between the time words on paper becomes a finished movie.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Let me lay this out before I say what I thought,
1. I hate going to theaters..I am a DVD guy. Much more pleasant for me to have a girl over and have privacy and no losers talking behind us.
2. I think James Cameron is a Dbag and I despise Hollywood films. The stories are always predictable and follow a formula that is instantly predictable and has been done to death.
That being said, I believe this is one of the best movies ever made. Now I saw it in 3D, which I believe is a must, and why I went to the theater to see it. The attention to detail and ability to make the CGI not look like CGI blew my mind. I am not sure how they made this movie to be honest, because you will never see anything as visually stunning. A prior post described it as a legal version of LSD and I would agree 100%. I actually said that when I walked out.
The way Cameron rips off every Hollywood story ever and still makes it work is impressive. The storyline is a complete ripoff of every "blockbuster" made, and many times you will know what is coming, but you won't care. That in itself is no small feat. The last CGI movie I saw in the theater that blew my mind was the lord of the rings series. The 3d of avatar will change movies..there is no doubt in my mind. It is not the cheesy object flying in your face type of 3d...it is the depth it gives the world. It is like you are looking in an aquarium or through a window. It's simply never been done, and you will never see anything like it.
My only negative is it is a little long (I love 3 minute songs and 90 minute movies) but it was worth it. Best movie I have seen in a long time and I am an anti Hollywood Indie/Foreign film type of guy.
It is the new star Wars. I would imagine that this is like what star wars was like when it first came out.
1. I hate going to theaters..I am a DVD guy. Much more pleasant for me to have a girl over and have privacy and no losers talking behind us.
2. I think James Cameron is a Dbag and I despise Hollywood films. The stories are always predictable and follow a formula that is instantly predictable and has been done to death.
That being said, I believe this is one of the best movies ever made. Now I saw it in 3D, which I believe is a must, and why I went to the theater to see it. The attention to detail and ability to make the CGI not look like CGI blew my mind. I am not sure how they made this movie to be honest, because you will never see anything as visually stunning. A prior post described it as a legal version of LSD and I would agree 100%. I actually said that when I walked out.
The way Cameron rips off every Hollywood story ever and still makes it work is impressive. The storyline is a complete ripoff of every "blockbuster" made, and many times you will know what is coming, but you won't care. That in itself is no small feat. The last CGI movie I saw in the theater that blew my mind was the lord of the rings series. The 3d of avatar will change movies..there is no doubt in my mind. It is not the cheesy object flying in your face type of 3d...it is the depth it gives the world. It is like you are looking in an aquarium or through a window. It's simply never been done, and you will never see anything like it.
My only negative is it is a little long (I love 3 minute songs and 90 minute movies) but it was worth it. Best movie I have seen in a long time and I am an anti Hollywood Indie/Foreign film type of guy.
It is the new star Wars. I would imagine that this is like what star wars was like when it first came out.
Xenakis
Hall of Fame
Only seen this in 2D. Impressive CGI and big budget etc but was really rather boring on an emotional level. Like a rollercoaster.
Best American film recently (IMO, obviously), Synecdoche New York. It's about life, death, illness, insignificance, recursion, dreams, time, relationships, desire, power, art, lots of stuff.
General rule of thumb...
Entertainment = distracts from the human condition (a greater meaning/significance, and ultimately, our own mortality)
Art = Confronts the human condition. More effort but ultimately more rewarding.
We need both in the world but if I want entertainment, especially from Hollywood/US films I'll choose comedy as some are pretty good. Burn After Reading was a recent good one, Men Who Stare at Goats less so but still funny in places.
One US film I recommend which is both funny and moving (without going over the line into the sentimental, a rare thing) is Box Of Moon Light, a 90s film that went under the radar at the time but is well worth seeing (John Turturro and Sam Rockwell are in it.)
I won't be watching Avatar again, well, perhaps I'll watch a bit of it some years in the future when it's on TV at Christmas and I've eaten or drunk too much and can't be bothered to do anything else (I think they should include this final paragraph as a quote on the DVD box.)
