Avatar the movie.. Simply Amazing...

[Feathers]

Same here. It was a bit boring.

[MRFGXR6]

Lol loved it, first time I have seen people leaning forward in their seats because they were so interested in it. Possibly the best I have seen yet, and I guess reading some comments it is one that you will like or dislike just depends on personal taste and imagination.Going to see it in 3D next weekend @ Sydney Imax. Should be absolutely stunning cant wait.

[Kamshaaft]

For those that are shying away - yes the plot is predictable and simple, but thanks to the imaginitive take and beautiful world, I didn't find this painful.
The running time is lengthy on paper, and some say the 40 minutes are slow going, but it for me was pure entertainment the whole way -- and a little intrigue at the visuals -- and I've got little time for childrens movies, and a short attention span (though The Shawshank Redemption - one of my top films of all time - already proves a long movie does not mean a long movie).

Hell, you're even distracted from the simplistic age old plot, and technical flat spots for a decent majority because you get so taken in. And to think 70% of what you see is computer generated is just amazing. Jaws were literally dropping. This is not your grandmother's 3D technology. Ive got repeat carpet burns on my chin from one on the scenes with the bioluminescent plants etc.

In any event, it will come out on DVD in a 3D version (My Bloody Valentine (2009) for example uses the same technology (RealD)), I garuantee you, but it will be NOTHING like seeing it on the big big big screen where it literally looks so real and so deep it's like you're actually on their planet looking at the scenes through a window from a (moving and constantly re-scaling) room.

It's a good enough movie that I'd watch it again, even in 2D if it came to that. It doesn't quite match up to Shawshank or The Matrix in touching the very fibre of your soul, or in complexity or originality (though really, 99% of it is original as heck!), but it isn't mediocre either. It's definitely worth seeing, for the case of most people at least. You can always walk out and demand a refund, simultaneously blowing the clerk's mind.


Plus, the lead role is played by an Aussie! (Whose voice recent Triple J listeners wouldn't recognise, as it's almost shamefully disguised as an 'American' accent. Though that is to fit the role.)

Originally Posted by Fled74

My wife and I just saw it in 3D and that extra depth just draws you in. Being film geeks and sci-fi fans, we thoroughly enjoyed it.

The creature design was exceptional and the military hardware was believable and realistic. Even the design of the planet Pandora, while fantastical, still felt grounded in reality. I bought into it 100%

Were I to compare it to other movies, I'd say "Avatar" is like a cross between "Dances With Wolves", "Aliens", "The Last Samurai" and "The Matrix", filtered through Hayao Miyazaki.

While the IMAX 3D tickets are pricey, a movie like this is worth every cent. I don't think I can bear to watch it in plain old 2D now.

Quoted For Truth!

Same same same same same same same same same huh? (I can only draw parallels there through Sigourney Weaver & an off planet mining operation.. ..oh and the marines & the mechawarrior things. I probably would have said Dinotopia x Stargate, though unconfidently), same, not really (Matrix - how so?).. aaand completely! - some really level comparisons there not the least of which is the perfectly fitting Miyazaki comparison, that's absolutely spot on (!!!) even though I would never have realised to draw the comparison between the two myself. I realise that you sir are a genius, and have good taste.

[LTDHO]

I saw it in 3D, the multi-million dollar CGI is awesome. But that's it.
The action is pretty non stop and you can't tell it goes for almost 3 hours.
I would have walked out in the 2D version though, Not my type of movie (although there was gunfire )

[XR6_661]

Seen it twice now. Love it.

Awesome movie. I think people read too much into the plot, etc and don't view it for what it is...A CGI Action film. Good clean fun!

My only annoyance was the stupid noises the Na'vi were making.

[ST]

The film was incredibly enjoyable and entertaining, definitely a blockbuster by all means. The 3D was absolutely incredible and I really can see it becoming much more than a gimmick, no other 3D i've seen before was anywhere near as incredible or immersive.

What let Avatar down though was James Cameron's writing, he was able to carry the movie through with excellent directing and a straightforward plot but I pretty much knew everything that was going to happen before it did. The characters were also very one dimensional and typical James Cameron fair (see The Abyss for striking similarities) and the uneducated 'celebrity' environmental and political views come through as clear as day.

Even with those flaws it is a must see (you have to see it at the cinema in 3D to truly see it) for anybody with even a passing interest in movies. Truly a wonderful experience and a taste of the future.

