Review:
How do you judge a movie like Avatar? The answer to that question says probably more about you than about the film. After finally having seen it, there is no doubt in my mind that anyone will (seriously) debate that it is a technological breakthrough. The CGI, the motion capture, the 3D - it’s all very impressive. In the right theatre (i.e. a big screen with digital 3D technology), the film is a joy to watch. But is that really what a film should be judged for? What about story, originality, acting or just a unique world filled with awesome ideas? If those things matter, then Avatar is a horrible film. The story is about as new as a love story between two members of feuding families. The acting in this film would embarrass amateurs. The film is filled with many pretty pictures, but none of them is new, there is nothing that hasn’t been seen before. And that is why I hate myself for actually enjoying the film. Because I care about story and about ideas - and the film had none of that. But it was just so gorram pretty, so much fun to look at. So in a way, this film is a spectacular success. Just don’t ask me to join in with the idiots who call it a great film. Visually, it’s breathtaking, but film is a storytelling medium and there the film, as per usual with Cameron, fails.
Random Observations:
James Cameron is a great technical director. He would be great as the SFX director on almost every film. But he is horrible at directing people. Just look at Titanic - there he managed to extract horrible performances from two of the greatest thespians working today - Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Here, he works with far less talented people - and the results are disastrous to behold.
The film may be unique in the history of cinema in that it manages to include every single cliché possible. In fact, the whole film is one big cliché.
I just realized that I haven’t mentioned anything about the plot of the film in my “review”. But seriously, people, you aren’t going to watch it for the plot. Nevertheless, here a one word summary: Pocahontas.
I know, my slights about the film are about as original as the film itself. I’m influenced by my betters, what can I say.
Tags: 2009, 3D motion capturing, action movie, adventure movie, American Film, Avatar, CCH Pounder, Dileep Rao, english, fantasy movie, Giovanni Ribisi, James Cameron, Joel Moore, Kate Winslet, Laz Alonso, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Rodriguez, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Sam Worthington, sci-fi movie, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Titanic, Wes Studi, Zoë Saldana