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Rottenwatch: AVATAR (82%)

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Tricky I Shadow said:
Ok, screw it! I was gonna wait till next week and see how AVATAR does since the holidays are over to make this call but I’m just gonna do it now!

I’ve thought for quite a while now that AVATAR has a really good chance at finally dethroning Titanic, but now I’ll officially go on record and say it:

AVATAR will knock Titanic down and become the highest grossing movie of all time! So who else wants to join me in this prediction? :D
Worldwide? Well on its way.
Domestically? Doubt it.
 
polyh3dron said:
Worldwide? Well on its way.
Domestically? Doubt it.

Food for thought: By next weekend, Avatar will have made more money than TDK did in that same period of time (4 weeks), even though TDK's opening weekend was double Avatar's. :)
 
i5x2s9.jpg


AVTR vs TDK chart courtesy of Box office mojo

Barring the chance of unusually horrific drops in the next weeks (which I seriously doubt), theres a very good chance that Avatar will overtake TDK as domestic number 2

To take into consideration

- TDK played in 4,400 theaters vs 3,300 for Avatar. This pretty much offsets Avatars 3D advantage
- TDK had an opening weekend more than twice as large as Avatar
 
Tricky I Shadow said:
Ok, screw it! I was gonna wait till next week and see how AVATAR does since the holidays are over to make this call but I’m just gonna do it now!

I’ve thought for quite a while now that AVATAR has a really good chance at finally dethroning Titanic, but now I’ll officially go on record and say it:

AVATAR will knock Titanic down and become the highest grossing movie of all time! So who else wants to join me in this prediction? :D

polyh3dron said:
Worldwide? Well on its way.
Domestically? Doubt it.

I’m talking strictly worldwide with my prediction. I mean who cares about domestically? Forget domestically! It's all about the worldwide gross baby! :D

Oh and by the way someone should make and update a list of the people who think it will overtake Titanic and another for the people that think it won’t.
 
started watching about 20 minutes of the bootleg on my laptop at home. decided this movie kicks ass already so I stopped watching and will see it next week sometime in a proper theater.
 
I don't think it will overtake Titanic worldwide. I believe there's a chance for it to happen now, sure. I just don't think it will happen. In fact, there's actually a better chance of it beating Titanic domestically imo. TDK certainly put it within reach because of the high IMAX ticket prices, and Avatar is tracking to beat TDK with a healthy margin when all is said and done. For worldwide it might be trickier because the drop off outside of the US could get pretty steep once cinemas just stop playing the movie entirely. There are certainly more 3D cinemas and IMAX cinemas in the US to keep Avatar going, as opposed to internationally.
 
Can someone explain to me where the Avatar vs Dark Knight phenomenon came about? It seems bizarre to compare the two in any meaningful way, apart from both being motion picture releases.

Avatar is family appropriate, by and large. Maybe you wouldn't take a 6 year old to it, but certainly tweens and gramma.

The Dark Knight has the most honest portrayal of a schizophrenic I've ever seen, interwoven into a comic book movie. It's like Batman meets Silence of the Lambs. The audience appeal isn't there, given that gramma and a whole host of other folks don't want to wake up drenched in their own piss from nightmares.

Given that, I'd argue that The Dark Knight being anywhere near the top grossing films list is a major accomplishment that can't be diminished. I mean, HOW the heck did it make all that money?

Seriously, at least the Avatar vs Titanic vs LOTR comparisons make some sense.

If anyone can make the Avatar vs TDK comparison make sense to me beyond sour grapes, feel free.
 
TDK is the #2 movie of all time domestically. TDK is the only movie made after Titanic which came within less than 100 million of Titanic domestically. If you want to compare any movie with the hope of beating Titanic, you cannot not compare it with TDK. If we were to say the movie which will eventually beat Titanic out of the #1 stop domestically is Jesus Christ, then TDK is most definitely John the Baptist.
 
mosaic said:
Can someone explain to me where the Avatar vs Dark Knight phenomenon came about? It seems bizarre to compare the two in any meaningful way, apart from both being motion picture releases.