[Rastus]

I saw Avatar in 3D a couple of days ago, and thought it was great. The 3D aspect of the movie was sensational. First 3D movie I'd seen at the cinema, and the first "real 3D" movie.
He was me, worried about getting crook or something due to the 3D, or the glasses not fitting over my own glasses. Was all OK in the end. Glad it wasn't the old school blue/red 3D setup, coz i couldn't handle that. I could never focus properly, and the colours looked crap in those ones.
I saw a few pointers to "Aliens" which is a favorite of mine. Musically in the Hanger bay, and the similar shape of the main assault craft Vs the drop ship in Aliens.
Yeah, you have the storyline worked out very early on, but that doesn't take away for a sensational movie! Go see it at the cinemas, in 3D to really appreciate it.
I'd glad it's bettering Titanic also! And we all knew how that one turned out didn't we?

[Hardtopxb]

CGI was fantastic.
Storyline. Predictable/boring.
Definatly too long and drawn out.
Listened to the comments as people filed out. Ranged from 'Terrific, to Cartoon garbage'
What happened to the actors etc.

[JC807]

i thought it was good for what it was: the cinema experience

which i guess is what the industry must focus on now that everyone has huge HD Tvs at home.

[sxckevo]

well its now my favourite movie ever, ive seen it twice now its just pure awesome, its now the second highest grossing movie of ALL time as well highly recommend, .........i might even go see it again

[gtfpv]

we seen it in 3D . my wife took the glasses off and watched it in blurr because her eyes didnt like it . , so did my son, my daughter and i left the glasses on and it took 30 minutes for my eyes/brain to adjust .
for this reason i may have preffered 2d. however it was great . i thought the plot wasnt too predictable . and i would see it again .
mind you we were dissapointed at our seating . at the front and to the side . ( not the same as being towords the back centre imo. )

[Fled74]

Originally Posted by Kamshaaft

I realise that you sir are a genius, and have good taste.

Great minds think alike.

And thanks, but I'm no genius - just a fan of animation and filmmaking in general (I used to work as an animator overseas, several years ago).

[anto]

avatar 2 has been registered on IMDB apparently so theres more to come. Anyone who thinks its looks like a video game is seriously kidding themselves..this is cutting edge stuff. I worked for weta digital ( the company responisble for this films VFX work )a few years ago and experienced first hand what is involved in crafting such visual porn. They are and will continue to be at the tip of the spear when it comes to VFX realism in film.

[Kamshaaft]

Originally Posted by anto

avatar 2 has been registered on IMDB apparently so theres more to come. Anyone who thinks its looks like a video game is seriously kidding themselves..this is cutting edge stuff. I worked for weta digital ( the company responisble for this films VFX work )a few years ago and experienced first hand what is involved in crafting such visual porn. They are and will continue to be at the tip of the spear when it comes to VFX realism in film.

Did you work on Peter Jackson's King Kong?

[Dave_Obsession]

Just saw it today and really enjoyed it!

My eyes took a few minutes to adjust to the 3D glasses, but it was a tremendous cinematic experience IMO.

Graphics and scenery are absolutely stunning.

Given that it's now the highest grossing film of all time, this is one of those movies that if you haven't seen, do yourself a favour and go see it (in 3D) just so you can say you've seen it! And that way, when everybody else is talking about it, you won't feel left out of the conversation...

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by dave93761

Given that it's now the highest grossing film of all time

Are you sure? Highest grossing this year and may well end up being the highest grossing film of all time but, sadly, I'm sure Titanic still has those honors.. a movie that I absolutely refuse to watch.

[Dave_Obsession]

Originally Posted by Rodp

Are you sure? Highest grossing this year and may well end up being the highest grossing film of all time but, sadly, I'm sure Titanic still has those honors.. a movie that I absolutely refuse to watch.

I stand corrected - at the moment it is No.2 - I thought I read something about that in the paper the other day.....maybe that was it - it was 'on track' to be the highest.....

Anyways, for those who want to know definatively:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...grossing_films

[Cam]

Saw it last night, whilst the story line was incredibly predictable, the concept of the movie mixed with the CGI and 3d was pretty cool. 7/10 IMO

[anto]

Originally Posted by Kamshaaft

Did you work on Peter Jackson's King Kong?

yes I did

[austyphoon]

Originally Posted by dave93761

I stand corrected - at the moment it is No.2 - I thought I read something about that in the paper the other day.....maybe that was it - it was 'on track' to be the highest.....

Anyways, for those who want to know definatively:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...grossing_films

Avatar is Australia's highest grossing movie of all time.

Past Titanic's $57.6 million and currently sitting on $58.8M after only 4 weeks....amazing!

[Dave_Obsession]

Originally Posted by austyphoon

Avatar is Australia's highest grossing movie of all time.

Past Titanic's $57.6 million and currently sitting on $58.8M after only 4 weeks....amazing!

