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Rottenwatch: AVATAR (82%)
- Thread starter SCULLIBUNDO
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Great Rumbler
Member
Man, I can't wait for Saturday to get here. I've already got my tickets purchased for the showing on the new Cinemark XD screen in glorious RealD 3-D. It's going to be so awesome.
PrivateWHudson
Member
Solo said:
I still love the front row. It pisses off my wife, but whatever. If I don't have to move my head back and forth to watch a movie, then I might as well watch it at home.
Ok, a big question from me I'd like as many of you to answer as possible if that's cool. Basically, me and my friends were trying to think up ideas as to what could happen in Avatar 2 and 3, since we now know Sam Worthington is already contractually signed for the sequels. Now Usually Cameron's sequels turn the first inside out and can be slightly un-predictable in nature. What are your thoughts as to what could happen in the second? I have a big long ass theory as to what I think could work (not all of you will like it) and will post it later. Will probably be a fairly long post, till then. Fire away people.
What are your predictions, ideas and thoughts?
What are your predictions, ideas and thoughts?
Joel Was Right
If you smell burning, it's probably the generators acting up. Report it anyway.
nib95 said:
To be honest I'm not sure if I want an Avatar sequel right now. This movie was all about the Na'vi culture and the Pandora world. I guess the sequel could be about
humans coming back for epic battlez
BTW, did anyone else thought the Avatar logo used in the movie was completely fucking ugly and out of place? :lol Worse than the logo used in promotional materials. It's like they ran out of budget and just slapped whatever on the movie.
Joel Was Right
If you smell burning, it's probably the generators acting up. Report it anyway.
nib95 said:
Their spiritual shrine looked to be artificially created. It looked like a giant rib cage actually. Perhaps they could base the sequel in exploring the history of Pandora and what divided the clans initially. The planet itself is almost alive, there is a lot we don't know yet
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
At 71 pages, I don't think anyone really cares about opinions, so I'll just say that it was... okay. The 3D failed to impress (this being my maiden voyage into 3D theater-going), the effects didn't 'wow' me (we're at a point where literally anything can be done, yet it still looks plastic and feels soulless) and the content of movie itself certainly didn't, but none of it was offensively bad in any sense, just resoundingly "meh."
In 3 hours I should be sitting in a LieMAX watching this.
Anyone predicting less than $70m was delusional. I figured around $80-90m given what other December blockbusters have done. People predicting really high ones were delusional too, since it's a non-licensed non-sequel.irfan said:Movie is tracking for a 80M+ dom and 200M+ WW opening. People who made low predictions for Avatar better start preparing to eat some crow.
Haven't kept up with the thread so sorry if this review was posted, be prepared to have your head explode otherwise...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121703483.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121703483.html
Joel Was Right
If you smell burning, it's probably the generators acting up. Report it anyway.
I fear this movie will be heavily front-loaded when it comes to the BO
Well, gonna add my 2 cents. I saw Avatar yesterday and it was quite an incredible experience. I tweeted (yay) this right after I got home:
"Just saw Avatar. It's an unparalleled AV spectacle. It's a simple story wonderfully presented. For 2.5hours you ARE in another world"
That's basically it. A few hours after watching the movie there were some scenes still coming back to my mind quite vividly, perhaps Cameron was on to something when he suggested that 3D viewing enhances memory formation, perhaps I'm just a fanboy, who knows!
Negative things... It felt a bit rushed in parts, the 2.5 hours went by fast, I would have gladly stayed on Pandora for half an hour more (hell, make it an hour more), and I hope the inevitable Blu-ray 3D extended edition fills any gaps. It also has great science fiction concepts that could be explored further, and perhaps will in the sequels.
It's not incredibly original but it is a movie where love is pervasive, not only the love that clearly went into making it, but also the love felt by the characters for the world and for each other.
Something that was a bit eerie, there are scenes when all hell starts to break loose where there is very little music, it's almost silent (slo-mos and such) and you couldn't hear _a thing_ in the theatre. Everyone was clearly completely immersed (or noticing that everyone was immersed) in the movie.