Best American film recently (IMO, obviously), Synecdoche New York. It's about life, death, illness, insignificance, recursion, dreams, time, relationships, desire, power, art, lots of stuff.
General rule of thumb...
Entertainment = distracts from the human condition (a greater meaning/significance, and ultimately, our own mortality)
Art = Confronts the human condition. More effort but ultimately more rewarding.
We need both in the world but if I want entertainment, especially from Hollywood/US films I'll choose comedy as some are pretty good. Burn After Reading was a recent good one, Men Who Stare at Goats less so but still funny in places.
One US film I recommend which is both funny and moving (without going over the line into the sentimental, a rare thing) is Box Of Moon Light, a 90s film that went under the radar at the time but is well worth seeing (John Turturro and Sam Rockwell are in it.)
I won't be watching Avatar again, well, perhaps I'll watch a bit of it some years in the future when it's on TV at Christmas and I've eaten or drunk too much and can't be bothered to do anything else (I think they should include this final paragraph as a quote on the DVD box.)
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LiveForever
Banned
Saw it today in 3D. Breathtaking graphics and artwork but the movie was so overrated. The story was so predictable and there was a fair bit of cheese thrown in as well. The last 30 mins were so hilariously cliche.
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LiveForever
Banned
Well said,Cucio. I share those sentiments.
LiveForever
Banned
OroDeSantoro
Rookie
why'd you say "believe the hype" in the title if you haven't seen it yet?
If it was to trick me, it worked
If it was to trick me, it worked
OroDeSantoro
Rookie
Haha, you convinced me not to see it...
"terrific depth", but... "You can think ahead of the plot the whole way through, but it doesn't matter. just empty your head and let it envelop you."
... the contradiction is obvious
T
TennisandMusic
Guest
I find it pretty sad people can like movies this like. It was absolutely terrible from a story, character, and filmmaking perspective. Great effects? Sure. But who cares? That kinda stuff sold me when I was 15, but at 29 this movie is basically much ado about nothing. A complete waste of money, both in terms of my ticket, and the money spent making it.
To those who liked it, what redeeming value do you see in it? Where are the characters, the development, the story telling? I do not accept "visual effects" as any kind of supporting argument, because soon enough 3D movies will be passe, and the effects will be trumped. What are you left with then? A pathetic shell of a movie really.
I just don't get it. How can ANYONE with a modicum of intelligence like this film?
To those who liked it, what redeeming value do you see in it? Where are the characters, the development, the story telling? I do not accept "visual effects" as any kind of supporting argument, because soon enough 3D movies will be passe, and the effects will be trumped. What are you left with then? A pathetic shell of a movie really.
I just don't get it. How can ANYONE with a modicum of intelligence like this film?
LiveForever
Banned
There is something seriously wrong with you if you think that everyone should see this movie in the same way as you do. I am sure there were people with much higher intelligence than you who enjoyed this movie.
Hey, I hated this movie as well but I didnt come here and call people out for liking it. Movie taste is completely subjective.
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Fedace
Banned
okdude1992
Hall of Fame
This was an amazing movie. I've seen it twice. And the visual effects alone are more than enough reason to like it! Sure the storyline isn't the greatest, but its not terrible either. In short, go see it and you will be mind blown
D
Deleted member 25923
Guest
Correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't you the one in General Pro section always touting the benefits of freedom/difference of opinion?
The greatest possible insult to inviromentalist propaganda, activist, entertainment film making.
-SF
35ft6
Legend
I don't think you can find anybody who actually makes a living in TV or film publicly or privately say that Cameron is anything less than a master film maker. Avatar is the film of a master. You can still hate it, though. I hate a lot of films... books... songs... paintings... etc... that I know are near masterpieces.
Wow. Great art makes people love and hate and discuss. That's the difference between great art and mediocre crap, by the range of passionate reactions. Maybe the ambivalent people simply aren't posting but the people here seem to either love it or hate it.
BorisBeckerFan
Professional
There are few whose work is more loathed and loved than Britney Spears but I don't really think of her as great artist. She has a horde of both lovers and haters. Does that make her music art?
