Bigelow, Cameron, Reitman, and Tarantino should be up for best director (of the two I've seen, completely deserved). Would be nice to get Daniels (or Lone Scherfig, or Jane Campion, or someone other than a white dude) in, but c'est la vie.

fark tobey - peter jackson should play the hobbit.

skribble: fark tobey - peter jackson should play the hobbit.

he does actually look like one...

skribble: fark tobey - peter jackson should play the hobbit.

I think it's just 'cause he's slouching on a sofa a little behind everyone else, but he does look like a tiny, tiny man, doesn't he?

I adore the fact that the guy who "directed" Precious is seated with such great directors...

/Thanks to subby though - that was awesome, really enjoyed it.

I just came back from Avatar and I had to tell someone (this seems a good a place as any) that I think James Cameron should be hung by his thumbs off the Empire State Building until the flesh gives way and he drops. I don't know if I've ever seen another movie that bad before. The new technology makes things look cool, but I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue. I'm completely blown away by how bad it was and I'm sort of in a state of shock right now.

Avatar ruled. The story is no worse than just about every other action movie (i.e. good enough), better if you take stuff like Transformers into account. Loved the Neytiri character, cheered when the bad guy died, got totally immersed in the world.

AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar and I had to tell someone (this seems a good a place as any) that I think James Cameron should be hung by his thumbs off the Empire State Building until the flesh gives way and he drops. I don't know if I've ever seen another movie that bad before. The new technology makes things look cool, but I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue. I'm completely blown away by how bad it was and I'm sort of in a state of shock right now.

Yikes, I've seen your comment in my nightmares.

I have greatly respected James Cameron since The Terminator and after Aliens considered him among the best. T2, Titanic...both great films for what they are.

It's sad for me to read a comment like you just wrote, because I believe you are right and that he is probably over the hill. He bit off more than he can chew, and like George Lucas he's too old and comfortable to be a reliable judge of his own work anymore...at least it hasn't happened to Spielberg yet.

Back to those vids...great stuff...I love those directors. It would have been great to see Zack Snyder and the Coen brothers at that table as well.

Oh, and I haven't seen Avatar yet.

I would completely disregard AgentOrangeDrink's post. We all know the visuals would be stunning, and the effects breathtaking, but the story was very good too. To compare it to Dancing with Wolves would be comparing T1 to Friday the 13th, similar, but very different.

This is a must see, something that changes the whole industry just like Star Wars did so many years ago. I am going again tomorrow and taking my young cousins, this is a spectacle I do not want them to miss, this is a movie that is 3D big screen or nothing, just what the industry needed.

I had to sit very close and the 3d previews hurt my eyes, so I was expecting a crappy performance and lots of shaky camera work (that with 3D glasses would mean that I would be going home early). But no, as soon at the feature began I forgot I even had them on, the 3D flowed, it was not gimmicky, nor did it hurt my eyes- this is the future of movies.

I would call it better than Star Wars (and I am a fan who has read every star wars book) To miss this is to have missed a turning point in film, don't get left behind.

lightwell: I would completely disregard AgentOrangeDrink's post. We all know the visuals would be stunning, and the effects breathtaking, but the story was very good too. To compare it to Dancing with Wolves would be comparing T1 to Friday the 13th, similar, but very different.

This is a must see, something that changes the whole industry just like Star Wars did so many years ago. I am going again tomorrow and taking my young cousins, this is a spectacle I do not want them to miss, this is a movie that is 3D big screen or nothing, just what the industry needed.

I had to sit very close and the 3d previews hurt my eyes, so I was expecting a crappy performance and lots of shaky camera work (that with 3D glasses would mean that I would be going home early). But no, as soon at the feature began I forgot I even had them on, the 3D flowed, it was not gimmicky, nor did it hurt my eyes- this is the future of movies.

I would call it better than Star Wars (and I am a fan who has read every star wars book) To miss this is to have missed a turning point in film, don't get left behind.

