James Cameron's Avatar

This thread is going to be about the movie, music, game, and all aspects of his work.

I was fortunate enough to be able to see the first showing of Avatar on Friday. To say that this is a great movie is a vast understatement. In a movie that is set to rival the scope and brilliance of such moves as The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, Avatar is a fantastic movie that can appeal to all ages, all demographics.

An interesting bit of trivia for the unknowning; Avatar currently holds the title for most expensive movie ever made, sitting atop a budget cost of $237,000,000.

Also of note; Worldwide earnings from the weekend are estimated to be around $232,000,000.

I'm really interested in seeing it. I've heard the plot depth is pretty shallow, but I still think it'll be worth watching.

I'd have to say otherwise. The plot is far from shallow.

All the characters have depth to them, motivations, fears. The characters drive the plot, not the other way 'round.

I went to the midnight release in 3D and was more than impressed. The plot depth is most definitely not shallow; simple perhaps, but not shallow. The character development and depth of the societies involved are given a lot of detail that truly makes the movie. Don't even get me started on the the animation, especially in 3D; I'll just summarize that by saying it is second to none.

Although portions of the storyline are predictable, I still believe that this is one of the better movies out there. It goes with out saying that I'm going to buy it once it hits stores.

I went to see it last week on the 16th. 3D was sold out so I had to watch it the old fashioned way. I Think the graphics and actors were extra ordinary. But I have to agree that the storyline was basic, it was very predictable. However since the story was told with use of such great effects I believed it compensated greatly. All in all 9/10, defiantly.

I'll be going to watch it again later this week in 3D since the experience is much greater.

Me after seeing Pandora -

I went to a 3D screening yesterday and was blown away. The creatures, the scenery, the entire place was just out of this world, downright amazing. I loved every minute of the movie because of it. There was so much to look at and take in.

Yes, the storyline was pretty simple and predictable. But it didn't bore me. I'd gladly see it again, just to have another chance to drink in the surroundings.

I wouldn't call it 'movie of the decade' as some have taken to doing, but the effort that must have went into it.... well, it was worth it. You really do feel like you're taken to an entirely different place for a few hours.

I saw it in 3D the other night and absolutely loved it! I agree with Loki and Rexar in that the graphics and animation were phenomenal. I loved the feeling of being immersed in this new world and learning about the flora, fauna, and overall culture of Pandora. Granted, the plot was pretty predictable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion. The movie was long enough that it the plot didn't feel rushed, that it could develop and allow the characters to grow at a believable rate. And as a biology major, I appreciated the implied political statement about mankind as a whole: namely, that we're in danger of really messing up our planet in irreparable ways. In a way, the conflict between the humans and Na'vi seemed to parallel what happened between the "white" Americans and Native Americans way back when. But yeah...I'll get off my soapbox now... I loved the movie, and I'll definitely get it when it comes out on DVD>

Ok. I had seen this movie at midnight. I felt it was only right and as a major film buff I felt it would be best reviewed after a fallowing showing. I did that several days ago, and was left wondering how I can put my feelings about it in writing. Well here we go. It may be a VISUALLY revolutionary movie, the world may have GREAT depth to it. But the true smug in this otherwise sparkling diamond is as said before the story. It's recycled, and to deny that well to put it simply. It is fanboyish. It is the most typical movie and story of a man falling in love with a "primitive culture" and defending it. It comes off very preachy, though a message that needs to be spread. It IS Ferngully, it is unblinking in it's message.

Does this dilute from the experience? No, not at all the first time. But the "depth" of characters slowly begins to fill in with another showing. It is very much like Star Wars. It will revolutionize the effects of movies, maybe even the depths movies will flush out created species and worlds. (Though District 9 also did this with the Prawns in a much more subliminal way.) But it will not revolutionize the writing, acting, ect ect. One of the movies of the year. Easily. One of the movies of the decade? Visually yes. As a film itself. Debatable. A masterpiece? Visually yes. Developing new life forms. Yes, along with District 9. As a film? Hardly. Great movie, I will buy it on DVD. But I won't be putting this in a very select group of movies I call masterpieces.

It IS Ferngully, it is unblinking in it's message.

Haha, I was going to mention that it reminded me a hell of a lot of FernGully but didn't think that anyone would know what I was talking about.

I pretty much agree with everything you said Squall. Although, I haven't seen District 9 yet, so I'll be sure to check it out.

ImmortalSin wrote:

It IS Ferngully, it is unblinking in it's message.

Haha, I was going to mention that it reminded me a hell of a lot of FernGully but didn't think that anyone would know what I was talking about.

I pretty much agree with everything you said Squall. Although, I haven't seen District 9 yet, so I'll be sure to check it out.

I loved FernGully when I was little! Like 5. I mean come on Robin Williams as a crazy bat. That's all win. XD But of course I've grown and see the movie for the soapbox it was. But luckly I can still enjoy Robin Williams antics just fine.

Don't forget about Tim Curry being the poison-feeding Hexxus! That was also pretty rad.

Maybe I'm not as intellectual and connection-making as other people, but I didn't even realize that Avatar was basically FernGully: The Last Rainforest recycled with better graphics and real actors.

I wouldn't feel so dense about not recognizing the the connection between them, but I remember thinking, "Wow! The way the places they step light beneath their feet reminds me of[/i] FernGully [/i]when Crysta and Zak are stepping into the water puddle things." The visuals reminded me greatly of the animated feature, yet I wasn't intelligent enough to make the connection between the two plots, either. Ugh...

Anyway, I agree that Avatar was very predictable, but I didn't mind it, really. It was an enjoyable film, and I wouldn't mind owning it. I'm going to have to rent FernGully to watch again. I still love that movie.

Kathryn Lacey wrote:Don't forget about Tim Curry being the poison-feeding Hexxus! That was also pretty rad.

I hardly remember Ferngully, as my memory is about as shoddy and thrown together as a Dark Age peasant's cotton shirt. What I do remember is the Nostalgia Critic/Nostalgia Chick review, though.

Also, no matter what he's in, Tim Curry is just friggin' awesome. Not Bruce Willis awesome, but close.