Regarding the 3D. I was going to see it in RealD but due to proximity issues for most of the friends I went with we went to a new movie theatre (i'm in Portugal) where they are using XpanD. The 3D effect was quite good, though the image was darker than I believe it should. The glasses are also _heavy_ bastards and eventually I put them on the tip of my nose where it didn't hurt lol. Since XpanD uses active shutter technology in the glasses, they need an infra-red receptor (hence batteries and the weight) which is located between the lenses. The emitter must have been right in front and if you looked up, down or to the sides a few degrees it would loose the signal and stop working. I was in the middle of the third row from the back, and since the seats (which _are_ quite comfortable) recline a bit I had to lower my vision also a bit in order not to loose signal. I believe if I had seen it from about 3 or 4 rows below I would be able to recline and look slightly up without loss of signal and it'd have been more comfortable. Still, all of this almost makes it look like a bad experience, which it definitely wasn't. Just a few "niggles" I easily lived with.
I will watch it again in RealD (hopefully today) and I'll be able to compare better then.
Writing this, I realize that the more I think about it, the more I love this movie.
Oscars will come in droves (thought I don't know about the main ones but technically this movie is peerless) and Pandora will rejoice.
Two last things, lesser scenes in this movie would be money-shots elsewhere. Still, one particular scene that made me go wow was when
. However, the scene that will probably stay with me forever is at the end with
. Simply incredibly beautiful.
Cameron rules.
"Just saw Avatar. It's an unparalleled AV spectacle. It's a simple story wonderfully presented. For 2.5hours you ARE in another world"
That's basically it. A few hours after watching the movie there were some scenes still coming back to my mind quite vividly, perhaps Cameron was on to something when he suggested that 3D viewing enhances memory formation, perhaps I'm just a fanboy, who knows!
Negative things... It felt a bit rushed in parts, the 2.5 hours went by fast, I would have gladly stayed on Pandora for half an hour more (hell, make it an hour more), and I hope the inevitable Blu-ray 3D extended edition fills any gaps. It also has great science fiction concepts that could be explored further, and perhaps will in the sequels.
It's not incredibly original but it is a movie where love is pervasive, not only the love that clearly went into making it, but also the love felt by the characters for the world and for each other.
Something that was a bit eerie, there are scenes when all hell starts to break loose where there is very little music, it's almost silent (slo-mos and such) and you couldn't hear _a thing_ in the theatre. Everyone was clearly completely immersed (or noticing that everyone was immersed) in the movie.
Regarding the 3D. I was going to see it in RealD but due to proximity issues for most of the friends I went with we went to a new movie theatre (i'm in Portugal) where they are using XpanD. The 3D effect was quite good, though the image was darker than I believe it should. The glasses are also _heavy_ bastards and eventually I put them on the tip of my nose where it didn't hurt lol. Since XpanD uses active shutter technology in the glasses, they need an infra-red receptor (hence batteries and the weight) which is located between the lenses. The emitter must have been right in front and if you looked up, down or to the sides a few degrees it would loose the signal and stop working. I was in the middle of the third row from the back, and since the seats (which _are_ quite comfortable) recline a bit I had to lower my vision also a bit in order not to loose signal. I believe if I had seen it from about 3 or 4 rows below I would be able to recline and look slightly up without loss of signal and it'd have been more comfortable. Still, all of this almost makes it look like a bad experience, which it definitely wasn't. Just a few "niggles" I easily lived with.
I will watch it again in RealD (hopefully today) and I'll be able to compare better then.
Writing this, I realize that the more I think about it, the more I love this movie.
Oscars will come in droves (thought I don't know about the main ones but technically this movie is peerless) and Pandora will rejoice.Two last things, lesser scenes in this movie would be money-shots elsewhere. Still, one particular scene that made me go wow was when
Quaritch escapes from the exploding ship, the scene he's still inside and jumps out is incredible
Ney'tiri holding human Jake after she saves him
Cameron rules.
The Interrobanger
Member
Cosmic Bus said:
This is sorta how I imagine I'll feel. As long as the 3D blows me away I'll consider my ticket money well spent, but it'd be nice to feel like I got a total package experience when I leave the theater.
Joel Was Right
If you smell burning, it's probably the generators acting up. Report it anyway.
FirewalkR said:
Wow I did not expect this at all. When the movie was first revealed I was like "ok cool, new technology, it'll still look cg". But damn it was sure hard to tell that those natives were not people with make-up.
I loved this movie. The environments were gorgeous, the characters were pretty likeable (wish they had more character dev), and the ending was fitting.
C'mon James, Avatar 2 and 3! Just do it.
I loved this movie. The environments were gorgeous, the characters were pretty likeable (wish they had more character dev), and the ending was fitting.