Avatar is family appropriate, by and large. Maybe you wouldn't take a 6 year old to it, but certainly tweens and gramma.

The Dark Knight has the most honest portrayal of a schizophrenic I've ever seen, interwoven into a comic book movie. It's like Batman meets Silence of the Lambs. The audience appeal isn't there, given that gramma and a whole host of other folks don't want to wake up drenched in their own piss from nightmares.

Given that, I'd argue that The Dark Knight being anywhere near the top grossing films list is a major accomplishment that can't be diminished. I mean, HOW the heck did it make all that money?

Seriously, at least the Avatar vs Titanic vs LOTR comparisons make some sense.

If anyone can make the Avatar vs TDK comparison make sense to me beyond sour grapes, feel free.
People get crazily invested in the success of their favorite movies/albums/games.
Yeah, it's fucking silly, but just look at your average NPD thread, I stop trying to understand this phenomenon.
Those people need to find a sports team to root for or something.

That being said, your attempt to paint The Dark Knight as anything but a major mainstream comic-book-based blockbuster is rather silly as well.

You also never met a schizophrenic person if you think it's realistic depiction of one (and by the way, it's a good thing it isn't).
 
I think it will end up #2 domestic and #2 world wide...now it has a good chance at being #1 world wide, but I am not willing to perdict a gurantee for that until I see how it does this week after the holidays, but I really hope it does.
 
The main thing I don't like about the Na'vi is that they are utterly without any flaws. They might as well have fucking halos. It feels like a cheap way of making us emphasize with them, because there is literally nothing about the Na'vi to dislike unless you are a borderline sociopath.

Hell, they are so saintly that one of them getting pissed at Jake for screwing his woman is intended to look like a black mark on his character. How else should he have reacted?


In District 9, the Prawns, with the exception of Johnson and his son, are all pretty much despicable. But we still pity and empathize with them.
 
Hai guyz! I want you to join me in a little fun thought experiment!

Try to imagine the opening weekend box-office results of Avatar 2. What do you see?

:D
 
Chichikov said:
Those people need to find a sports team to root for or something.

What makes a sports team any better than a media? I have not been over to the anus of GAF in a long time, but I don't recall any fanboy ever saying "We are gonna kick your ass." When the unwashed plebes of sport fans will often consider themselves to be part of a team.
 
Chichikov said:
You also never met a schizophrenic person if you think it's realistic depiction of one (and by the way, it's a good thing it isn't).

Seriously, wtf. TDK is not a realistic depiction of *any* real mental illness.
 
saw this for the fourth time on saturday. i'd go again but i think that's enough for me now - need to start saving some money :P i still get competely absorbed into this film, it's so wonderful. <3 the neytiri theme.
 
Thagomizer said:
The main thing I don't like about the Na'vi is that they are utterly without any flaws. They might as well have fucking halos. It feels like a cheap way of making us emphasize with them, because there is literally nothing about the Na'vi to dislike unless you are a borderline sociopath.

Hell, they are so saintly that one of them getting pissed at Jake for screwing his woman is intended to look like a black mark on his character. How else should he have reacted?


In District 9, the Prawns, with the exception of Johnson and his son, are all pretty much despicable. But we still pity and empathize with them.
That's pretty typical of the Noble Savage trope.
 
Gallbaro said:
What makes a sports team any better than a meda? I have not been over to the anus of GAF in a long time, but I don't recall any fanboy ever saying "We are gonna kick your ass." When the unwashed plebes of sport fans will often consider themselves to be part of a team.
Are you looking for serious answer for that?

maharg said:
Seriously, wtf. TDK is not a realistic depiction of *any* real mental illness.
I would go as far as saying it's not a realistic depiction of any real person.
I know I'm going to get piled on, but a criminal mastermind who commit crimes for the sake of "chaos" and a billionaire playboy who fight crime at nights just don't exist in the realm of reality.