President
Legend
I felt pretty connected to the main character and his struggles from the very beginning. But the best thing was the feeling of total immersion in the movie due to the amazing effects. The final battle scene had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
This is enough to keep me from seeing this movie. I have felt the same way about practically every movie I've watched in the past 15 years. I have watched more good movies on IFC (Independent Film Channel) and even Lifetime than whats been coming out in theatres.
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
Dark Knight
Matrix
The list goes on......
Matrix had a great story.
ollinger
G.O.A.T.
A dazzling but boring movie, no characters of any real interest. I actually enjoyed the Clooney movie more this weekend, as it had characters that stimulated some thought and wasn't as predictable as I'd expected. To me, Avatar is interesting mainly in that it is another step along the road to the day when Hollywood can completely replace real actors with (cheaper and more dependable) digital creations.
It was just a cookie cutter of the "Monomyth" and all that Joseph Campbell stuff.
-SF
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T1000
Legend
Dark Knight
Matrix
The list goes on......
Dark Knight is the most overrated movie of all time because Ledger died before it came out. It sounds horrible but almost everyone I've talked too agrees with this. Avatar was great btw, definitely going to see it in IMAX next.
Fedace
Banned
Agree,,, total trash. very little special effects and way too much talking...:???:
A bit like you.....lol
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Nah. Regardless if Heath died or not, he did an awesome job with his acting in that film. It's a matter of personal choice clearly but what made the Dark Knight interesting was the tone of the movie which to me was more appealing than the other past Batman movies excluding Batman Begins which I thought was the other better one.
CanadianChic
Hall of Fame
Saw Invictus tonight and it was an excellent movie. I highly recommend it and it has my vote for an Oscar.
35ft6
Legend
Fair point. I'm not saying everything and anything that evokes a wide range of emphatic responses is art, but I do think in this case it might apply. Might. Maybe it's more correct to say that most artist prefer somebody to respond passionately to their work, whether it be hate or love, and the worst reaction possible is no reaction at all.
I'm actually surprised people here are not going to see it based on what somebody posted on a message board. I don't think 90% of the stuff posted here about tennis is reliable, let alone thoughts on politics, music, movies, etc.
Anyway, still has an A average from 20,000 Yahoo! users. It's funny that Britney Spears is brought up. I actually think a lot of her songs are pop gems. I'm pretty sure my song writer friends I hung out with when I was an audio engineer for a brief spell would agree. Even if her music is not your thing, many of her songs are incredibly well crafted pop. Likewise, even if you end up disappointed by the intellectual depth of this movie (not sure why people expected deep philosophical thoughts from this movie... or from any 3D action movie but different strokes I suppose...) there's no denying this movie is an incredible achievement on several levels.
Fedace
Banned
really? the final battle? did you think there was any possibility while watching it that the main characters, the leads, would die? seriously? i was waiting for the last-minute getout, the back-to-life breath, as soon as the woman got knocked down i knew she'd end up saving the lead because we were meant to have forgotten about her while the fight with the guy in the suit from Aliens was going on. unfortunately i have a memory better than that of a 5 year old.
CanadianChic
Hall of Fame
too boring... Soccer and politics do not mix...
They did in 1995 (and it's actually rugby). :?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Do you really need to insult people's intelligence? There is no doubt that every movie cliche was used and there were some super cheesy lines. But I just sat back and watched the movie and it worked for me. It was great to look at and the special effects have never been that good so far. So of course in 4 years they will, but for now it is something that has never been seen.
I thought it was quite impressive that they could make alien people seem real and more human then human beings. It was a simple story that pulled at your heartstrings, but it was executed well. The girl I took is a movie and music snob and she loved it too. It was just easy to sit back and enjoy it and escape for 2 hours. Is it genius storytelling cinema like Memento or City Of Lost Children..etc? Of course not. But to act like anyone who liked this movie is stupid is a pretty elitist statement to make.
D
Deleted member 25923
Guest
Yeah, Dark Knight was fantastic, but I don't understand how people can watch it 3 times over. After the second time (like halfway through) i'm like man this is getting boring.
