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Rottenwatch: AVATAR (82%)
- Thread starter SCULLIBUNDO
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I still find it incredible that we're even talking about how remarkable she was. She was indeed, but of course she's never actually in the movie. Her performance is. But even now thinking about it, I'm struck by just how detailed and utterly convincing it - she - was. It really is a perfect synthesis of technology and acting.Revelations said:
She was there, and it just boggles my mind how they pulled it off.
polyh3dron
Banned
How funny that he says that while in the lobby of a LieMAX theater (AMC Century Theatres)Scullibundo said:
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
Just came back from seeing it. Incredible and stunning visuals, you're really drawn into the world of Pandora. Story was serviceable and kept things going, but pretty predictable. Audio was fantastic, but I'm sure the awesome sound system we have at the ranch's theater helped out a ton there (it's in the same building that Skywalker Sound works, which did the post work for Avatar).
After seeing it, part of me does wish ILM pushed harder to be the main vfx house for this, but it's completely understandable why they didn't - we'd have had to devote the entire facility to this one project for years, and that meant not working on a bunch of other titles during that timespan (Pirates 3, both Transformers, HP5 and 6, There Will Be Blood, Iron Man, Indiana IV, WALL-E, Star Trek, Terminator, etc etc). WETA did an incredible, incredible job. The amount of Lighting TDs alone for this was insaaaaaaaaaaaane.
This was also one of the rare films where you don't really see a lot of quality variation in the CG throughout the movie given the amount of vfx work spread out amongst different studios. And for the curious, most of our work was focused on the last battle sequences (starting from when the humans lift off for the final assault).
I give the film a 8.5/10 after one viewing. Visuals alone would be a 10/10, the standard fare story dropped it to an 8, but how it was executed plus how you're drawn into the world bumps it up to a 8.5.
After seeing it, part of me does wish ILM pushed harder to be the main vfx house for this, but it's completely understandable why they didn't - we'd have had to devote the entire facility to this one project for years, and that meant not working on a bunch of other titles during that timespan (Pirates 3, both Transformers, HP5 and 6, There Will Be Blood, Iron Man, Indiana IV, WALL-E, Star Trek, Terminator, etc etc). WETA did an incredible, incredible job. The amount of Lighting TDs alone for this was insaaaaaaaaaaaane.
This was also one of the rare films where you don't really see a lot of quality variation in the CG throughout the movie given the amount of vfx work spread out amongst different studios. And for the curious, most of our work was focused on the last battle sequences (starting from when the humans lift off for the final assault).
I give the film a 8.5/10 after one viewing. Visuals alone would be a 10/10, the standard fare story dropped it to an 8, but how it was executed plus how you're drawn into the world bumps it up to a 8.5.
Scarecrow
Member
I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so I havn't perused this thread yet. But, from seeing some parts, like Sully's first time in the Avatar body, the 3D just isn't that impressive to me. I've sampled most of the 3D fare I get at my theater (as a projectionist), and what I've seen so far hasn't seemed any different than, say, Christmas Carol.
I still can't wait to bask in its glory when I finally see it this monday night.
I still can't wait to bask in its glory when I finally see it this monday night.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
I just got back from a 2D standard viewing. It was a good movie, and I understand the hype, but I don't think it is as great as the hype.shintoki said:
I like the movie fine, I just wish there were more explanation of the technology. Maybe I missed it, but they needed to round out for the audience the risks and stuff. I guess I understood that the avatars were expensive, but would it kill the host if their avatar died while occupied? It wasn't until part way through before I realised that while their avatar slept he would return. It was kind of odd.
Anyway, graphics were really great, so I'm hoping it looks good in 3D.
Revelations
Banned
Yeah. I love all her performances. She gives 110% in every role. This was no exception and actually extenuates that fact to a tee. Made me appreciate her even more.Dead said:
GhaleonEB said:
They captured her likeness very well. It wasn't just her speaking lines. It was the little things that made me impressed above all else. Like when her mother forced her to teach Jake. Her expressions was priceless. Like at the part where her father died. And the part where Jake came clean. Her voice acting and the motion capture blended well with the feeling.
Revelations said:
Her performance is one of the things that absolutley drew me into this world. Granted the chemistry between her and Jake are what really did it...or the entire Navi people in general. I really can't put it into words without it sounding stupid, but there is something about this movie that has just hooked me. I've been talking about it non-stop since the midnight launch and I think about it a lot. I just got back from my second viewing and I can't wait to go again.