Ah that must be where I got confused - I must have read that it was the highest grossing film in Australia, not worldwide.

Worldwide it's No.2 at the moment - interesting to note that since I posted that link up (2 days ago), total gross income for Avatar has jumped from $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion...that's an increase of $200 million!! Crazy money.....

Looks like it's on track to usurp Titanic as No.1 of all time.....

[Fled74]

Originally Posted by Kamshaaft

Did you work on Peter Jackson's King Kong?

Awesome, man! Were you on the "extras" DVDs?

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by austyphoon

Avatar is Australia's highest grossing movie of all time.

Past Titanic's $57.6 million and currently sitting on $58.8M after only 4 weeks....amazing!

Then there is DVD ...... the $0's become a blur for these type of movies.

Listening to the radio, just as a side not on things, if you have noticed that there were not many blockbusters out over Christmas? Its because of a new gentlemen's agreement between the main studios that they will not put blockbuster up against each other any more .... sort of guaranteeing that they can have optimum exposure. This is the first movie that has come under this agreement as if you look at what else has been out, it shows!



| [/url] |

[Kamshaaft]

Originally Posted by anto

yes I did

Well that's pretty damn cool considering the special effects in that film, It was packed with some really top notch effects and amazing CGI. Give yourself a pat on the back. Until Avatar it was the best I had seen in film (before King Kong it was that Final Fantasy movie). So I guess the giant wetas in the cave are an in-joke!?

[austyphoon]

Originally Posted by auslandau

Then there is DVD ...... the $0's become a blur for these type of movies.

Listening to the radio, just as a side not on things, if you have noticed that there were not many blockbusters out over Christmas? Its because of a new gentlemen's agreement between the main studios that they will not put blockbuster up against each other any more .... sort of guaranteeing that they can have optimum exposure. This is the first movie that has come under this agreement as if you look at what else has been out, it shows!

Um....Sherlock Holmes and Alvin and the chipmunks 2 came out over christmas (both making it into the top 10 grossing movies to never be no 1.) I would consider them blockbusters.

Hell, christmas is a huge market for movie companies, they would be mad to agree to something like this!

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by austyphoon

Um....Sherlock Holmes and Alvin and the chipmunks 2 came out over christmas (both making it into the top 10 grossing movies to never be no 1.) I would consider them blockbusters.

Hell, christmas is a huge market for movie companies, they would be mad to agree to something like this!

Only repeating what I heard on the radio, true or false, just repeating it ..... I would say it would be what is considered by them to be a blockbuster ..... Alvin & the Chipmunks or Sherlock Holmes I wouldn't put into 'blockbuster' league personally ... but I would say it makes sense to a certain degree.



| [/url] |

[anto]

Originally Posted by Kamshaaft

Well that's pretty damn cool considering the special effects in that film, It was packed with some really top notch effects and amazing CGI. Give yourself a pat on the back. Until Avatar it was the best I had seen in film (before King Kong it was that Final Fantasy movie). So I guess the giant wetas in the cave are an in-joke!?

yeah cheers...it was nuts for its time but nothing stands still in this industry. One only need look at the LOTR movies which are starting to show their age IMO. Things evolve so fast that this thing will look dated in about 5 years...Weta is a Great company to work for with alot of big dollars getting thrown around there to lure the best people. I can certainly see where 500 millions get spent on these films...the wage bill alone per week would boggle the mind

As far as the special features...hmm I dont know I could be on there somewhere. I still havent seen the extended version :togo:

The wetas were a bit of an inhouse thing for sure..cool looking as they were...they fit straight in.

To put things into context, the Avatar VFX crew was about triple the crew Kong had and it certainly shows in the final product./

[Wink]

I am not much of a fan of sci-fi movies. I don't like Star Wars or anything similiar to it. I was conned into watching Avatar and it is the only Sci-Fi movie I had really enjoyed. Somethings were predictable, but what isn't these days.

Good movie either way.

[Trek]

Have definitely decided not to see it. My reasoning, despite what some may call poor, works for me. It's kinda like not liking a certain beer (VB), because I've only sampled a small amount (much like seeing a preview/trailer for a movie) and thus, have decided never to try it again.

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by Trek

Have definitely decided not to see it. My reasoning, despite what some may call poor, works for me. It's kinda like not liking a certain beer (VB), because I've only sampled a small amount (much like seeing a preview/trailer for a movie) and thus, have decided never to try it again.

I can empathise with that. Probably not far off the reason I simply refuse to watch Titanic. Besides, I already found out how it ends;

SPOILER SPACE











The Titanic sinks.