By the way, I think the last thing a comic book movie need is realism, just saying, that's all.
 
Saw it fourth time tonight, XpanD tech, not impressed with the system at all, RealD and LieMAX both outclass it, I suggest people avoid those screens.

EDIT: Thandie Newton is the most beautiful woman on earth.
 
Gallbaro said:
What makes a sports team any better than a media? I have not been over to the anus of GAF in a long time, but I don't recall any fanboy ever saying "We are gonna kick your ass." When the unwashed plebes of sport fans will often consider themselves to be part of a team.

I was telling my wife the same thing the other night. She was wondering why I was spending time reading these posts and I told her that this is my Superbowl. I don't give a shit if the Eagles beat the Cowboys, but it's been 12 fucking years since I could root for Cameron. Just look at my username. With all of the Star Wars prequels, and Indy 4, and Reloaded and Revolutions, coming and going...my team has been sitting on the side lines laughing, just waiting for a turn to play.
 
FirewalkR said:
Hai guyz! I want you to join me in a little fun thought experiment!

Try to imagine the opening weekend box-office results of Avatar 2. What do you see?

:D

What do I see? I see you! Seriously though. Hmm, I see...I see...I...I...**head explodes**
 
Solo said:
I fully expect 3DTVs to be exactly what HDTVs were 7-8 years ago: niche and overpriced. Like HDTV, give it a few years before it starts picking up steam and prices are more reasonable.



Its made over one billion dollars already :lol
I doubt they will be just as expensive. It's a 120hz HDTV with some electronics to decode the 3D signal, an IR blaster used for a few seconds to sync the glasses, and really not much more. I'd be surprised if a 46" set cost even close to $2K.

Anyway, saw this today. IMAX was sold out so saw it in Real3D. Story I'd give it 3/5. Not life changing but a servicable plot and decent writing. Visuals and set pieces get 11. Out of 5. This was so far above the visuals of anything else I've ever seen. You can't even use the whole "like a video game" thing because we would be so lucky to hve games and worlds that looked this amazing.

As for the phenomenon of the movie.. IMHO it deserves the hype in that everyone should see this in 3D at least once in theaters. This could very well represent the future of movies both in visuals and in 3D. It is one of my more favorite movies of the year but probably won't end up on any all time lists for me except for visuals and awe. Will buy it on BD and watch it for those reasons alone. Actually just like Titanic in that regard. But for me T2 is still the height of Cameron followed by Aliens.

I know this review sounds kind of mixed, but I have to admit to my jaw being open for the entire movie and jumping out if my seat mire than once.
 
Tricky I Shadow said:
Ok, screw it! I was gonna wait till next week and see how AVATAR does since the holidays are over to make this call but I’m just gonna do it now!

I’ve thought for quite a while now that AVATAR has a really good chance at finally dethroning Titanic, but now I’ll officially go on record and say it:

AVATAR will knock Titanic down and become the highest grossing movie of all time! So who else wants to join me in this prediction? :D


NO WAI! LEO LOVE STORY >>>>> australian dude
Celene Dion >>> Michelle Rodrigeuz
:D
 
Found this gif over at ONTD. Even though I've seen the movie four times, it still shocked me. The motion capture in this movie is so beyond everything:

29mxj5f.gif


I want to see the movie for the fifth time. This week, hopefully!
 
Koodo said:
Found this gif over at ONTD. Even though I've seen the movie four times, it still shocked me. The motion capture in this movie is so beyond everything:

29mxj5f.gif


I want to see the movie for the fifth time. This week, hopefully!

Fuck the haters regarding that scene. It was shot very well and you could see what she was doing the entire time. I liked how she quickly reacted when he said that the other female hunter was good. Quick ass "WHAT?!" kinda look.
 