I hope you're right. I have to emphasize however that Star Wars was based on great writing and dialogue, delivered by a very natural cast, and bolstered by John Williams brilliant score. I've read a number of negative reviews indicating that Avatar is generic re-hashed storyline with shoddy dialogue.

All great films have great stories and great writing as their foundation. I can't think of a single exception. Name a single 'classic' with a poor story and screenplay that succeeded on effects, or budget, or score, or even acting? I can't think of a single one.

i dont want to miss it (avatar) so i'm thinking i should go this weekend. i'm guessing i won't be disappointed (from all the reviews i've been seeing anyway)

browntimmy: The story is no worse than just about every other action movie

Let's be honest here; the story really is pretty awful. The high quality of the acting, directing and cinematography make up for a lot (it's quite simply the most visually impressive movie I've ever seen), but the dialogue is often just plain embarrassing, the second half is full of plotholes and the villains are cartoonishly one-dimensional. Actually, most of the characters are shallow, now that I think about it. One or two personality traits each, and no real attempt at characterization, even for the main characters.

It's a credit to Cameron that he manages to make it still very enjoyable despite that, but it does have its flaws.

lightwell: I would call it better than Star Wars

OK, you really need to STFU. I get that you've probably just seen it, and you're all pumped up from the experience, but them's fightin' words.

The storyline works. Think of the back of a book, you might read that and think "oh I've read something like this before", but when you open it the story is completely different- It is how it is told. The story does flow and it is a more than a decent piece of art.
The acting was seamless, as we know of all the problems real people have interacting with nonexistent cgi characters. It was horrible in the new star wards, and have improved to this point where your eye cannot pick out was is unreal in the shot- only that it couldn't possibly be real.
The score is by James Horner, who is another great composer alongside Williams. I will say the music will not stand as well alone like Star wars has, but it fits the theme and works with the film just fine. The star wars score can be replayed anywhere and works well, this score would probably get tiring after a while of listening to it without the movie.

I was dragged to this movie by a friend of mine, I had not even heard of it until I saw a preview in a different movie a month ago- and now I am gushing about the film. I am of the opinion you are depriving and neglecting yourself if you do not see this movie big screen.

AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar and I had to tell someone (this seems a good a place as any) that I think James Cameron should be hung by his thumbs off the Empire State Building until the flesh gives way and he drops. I don't know if I've ever seen another movie that bad before. The new technology makes things look cool, but I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue. I'm completely blown away by how bad it was and I'm sort of in a state of shock right now.



I think you're lying. There's nothing in your 'review' to suggest you've actually seen it.

1/10.

Gunther

I mean no disrespect! I own more than half the published Star Wars books, and a cardboard cut out of Vader looming over my bed right now, as well as my Vader costume from when I saw 8.. still...

The star wars EU has alot more than Avatar has, with the Avatar wiki thing that gap might hopefully be closed a bit, I need a sci fi fix and the books in star wars just took a turn for the worse, the last series has no direction and the plots were dribble. That doesn't have anything to do here I guess besides stating I need a new fan fix.

The score from star wars is superior. Avatars score is great, but not stand alone at all.

The Effects are equivalent, for their times, both ground breaking and shattering all before them. Avatars are newer though, and SW 1-3 well... the cgi sorta stinks especially in 1 and 2, the acting is wooden and they don't even interact with the environment or look at the cgi characters, not their fault, but it takes away from the film.

I am saying it looks like Avatar is a worthy replacement for the now slowly defunct star wars line. The books are getting worse, the movie chars are too old to do anything anymore, and their kids got killed off. George cant make any new movies without crushing the EU fluff (and I wouldn't want him to ruin my memories any more either) and I am not holding my breath for the coming series.
Star wars is a classic, but at a dead end.
Avatar and its like are the next step forwards.

