Comments on: Film Review: Avatar

By: river

river — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:08:46 +0000

i keep hearing comments like this last one from kenneth, and it makes me feel even more grumpy and turned off from seeing the movie. narrative movie-making *is* story-telling, so an amazing visual spectacle that is devoid of a good tale is the epitome of hollywood’s disregard for our intelligence and humanity.

i remain on the fence about whether to see it, but man does it irk me. ba. humbug.

By: Kenneth Miles

Kenneth Miles — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:40:31 +0000

I can honestly say that never in my life have I seen a movie that I did not like, yet wholeheartedly recommend! What an unusual paradox. I found James Cameron’s story utterly ridiculous, but undeniably visually stunning. This production has effectively advanced the medium of filmmaking by leaps and bounds. Leave your brain at home and just see it – there’s really nothing more to say.

By: Michael Robinson

Michael Robinson — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:12:46 +0000

@Asa: I think this is one to see on the big screen, whether you end up liking it or not. I’ll be curious to hear what you think, especially on the anthropological stuff (of which there is a lot).

By: ArchAsa

ArchAsa — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:46:09 +0000

We have babysitters for Thursday, when we will try to see the movie, my hubby and me. I try to go in with as low expectations as possible, just looking for a few hours of pure entertainment. You have given me some hope that I will indeed receive this for my hard earned money. I like big effects and great visual experience in a movie theatre – for thoughtful story telling I might as well rent it more cheaply on DVD and enjoy it in my home without stupid people around me.

By: Kabir

Kabir — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:40:19 +0000

Nice Review…Avatar is an interesting experience looks great as a treat but is quite hollow inside.

By: river

river — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:08:24 +0000

thanks for the review. i have yet to see the film, and have the same sense of resignation you mention at the beginning. i am very annoyed with exactly the aspects of the film you describe–the cliches and reliance on big effects. i may need to see it to find out if my dislike is justified. i’m afraid i’ll end up liking it, though, and have to give up my grouchiness at this monstrosity of hollywood excess and ego.

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:44:52 +0000

Interesting take on the film. I never got the same sense of tension that I felt should have been present as Worthington’s character slowly began to disassociate himself from his former life. On the other hand, you do bring up an interesting point about avatars and connectivity. Cameron’s slant was clearly towards the environment, but on the other hand, avatars, connectivity, and the exchange of a shared knowledge or experience holds all kinds of meaning in this age of social networking. Nice comments on the film.

By: darwinsbulldog

darwinsbulldog — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:00:27 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts, Michael – I have yet to see the film!