I haven't been "moved" by a movie like this since seeing Jurassic Park the first time when I was younger. I love the world Cameron created here and I want more of it. The entire experience of this movie just has me wanting more.
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
I think one of the biggest laughs the audience had during both screenings I went to was when Tsu Tey says
'Did you mate with this one?' and Grace goes 'Oh shit..'
I loved that line. :lolScullibundo said:
In my audience it was the little moment when Jake is fiddling with the wedgie his new Na'vi clothing was giving him. It was a very tiny moment, but the laughter spread fast. Great little detail that made the transition Jake was going through feel a touch more authentic (and hilarious).
A Human Becoming
More than a Member
Good movie. 3D added to the experience but except for a scene where a grenade looked like it was coming at the screen, didn't dramatically change it. I wish the 3D IMAX Experience hadn't been sold out.
My friend tried to steal a pair of the 3D glasses but got caught. :lol
My friend tried to steal a pair of the 3D glasses but got caught. :lol
A, not so much funny, but kind of...cute I guess, scene is when Jake is with Neytiri and starts tapping on all those plants as if to see if something would happen. He really is like a kid as she saidGhaleonEB said:
What really makes the characters is all the details. They really flesh out their personalities visually.
The Chosen One
Member
Even if Avatar doesn't break box office records, the 3D in it might be a landmark moment for Hollywood.
At first I felt like a dork putting the 3D glasses on and I assumed the 3D would be mostly gimmicky. But I was absolutely blown away from the very first scene! It felt like I was actually there looking through a window watching the scenes unfold. A few times I took off the glasses to see the difference and I just couldn't watch it in 2D.
Avatar could play a major part in making films a theater experience again. Everybody has DVD players, a lot of people have flat-screens, and HDTVs are becoming common. Yet we're still many years off before 3D capable TVs become a common place. If Hollywood can build off what Avatar has just established, 3D could make action movies a theater-only experience again.
As for Avatar specifically, it was a visual feast with a generic but solid storyline. I'm usually pretty nit-picky about glaring plotholes or characters acting stupidly. But I never really got pulled out of the movie for those issues. I got annoyed with some blatant Iraq war references that should have been more subtle, but otherwise mostly minor stuff.
I actually might try to catch this movie again in the theater before it leaves. What a visual treat.
At first I felt like a dork putting the 3D glasses on and I assumed the 3D would be mostly gimmicky. But I was absolutely blown away from the very first scene! It felt like I was actually there looking through a window watching the scenes unfold. A few times I took off the glasses to see the difference and I just couldn't watch it in 2D.
Avatar could play a major part in making films a theater experience again. Everybody has DVD players, a lot of people have flat-screens, and HDTVs are becoming common. Yet we're still many years off before 3D capable TVs become a common place. If Hollywood can build off what Avatar has just established, 3D could make action movies a theater-only experience again.
As for Avatar specifically, it was a visual feast with a generic but solid storyline. I'm usually pretty nit-picky about glaring plotholes or characters acting stupidly. But I never really got pulled out of the movie for those issues. I got annoyed with some blatant Iraq war references that should have been more subtle, but otherwise mostly minor stuff.
I actually might try to catch this movie again in the theater before it leaves. What a visual treat.
Particle Physicist
between a quark and a baryon
Scullibundo said:
that is actually pretty nuts that they were able to pull off those performances with all that head gear on.
Just got back. Pretty good overall, although my views of it were piggy backed by the visuals.
Story: Fairly cliche. Came off as a combination of Pocahontas and The Last Samurai, although it was handled pretty well. It didn't detract from the experience but I can't say that it added to it either. 7/10
Acting: The acting was surprisingly good, albeit a bit cheesy at times. I agree that Zoe Saldana was the star of the film by far. 9/10
Visuals: Definitely the highlight of the movie. The environments were significantly better than any of the living and breathing creatures. The animations were incredibly good and helped cover up the Navi's poor character design. I couldn't help but notice that the female Navi looked a lot more realistic than their male counterparts, Sigourney Weaver's character in particular. I think it had something to do with their faces not being as elongated. 10/10
3D: I wasn't convinced of 3D as a legitimate medium in film before going in but after seeing Avatar, I believe it can be effective within some genres. Definitely the best usage of 3D within a film, nothing overly forced, just some very effective usage of depth. Hopefully this film breaks some barriers because I don't see 3D being used to this effect without the costs dropping heavily, I doubt most studios are willing to drop the kind of Green that was used to create Avatar. 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
And I couldn't help but laugh when I saw Wes Studi's name in the credits, he's even the go to guy for pseudo allegoric Native Americans :lol
Edit: It was definitely better than District 9. From a story standpoint, I thought they handled the allegory a lot better than District 9 and more consistently.