Agreed, no need to insult a person's intelligence.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I think what made Dark Knight so cool was the incredible acting of the 2 lead characters. Heath Ledger got a little more hype of course since he died pre release. But he took the Joker character to a real dark place, and I liked that. I have watched it a few times, but it does get a little boring on repeat.
I would love to see a movie made of the Frank Miller Dark Knight Returns story. That could really be awesome.
I would love to see a movie made of the Frank Miller Dark Knight Returns story. That could really be awesome.
LiveForever
Banned
I saw that movie too. It was great. Much better than avatar I think.
jmverdugo
Hall of Fame
^^ you are comparing apples to organges, that is the main problem with Avatar critict's, it is a simple good movie, great FXs and a nice story, cliche? yes! what were you expecting? predictable? of course! it is meant to be understood even by kids. If you want complicated I woud recommend Gone Baby Gone...
christos_liaskos
Professional
I felt quite disturbed when I left the cinema after watching this. Ofcourse the effects and everything are good, although i still dont get what all the hype is about for these 3D films, it was the storyline that really bothered me.
The storyline seemed to me an exact replica to 'Dances with wolves' (I hope that's the right film, the one with Kevin Costner?). The human is assigned to a job to help with taking over a new world and in doing so he falls in love with the very people he is supposed to be working against. He falls in love with one of the indigenous people and decides to help them fight against his own people. In true hollywood style, in Avatar, the indigenous people (the good guys) triumph. Yet in Dances with wolves ofcourse the whites drove the red Indians out of their own country. I hope I am making the comparison to the correct film here, after all I was only about 10 when I watched it originally.
At one point in Avatar I actually turned to my friend and said 'typical americans' at a stage where one of the generals had said something about how the indiginous people were in the way of a something that he wanted so the indiginous people would have to be removed by whatever means possible.
Last time humans conquered 'new worlds' in terms of America they committed sins which make me ashamed of being a human myself. I just hope that if we do come upon a new world some day that we are not so greedy as to commit the same sins again and that will have learnt from the past, even if it means the end of the human race, we do not have the right to wipe out other species.
I hope i made comparison to the correct film, if i havent and someone knows which one I am talking about then please correct me, i may have also made a few mistakes in comparing the story lines so again please correct me if you know where i went wrong
The storyline seemed to me an exact replica to 'Dances with wolves' (I hope that's the right film, the one with Kevin Costner?). The human is assigned to a job to help with taking over a new world and in doing so he falls in love with the very people he is supposed to be working against. He falls in love with one of the indigenous people and decides to help them fight against his own people. In true hollywood style, in Avatar, the indigenous people (the good guys) triumph. Yet in Dances with wolves ofcourse the whites drove the red Indians out of their own country. I hope I am making the comparison to the correct film here, after all I was only about 10 when I watched it originally.
At one point in Avatar I actually turned to my friend and said 'typical americans' at a stage where one of the generals had said something about how the indiginous people were in the way of a something that he wanted so the indiginous people would have to be removed by whatever means possible.
Last time humans conquered 'new worlds' in terms of America they committed sins which make me ashamed of being a human myself. I just hope that if we do come upon a new world some day that we are not so greedy as to commit the same sins again and that will have learnt from the past, even if it means the end of the human race, we do not have the right to wipe out other species.
I hope i made comparison to the correct film, if i havent and someone knows which one I am talking about then please correct me, i may have also made a few mistakes in comparing the story lines so again please correct me if you know where i went wrong
LiveForever
Banned
No. We have valid points for why we didnt like that movie. The cheesy little story was anything but nice in my opinion. The 3D was breathtaking but everything else was a load of tosh IMO. The ending battle scene was so lame that me and my friend were loling and cracking jokes. The robot had its own machete. :lol:
LiveForever
Banned
Delete post.
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stormholloway
Legend
Typical movie-buff snobbery in here. The movie was incredible. When you go into a movie with a pre-determined idea of what a movie must be in order to be good, you're only limiting your experience.
My only regret was sitting too close.
My only regret was sitting too close.