C'mon James, Avatar 2 and 3! Just do it.
We got reviews from an over hyped James Cameron fan(Scullibundo), GAF's biggest 3D hater and well-known cynic(jett), and now it's time for someone who's indifferent to it.Solo said:
I'm indifferent to it and I'm not exactly hyped, but I don't think anyone gives a shit about my opinion.
mckmas8808
Mckmaster uses MasterCard to buy Slave drives
irfan said:Movie is tracking for a 80M+ dom and 200M+ WW opening. People who made low predictions for Avatar better start preparing to eat some crow.
Oh snap! American record incoming?
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
MisterAnderson
Member
I'm confused by all this ReadD/Imax3D (Liemax..wut? Why are people saying Liemax?) comparisons. I saw it in Imax3D, was this not the best 3D tech to see it with? I wasn't particularly "OMGWOW" impressed by the 3D so I'm wondering if when I see it next I should see it in a RealD theater. Although the sound at the Imax was pretty fucking astounding and I'm a sound whore.
Edit: I thought the 3D added a lot of depth and immersed me into the world of Pandora that much more, but as far as how good the actual 3D tech looked in comparison to 3D films I've seen in the past (Beowulf) I didn't see as drastic an improvement as I was hoping/expecting. Also my eyes hurt during and 15 minutes after the movie was over? They felt very strained.
Edit: I thought the 3D added a lot of depth and immersed me into the world of Pandora that much more, but as far as how good the actual 3D tech looked in comparison to 3D films I've seen in the past (Beowulf) I didn't see as drastic an improvement as I was hoping/expecting. Also my eyes hurt during and 15 minutes after the movie was over? They felt very strained.
Massive wall of type that I don't actually expect any of you to read! My crappy predictions as to what could happen in Avatar 2 (just a random idea). My mates doing one too, it's hard to predict but fun trying! Please offer yours too, really intrigued to hear what people come up with. Truth be told, It's quite hard to try and predict.
The below idea is only a loose version. Naturally if it were Cameron's, he'd do everything much better and more poignant.
---
Avatar 2 prediction/idea.
Begins some time after Avatar (1). Movie starts on Earth, going deep in to our world in that period, showing the distressing bleakness of it all. The world is corrupt, deficient, polluted, damaged and wasting away. The vast populace is poor and suffering, and the major corporations are desperate for a means to start re-structuring and salvaging things. The lack of energy/resources is at the forefront of the problems, as are twisted politics.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. In a last ditch attempt to extract unobtanium from Pandora, the humans decide on a different tact to just plain all out war. They elect a specially chosen team of the best and brightest, soldiers and think tanks that will not only be skilled in duties, but have particularly strong reasons for needing to succeed (they too are relying on the unobtanium to remedy issues they have be them with families or whatever). Unlike Jake, they do not have a resentment or careless attitude towards Earth, rather they are deeply passionate about it's survival and patrotic to no end. Call it brainwashed if you must.
With the data retrieved from Jakes and other Avatar memories from Avatar (1), a special project is set up to train these men and women to learn every facet of the Na'vi life in the same way as Jake did. The language, the rituals, the proceedings, everything. They have to be Na'vi through and through. The basic idea being that small groups of them will infiltrate the many tribes spread out accross Pandora, including those of the snow lands (vast spires, amazing creatures), those of the sea (think huge under water caverns, beasts that the Na'vi attach their mouths to to allow temporary breathing under water. Could show off some amazing under water lairs, plant life, lighting etc).
The task of this elite unit of Avatars is to over time, spread animosity and propanda from within. To start inner conflicts and tribal fueds among the clans, and most noteably towards Jakes tribe. Divide and rule so to speak (which goes in line with Cameron's current anti government message lol). To stir trouble from within the tribes is easier due to the fact that Jake is not actually a true Na'vi, rather a half breed. Which revered fearless warrior leaders of the other tribes not only see as a threat, but also detest and are sickened by. The fact that a half breed alien is assuming control of one of the most prestigious clans among the Na'vi does not bode well for them.
Jake, not having the Na'vi history and cultural sensitivity and understanding means he is also rather hot tempered and quick to rise to any animosity with further aggression and anger and show a lack of responsibility in judgements. This not only causes inner conflict with Jake himself, but with his relationship with the tribe, other tribes and more importantly with Neytri, who struggles to get to grips with jakes flippant attitude towards these things, and starts to realise the fundamental issues that carry over with Jake not being a true Na'vi.They struggle with their relationship, growing distant in parts, and through the course of the film, Jake loses grip of things. Things eventually violently flair between all the different tribes.