Story: Fairly cliche. Came off as a combination of Pocahontas and The Last Samurai, although it was handled pretty well. It didn't detract from the experience but I can't say that it added to it either. 7/10
Acting: The acting was surprisingly good, albeit a bit cheesy at times. I agree that Zoe Saldana was the star of the film by far. 9/10
Visuals: Definitely the highlight of the movie. The environments were significantly better than any of the living and breathing creatures. The animations were incredibly good and helped cover up the Navi's poor character design. I couldn't help but notice that the female Navi looked a lot more realistic than their male counterparts, Sigourney Weaver's character in particular. I think it had something to do with their faces not being as elongated. 10/10
3D: I wasn't convinced of 3D as a legitimate medium in film before going in but after seeing Avatar, I believe it can be effective within some genres. Definitely the best usage of 3D within a film, nothing overly forced, just some very effective usage of depth. Hopefully this film breaks some barriers because I don't see 3D being used to this effect without the costs dropping heavily, I doubt most studios are willing to drop the kind of Green that was used to create Avatar. 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
And I couldn't help but laugh when I saw Wes Studi's name in the credits, he's even the go to guy for pseudo allegoric Native Americans :lol
Edit: It was definitely better than District 9. From a story standpoint, I thought they handled the allegory a lot better than District 9 and more consistently.
Scullibundo said:
Lol, yeah, both those were pretty awesome, and yeah, my theater cracked up too. Another scene wasGhaleonEB said:
they're carrying Grace into the Tree of Souls and her only response is "I need to take some samples!"
I'm glad they were able to get the intentional humor right.
MisterAnderson
Member
I'm seeing it for my second time in Cinemark XD Real3D tomorrow afternoon with my family. I saw it in Imax3D on opening day, hoping that it looks and sounds comparable.
Revelations
Banned
:lol It's funny that they are even wearing the ears and tails of the Navi with all that head gear on.Scullibundo said:
V
Vilix
Unconfirmed Member
robertsan21
Member
3.5 million USD midnight opening at 2000 cinemas. not that bad for a non franchise film
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
Paramount actually approached JJ about making the film 3D, but he backed away from it as he wasn't comfortable with the idea. Which was too bad, because the test shots we did where the Enterprise flies towards the camera were awesome. JJ sounds open to the idea for the sequel though.aoi tsuki said:
Tricky I Shadow
Banned
Loved that part, such perfect delivery! Now that I think about it pretty much all of the humour in the movie was quite effective. It made me smile/chuckle, which is rare for a movie to do for me.Scullibundo said:
Agreed! I honestly think she at the very least deserves to be nominated. She managed to make such a memorable character that stood out amongst the rest.....a very impressive performance!Somnia said:
MisterAnderson
Member
Quick question, did anyone else find the "portal/uplink" POV sequence when Jake is entering his Avatar to be extremely disorienting in 3D? It didn't feel 3D at all it just confused the hell out of my eyes.
Revelations
Banned
It kinda sucks to come back down to reality after seeing the movie multiple times within a 2 day period. You get a sense of mind withdrawal that will last a good rests night. Even though some residual lingering will come into play. Happens everytime I come from a good movie that makes me think about it afterwards.
Don't know if it's already been mentioned but the Kermode review is up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EyTxDdLI3Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EyTxDdLI3Y
Yeah. I'm sitting here at one in the morning, six hours after the movie ended, and am only just now starting to calm down enough to go to sleep. I can't recall another movie that left me in such an excited state after seeing it. It's an almost physical reaction.Revelations said:
valkillmore
Member
These guys were waiting in line, had to snap a photo!!
They were shooting each other while waiting. I loved the movie. The 3D I honestly could have done without. There were a couple of shots where I didn't notice it that much, some other shots it absolutely was stunning, but overall, I'm very happy that I can see myself watching this one again in Blu-ray at home, not in 3D, and not causing a fit about it. Very satisfied.
The first few minutes gave me the feeling of experiencing the 2001 of our age. From the blue bubbles that pop-up when he's waking up ( which confused me, I thought it was just my eyes at first hah), or the depth and architecture of the space craft when their floating.