Somnia said:
Fuck the haters regarding that scene. It was shot very well and you could see what she was doing the entire time. I liked how she quickly reacted when he said that the other female hunter was good. Quick ass "WHAT?!" kinda look.
I doubt there would have been as much complaints or "giggling" if this scene had just featured ordinary human actors instead of the "blue cat peoples", because yeah, it's shot pretty much flawlessly.
 
Combine said:
I doubt there would have been as much complaints or "giggling" if this scene had just featured ordinary human actors instead of the "blue cat peoples", because yeah, it's shot pretty much flawlessly.

I agree. Granted it was mainly teens that I've noticed giggling or whatever you want to call it at this scene. Oh well to each their own :D
 
Somnia said:
Fuck the haters regarding that scene. It was shot very well and you could see what she was doing the entire time. I liked how she quickly reacted when he said that the other female hunter was good. Quick ass "WHAT?!" kinda look.
There are people that didn't like that scene? I thought it was remarkably well done.

The "Like a baby" scene and what follows however? Terrible.
 
BUMP, after it was buried by Avatar crossing $1B

I found this while reading a few pages back, and I have to dispute. I know the love runs deep with T2 for the both of us.

Scullibundo said:
As for Terminator 2:

I loved the Kyle dream sequence. It really showed how deep of a hole Sarah was in and it was a nice continuation of that love from the first film. Great to see him exactly as he had died.

The scene where they remove the chip from the T800 is great. First because the explanation in theatrical cut for how it might learn is very broad, and secondly because it shows Sarah's rightfully placed mistrust of the Terminator still exists.

The smiling scene is absolutely worth it. Not only is it funny, but it makes the moment where the T800 picks up his minigun and smiles (and John commenting about both the gun and the smile: 'It's definitely you', all the more awesome.

Also you get the T1000 glitching at the end which was just undeniably cool.

I just don't see it as the better cut than the theatrical. While it may be great to see Kyle come back, I prefer how fucked up Sarah looks to be towards the start of T2 - like she may be completely lost for good. Considering how crazy the entire experience of the first film actually is, understandably so. And I'd rather her be alienated from the audience, that for us to sympathize with her that early. Part of the joy watching her character in the movie for me, is seeing how she comes back to belonging to something, reclaiming her role as mother and savior. For me it's just more effective coming from a complete lack of respect, and maybe the possibility that the events of T1 may have made her too far gone crazy, than a sympathetic note that early. I like being a bit scared at how intimidating she is. The one moment of breaking down at Miles house I would argue, is weakened, by showing signs of weakness earlier in the film for her. Being a real bitch up until that point. It's just off in tone for me in general for some reason.

The chip scene, I don't mind, it's likely the best on its own from the extended scenes. My disenchantment is how it integrates into the rest of the film. The learning ability thing, it goes from broad/vague, to the simplest explanation as to why a Terminator might learn. When it's trying to be a more spiritual thing later, through Sarah's eyes, the fact that they are bonding - I'd rather just not think about the logistics of it. It doesn't matter. I think it's stronger leaving that out, and simply letting the audience experience the affects of a Terminator learning, than trying to solve it in a literal sense. It also slows things down, but it is cool.

The smiling scene meanwhile, is out of place for me. An odd spot to choose for a scene like that, since it becomes the real point at which their bonding is observed by Sarah. Which is a very melancholy center to the film. It doesn't really ruin that, just turns down the dial a bit when it's ramping up. It sticks out as a bit too cheese and self aware. I prefer to see Arnold smiling the first time without being aware of it, like at the mini-gun scene.

And the T1000 scene, cool, but it telegraphs his destruction too much. His shattering and subsequent regenerating was just such a terrifying scene. I think it plays stronger as a single note, than to suggest anything else going on in the scene. (i.e. his glitching)

Of course all this is probably swayed in some manner from personal attachment to the theatrical version, but eh...
 