---
Side note: Among the elite Avatar task force, side stories could also occur. For example, some members of the team, like Jake, could end up admiring the Na'vi ways, and attempt or threaten to reveal true intentions and motives of the task force to the clans. This opens the door for suspense with the other task members making plans to ensure such a thing doesn't occur. Que back stabbing, espionage, tense scenes, murder, cover ups and all other messy scenario's.
---
Eventually, the task force is successful. Enough bitterness and animosity is created that it all ends in civil in fighting between the tribes. And builds to a climactic battle between the largest (Jakes vs whomever elses) of tribes that leaves devestation in it's wake. Jake is forced to lead armies of warriors to the charge against other tribes (could have one particular main revered opposing leader of another tribe who wants to overthrow Jake, could be a total bad ass). Neytri reluctantly following in jakes wake. I'd imagine this could open up the doors for some crazy battles and scenes, this time with Na'vi on Na'vi, but not just jungle based. We're talking sea based battles, snow lands, everything. Huge epic clashes but hopefully Cameronified (as in, not suffering the too much syndrome like TF2 for example).
The massive opposing tribe does lose to Jakes and is forced to reluctantly withdraw. Angered by the loss of thousands of fellow tribesmen and family members, they are torn and desperately seeking any excuse for revenge. This is where the covert members of the task force (who the Navi do not know are Avatars) offer up an alternative idea to the leaders of the losing side.
To seek alliance with the humans, in exchange for unobtanium. Which, is what ends up happening. Humans are back in full force, setting up fortified strong holds and armaments. This time, battling Jakes now vast army with the help of the opposing Naavi tribe. Again, this could open up the doorway for the sequel to have some spectacular end battle, this time not only with Navi on Navi, but with humans involved as well. Naturally the humans have other devious plans in mind (political similarities, think America aiding other countries/factions/sides in war and times of turmoil, but those counrties then being indebted to them and getting screwed in the long run lol) but still happily lend a helping hand (the idea being in the third film that they too turn on or take the piss with the allied trical side
But that's as far as I got. I was thinking the story sets itself up for some interesting cultural and emotional clashes between Neytri and Jake, and within Jake himself. Testing his character and true values/level of respect towards the Navi lifestyle. Naturally because he is actually still human at heart, he has traits that go against the Naavi ways, and opening that up a little to show a darker less Navi sensitive side to Jake might be an interesting character study.
The below idea is only a loose version. Naturally if it were Cameron's, he'd do everything much better and more poignant.
---
Avatar 2 prediction/idea.
Begins some time after Avatar (1). Movie starts on Earth, going deep in to our world in that period, showing the distressing bleakness of it all. The world is corrupt, deficient, polluted, damaged and wasting away. The vast populace is poor and suffering, and the major corporations are desperate for a means to start re-structuring and salvaging things. The lack of energy/resources is at the forefront of the problems, as are twisted politics.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. In a last ditch attempt to extract unobtanium from Pandora, the humans decide on a different tact to just plain all out war. They elect a specially chosen team of the best and brightest, soldiers and think tanks that will not only be skilled in duties, but have particularly strong reasons for needing to succeed (they too are relying on the unobtanium to remedy issues they have be them with families or whatever). Unlike Jake, they do not have a resentment or careless attitude towards Earth, rather they are deeply passionate about it's survival and patrotic to no end. Call it brainwashed if you must.
With the data retrieved from Jakes and other Avatar memories from Avatar (1), a special project is set up to train these men and women to learn every facet of the Na'vi life in the same way as Jake did. The language, the rituals, the proceedings, everything. They have to be Na'vi through and through. The basic idea being that small groups of them will infiltrate the many tribes spread out accross Pandora, including those of the snow lands (vast spires, amazing creatures), those of the sea (think huge under water caverns, beasts that the Na'vi attach their mouths to to allow temporary breathing under water. Could show off some amazing under water lairs, plant life, lighting etc).
The task of this elite unit of Avatars is to over time, spread animosity and propanda from within. To start inner conflicts and tribal fueds among the clans, and most noteably towards Jakes tribe. Divide and rule so to speak (which goes in line with Cameron's current anti government message lol). To stir trouble from within the tribes is easier due to the fact that Jake is not actually a true Na'vi, rather a half breed. Which revered fearless warrior leaders of the other tribes not only see as a threat, but also detest and are sickened by. The fact that a half breed alien is assuming control of one of the most prestigious clans among the Na'vi does not bode well for them.