Revelations
Banned
GhaleonEB said:
Yeah. It tears at you that you wasn't apart of the movie. And then you realise while stepping into work the next day how shitty reality is. :lol
Tricky I Shadow
Banned
MisterAnderson said:
Lol! Yeah I know exactly what you're talking about, and I'm with ya man. By the way, surely I'm not the only one here who thinks this movie will still be able to hold its own and still be amazing in 2D am I?
Revelations
Banned
AnkitT said:
Now I could see falling asleep during the first hour or so... But the last 30 minutes when the movie is at its peak? And the explosions every 5 minutes? Wow how could you?
Revelations
Banned
Tricky I Shadow said:
I saw it in 2D and it was just as amazing as 3D. There is no love lost as the movie experience is still fully intact in 2d. The performances are just the same both ways.
MisterAnderson
Member
Tricky I Shadow said:
If it wasn't able to hold it's own in 2D then it'd have to be a pretty mediocre movie. I'm with you and think 3D enhances it for sure but it's still the same movie. Will buy on blu ray day 1, will buy on 3D blu ray day 1 (when I have 3D ready shiz).
Well what can I say, I'd changed my mind on this one based on the 3 minute trailer and am glad I went and saw it.
Had I stayed in the "hatred boner" camp of thought I'd be eating a full serving of crow right now.
This , out of all the 3d movies I've seen had the best 3d , not once did I see ANY ghosting. Worth noting that I've seen 4 3d movies with realD and 2 with imax 3d now... I tried something different this time that may have affected the experience in a positive fashion. That is, I am severely nearsighted. So those other 3d shows I just put glasses over glasses and while it worked I was typically left with mild eye fatigue and frequent ghosting . With avatar, knowing it's incredible length prior to the viewing I decided to wear my contacts this past week to wean my eyes back into them. Wearing them tonight , the only problem was forgetting to blink for the first 20 minutes or so
The movie itself- yeah it follows a cliche'd plot that's been done dozens of times , you might even argue that it was done better perhaps? Idono. What I do know is that I liked it anyway, I fell into the 3d, the CG, everything totally worked for me.
I'd score my viewing tonight a 5/5 , it just doesn't come much better then this as far as theatre going experiences go. Seeing it in 2d I'd imagine would be worse , not as immersive but still good.. maybe a 4/5? I won't be seeing this in 2d in the theatre though, I'll wait for the bluray for that.
In spite of my flawless score there, the movie isn't actually flawless, I rated the whole experience, not just the film there. It definitely is a bit on the long side , the CG might not do it for some people and that really is integral to the whole process. Without falling into the belief that this world really exists you won't connect with anything in it and it'll be a 3 hour slog of boredom. For most people though I think there's really something to connect with for every type- romance, action, scenery.
So go see it and see it in 3d!
Had I stayed in the "hatred boner" camp of thought I'd be eating a full serving of crow right now.
This , out of all the 3d movies I've seen had the best 3d , not once did I see ANY ghosting. Worth noting that I've seen 4 3d movies with realD and 2 with imax 3d now... I tried something different this time that may have affected the experience in a positive fashion. That is, I am severely nearsighted. So those other 3d shows I just put glasses over glasses and while it worked I was typically left with mild eye fatigue and frequent ghosting . With avatar, knowing it's incredible length prior to the viewing I decided to wear my contacts this past week to wean my eyes back into them. Wearing them tonight , the only problem was forgetting to blink for the first 20 minutes or so
The movie itself- yeah it follows a cliche'd plot that's been done dozens of times , you might even argue that it was done better perhaps? Idono. What I do know is that I liked it anyway, I fell into the 3d, the CG, everything totally worked for me.
I'd score my viewing tonight a 5/5 , it just doesn't come much better then this as far as theatre going experiences go. Seeing it in 2d I'd imagine would be worse , not as immersive but still good.. maybe a 4/5? I won't be seeing this in 2d in the theatre though, I'll wait for the bluray for that.
In spite of my flawless score there, the movie isn't actually flawless, I rated the whole experience, not just the film there. It definitely is a bit on the long side , the CG might not do it for some people and that really is integral to the whole process. Without falling into the belief that this world really exists you won't connect with anything in it and it'll be a 3 hour slog of boredom. For most people though I think there's really something to connect with for every type- romance, action, scenery.
So go see it and see it in 3d!
Revelations
Banned
Understandable. She was hot & cold and screaming throughout the movie. That would put off many guys.legend166 said:
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