Koodo said:
Found this gif over at ONTD. Even though I've seen the movie four times, it still shocked me. The motion capture in this movie is so beyond everything:

29mxj5f.gif


I want to see the movie for the fifth time. This week, hopefully!
I loved that scene. I can't wait to watch it in 2D when it comes out on Blu-Ray.

fireside said:
The "Like a baby" scene and what follows however? Terrible.
Certainly not the best scenes in the film, sure. I'm not a fan of the "Eywa has heard you!" scene either.
 
J2 Cool said:
BUMP, after it was buried by Avatar crossing $1B

I found this while reading a few pages back, and I have to dispute. I know the love runs deep with T2 for the both of us.



I just don't see it as the better cut than the theatrical. While it may be great to see Kyle come back, I prefer how fucked up Sarah looks to be towards the start of T2 - like she may be completely lost for good. Considering how crazy the entire experience of the first film actually is, understandably so. And I'd rather her be alienated from the audience, that for us to sympathize with her that early. Part of the joy watching her character in the movie for me, is seeing how she comes back to belonging to something, reclaiming her role as mother and savior. For me it's just more effective coming from a complete lack of respect, and maybe the possibility that the events of T1 may have made her too far gone crazy, than a sympathetic note that early. I like being a bit scared at how intimidating she is. The one moment of breaking down at Miles house I would argue, is weakened, by showing signs of weakness earlier in the film for her. Being a real bitch up until that point. It's just off in tone for me in general for some reason.

The chip scene, I don't mind, it's likely the best on its own from the extended scenes. My disenchantment is how it integrates into the rest of the film. The learning ability thing, it goes from broad/vague, to the simplest explanation as to why a Terminator might learn. When it's trying to be a more spiritual thing later, through Sarah's eyes, the fact that they are bonding - I'd rather just not think about the logistics of it. It doesn't matter. I think it's stronger leaving that out, and simply letting the audience experience the affects of a Terminator learning, than trying to solve it in a literal sense. It also slows things down, but it is cool.

The smiling scene meanwhile, is out of place for me. An odd spot to choose for a scene like that, since it becomes the real point at which their bonding is observed by Sarah. Which is a very melancholy center to the film. It doesn't really ruin that, just turns down the dial a bit when it's ramping up. It sticks out as a bit too cheese and self aware. I prefer to see Arnold smiling the first time without being aware of it, like at the mini-gun scene.

And the T1000 scene, cool, but it telegraphs his destruction too much. His shattering and subsequent regenerating was just such a terrifying scene. I think it plays stronger as a single note, than to suggest anything else going on in the scene. (i.e. his glitching)

Of course all this is probably swayed in some manner from personal attachment to the theatrical version, but eh...

You already posted this a few pages back. :lol
 
J2 Cool said:
BUMP, after it was buried by Avatar crossing $1B

I found this while reading a few pages back, and I have to dispute. I know the love runs deep with T2 for the both of us.



I just don't see it as the better cut than the theatrical. While it may be great to see Kyle come back, I prefer how fucked up Sarah looks to be towards the start of T2 - like she may be completely lost for good. Considering how crazy the entire experience of the first film actually is, understandably so. And I'd rather her be alienated from the audience, that for us to sympathize with her that early. Part of the joy watching her character in the movie for me, is seeing how she comes back to belonging to something, reclaiming her role as mother and savior. For me it's just more effective coming from a complete lack of respect, and maybe the possibility that the events of T1 may have made her too far gone crazy, than a sympathetic note that early. I like being a bit scared at how intimidating she is. The one moment of breaking down at Miles house I would argue, is weakened, by showing signs of weakness earlier in the film for her. Being a real bitch up until that point. It's just off in tone for me in general for some reason.

The chip scene, I don't mind, it's likely the best on its own from the extended scenes. My disenchantment is how it integrates into the rest of the film. The learning ability thing, it goes from broad/vague, to the simplest explanation as to why a Terminator might learn. When it's trying to be a more spiritual thing later, through Sarah's eyes, the fact that they are bonding - I'd rather just not think about the logistics of it. It doesn't matter. I think it's stronger leaving that out, and simply letting the audience experience the affects of a Terminator learning, than trying to solve it in a literal sense. It also slows things down, but it is cool.