Jake, not having the Na'vi history and cultural sensitivity and understanding means he is also rather hot tempered and quick to rise to any animosity with further aggression and anger and show a lack of responsibility in judgements. This not only causes inner conflict with Jake himself, but with his relationship with the tribe, other tribes and more importantly with Neytri, who struggles to get to grips with jakes flippant attitude towards these things, and starts to realise the fundamental issues that carry over with Jake not being a true Na'vi.They struggle with their relationship, growing distant in parts, and through the course of the film, Jake loses grip of things. Things eventually violently flair between all the different tribes.
---
Side note: Among the elite Avatar task force, side stories could also occur. For example, some members of the team, like Jake, could end up admiring the Na'vi ways, and attempt or threaten to reveal true intentions and motives of the task force to the clans. This opens the door for suspense with the other task members making plans to ensure such a thing doesn't occur. Que back stabbing, espionage, tense scenes, murder, cover ups and all other messy scenario's.
---
Eventually, the task force is successful. Enough bitterness and animosity is created that it all ends in civil in fighting between the tribes. And builds to a climactic battle between the largest (Jakes vs whomever elses) of tribes that leaves devestation in it's wake. Jake is forced to lead armies of warriors to the charge against other tribes (could have one particular main revered opposing leader of another tribe who wants to overthrow Jake, could be a total bad ass). Neytri reluctantly following in jakes wake. I'd imagine this could open up the doors for some crazy battles and scenes, this time with Na'vi on Na'vi, but not just jungle based. We're talking sea based battles, snow lands, everything. Huge epic clashes but hopefully Cameronified (as in, not suffering the too much syndrome like TF2 for example).
The massive opposing tribe does lose to Jakes and is forced to reluctantly withdraw. Angered by the loss of thousands of fellow tribesmen and family members, they are torn and desperately seeking any excuse for revenge. This is where the covert members of the task force (who the Navi do not know are Avatars) offer up an alternative idea to the leaders of the losing side.
To seek alliance with the humans, in exchange for unobtanium. Which, is what ends up happening. Humans are back in full force, setting up fortified strong holds and armaments. This time, battling Jakes now vast army with the help of the opposing Naavi tribe. Again, this could open up the doorway for the sequel to have some spectacular end battle, this time not only with Navi on Navi, but with humans involved as well. Naturally the humans have other devious plans in mind (political similarities, think America aiding other countries/factions/sides in war and times of turmoil, but those counrties then being indebted to them and getting screwed in the long run lol) but still happily lend a helping hand (the idea being in the third film that they too turn on or take the piss with the allied trical side
But that's as far as I got. I was thinking the story sets itself up for some interesting cultural and emotional clashes between Neytri and Jake, and within Jake himself. Testing his character and true values/level of respect towards the Navi lifestyle. Naturally because he is actually still human at heart, he has traits that go against the Naavi ways, and opening that up a little to show a darker less Navi sensitive side to Jake might be an interesting character study.
Hey if anyone is interested I got one of those Fandango codes for an avatar $1 ticket. It's not applicable to the imax or 3d showings, but I figure someone in this thread wouldnt care because with the code the movie is only a buck...
First one to PM me gets the code.
First one to PM me gets the code.
TrAcEr_x90
Member
Danthrax said:
the arrows looked different to me in the end. Like they were slightly bigger.
DrForester
Kills Photobucket
At my IMAX in denver. I came an hour early and the theater is alread about 1/3 full.
TrAcEr_x90
Member
Movie was amazing, cgi was amazing. But holy hell, i thought i chose the right theatre to go too and it suuuucked. First of all, when is saw the 15 minute preview, it was a realD imax one cuz the glasses were the large black grames. This one last night they handed out some lame yellow rimmed small 3D glasses.
Then, the fuckin protectionist, let every sit there through the whole movie, while nats were flying around the projector. so there were very tiny bugs walking around the screen the whole time. When it was a bright or day scene you could see them perfectly. it sucked.
Then, the fuckin protectionist, let every sit there through the whole movie, while nats were flying around the projector. so there were very tiny bugs walking around the screen the whole time. When it was a bright or day scene you could see them perfectly. it sucked.
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