The smiling scene meanwhile, is out of place for me. An odd spot to choose for a scene like that, since it becomes the real point at which their bonding is observed by Sarah. Which is a very melancholy center to the film. It doesn't really ruin that, just turns down the dial a bit when it's ramping up. It sticks out as a bit too cheese and self aware. I prefer to see Arnold smiling the first time without being aware of it, like at the mini-gun scene.

And the T1000 scene, cool, but it telegraphs his destruction too much. His shattering and subsequent regenerating was just such a terrifying scene. I think it plays stronger as a single note, than to suggest anything else going on in the scene. (i.e. his glitching)

Of course all this is probably swayed in some manner from personal attachment to the theatrical version, but eh...
I was getting a sense of Deja-vu when I was reading this. Why would you post this again?
 
aznpxdd said:
Love that .gif...we seriously need more Avatar .gifs, cam versions or not!
I agree. The crew did an amazing job with carrying over the real life performances into the film. I can't wait to see this on Blu-Ray.
 
Alright J2, for old times sake I'll give you my token reply.

I think it is indeed nostalgia that makes you hold the theatrical cut in higher regard. For one, you want the character to be more disconnected from the audience and feel the scene with Kyle evokes sympathy from the audience, as opposed to making us think she's gone as as batshit insane as she appears. I can only pin that down to having seen the theatrical cut of T2 before T1 or the Director's Cut. I think that part is purely a matter of opinion.

Also, you didn't address the part of the chip-removal scene I talked about - where John actually challenges Sarah whilst her trust of the T800 is rightly shown as non-existent. I can't say I understand how you feel the chip removal explanation goes from broad to even simpler? It becomes a much more detailed and logical explanation that reveals the motivations of Skynet in regards to their lone A.I soldiers.

I disagree about the smiling thing being anything self-aware. Its funny because you understand that the T800 doesn't feel humilation and is still just acting out logically. A good example of what you're talking about would be the Elton John glasses scene in T3.
Also, the payoff from this scene (not only his trying to be human) but his becoming more personable when he gets the smile right upon picking up the minigun is a classic scene (It's definitely you).

I don't understand your qualms with the T1000 glitching scene. Telegraphs his destruction too much? It shows that despite his seemingly organic form, his body is still a mechanism that can be affected. And hell, him walking across the criss-cross iron grate is just plain COOL. One of the coolest parts of his shapeshifting.
 
U K Narayan said:
Certainly not the best scenes in the film, sure. I'm not a fan of the "Eywa has heard you!" scene either.
the music that starts in that scene is horrible.

the only scene i really don't like is the one where jake talks to the tree. it's unnecessary, overly preachy and really doesn't add anything. i could watch any of the scenes with neytiri in them over and over though. i love her! and that includes the 'like a baby' scene.

making noise, don't know what to do!

this needs to come out on blu-ray like, next week. im spending far too much money.
 
Vic said:
2rfyedf.png


BAHAHAHA!!!

Another case of GAF > Internets


You know, it's really weird to actually see the headline from an official source.

Having been keeping up with this thread, I know the numbers are actually true, but to actually see it up in lights, emotionally, it's like I'm reading an Onion article. The numbers are simply too ridiculous. It seems too surreal to be possible.
 
Onix said:
You know, it's really weird to actually see the headline from an official source.

Having been keeping up with this thread, I know the numbers are actually true, but to actually see it up in lights, emotionally, it's like I'm reading an Onion article. The numbers are simply too ridiculous. It seems too surreal to be possible.

A GAFFER wrote that article, that's why it sounds like a GAF post :p
 
Onix said:
You know, it's really weird to actually see the headline from an official source.

Having been keeping up with this thread, I know the numbers are actually true, but to actually see it up in lights, emotionally, it's like I'm reading an Onion article. The numbers are simply too ridiculous. It seems too surreal to be possible.

Official Source? You are too kind. :lol
 
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