Brainwash: I hope you're right. I have to emphasize however that Star Wars was based on great writing and dialogue, delivered by a very natural cast, and bolstered by John Williams brilliant score. I've read a number of negative reviews indicating that Avatar is generic re-hashed storyline with shoddy dialogue.

Lets be honest here - the dialogue was awful. It was held together by decent cast (Hamel being the lone exception) that worked very well together, story, and awesome editing (which the prequels lacked for some reason).

Avatar has already been ripped apart by the religious wing nuts for being anti-american. That guarantees that I'll go see it.

/what I've heard from people who have actually seen it - its a B+.

Just out of curiosity, how many of you that have seen Avatar would now go to a con dressed as one of the characters?

tehotherbilly: Just out of curiosity, how many of you that have seen Avatar would now go to a con dressed as one of the characters?

What is wrong with you?

/Raises Hand
//Never even been dressed at a con
///losing all dignity he ever had in this thread
////Going to the gym in 26 minutes to make it work...

I saw Avatar at a midnight showing. The plot was heavy-handed, and alot of the corporate/military types were very one-dimensional, but overall it was a pretty good movie. The plot was predictable, but the special effects were amazing.

In alot of movies where the characters are animated in some way, there is a perceptible difference in lip and facial movements, but here, there's not. It LOOKS like it's them speaking.

lightwell:
I am saying it looks like Avatar is a worthy replacement for the now slowly defunct star wars line. The books are getting worse, the movie chars are too old to do anything anymore, and their kids got killed off. George cant make any new movies without crushing the EU fluff (and I wouldn't want him to ruin my memories any more either) and I am not holding my breath for the coming series.


Thanks for the spoiler warning there buddy.

Thanks, Subby. That was a treat...

subby, your link is a douche..thus....
"video not available"
the Reitman kid can diaf.
"My Daddy is semi famous so let me make movies!"

Brainwash Quote 2009-12-18 07:45:34 AM
AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar and I had to tell someone (this seems a good a place as any) that I think James Cameron should be hung by his thumbs off the Empire State Building until the flesh gives way and he drops. I don't know if I've ever seen another movie that bad before. The new technology makes things look cool, but I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue. I'm completely blown away by how bad it was and I'm sort of in a state of shock right now.

Yikes, I've seen your comment in my nightmares.

I have greatly respected James Cameron since The Terminator and after Aliens considered him among the best. T2, Titanic...both great films for what they are.

It's sad for me to read a comment like you just wrote, because I believe you are right and that he is probably over the hill. He bit off more than he can chew, and like George Lucas he's too old and comfortable to be a reliable judge of his own work anymore...at least it hasn't happened to Spielberg yet.

Back to those vids...great stuff...I love those directors. It would have been great to see Zack Snyder and the Coen brothers at that table as well.

go cry in a fire..gciaf

waaaa waaaa waaaaaaa

Everyone, please disregard anything AgentOrangeDrink says. He has proven time and time again to be a massive troll, not to mention a jackass.

I haven't seen Avatar myself yet, but it's on my to-do list. Probably Monday once I'm off the traveling road. I'll form my own opinion then.

ranak:

In alot of movies where the characters are animated in some way, there is a perceptible difference in lip and facial movements, but here, there's not. It LOOKS like it's them speaking.

oh how super dooper...
the same could be said for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves".
it looks like a playstation game.
i'll save my 20 bux, wait for it to hit dvd, rent it and forget it.
oh and Taratino is a total douche hack.

James Scameron: ranak:

In alot of movies where the characters are animated in some way, there is a perceptible difference in lip and facial movements, but here, there's not. It LOOKS like it's them speaking.

oh how super dooper...
the same could be said for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves".
it looks like a playstation game.
i'll save my 20 bux, wait for it to hit dvd, rent it and forget it.
oh and Taratino is a total douche hack.


Meh...another 'I'm not going to see it because it's crap' loser.

The ego meter is off the charts!

AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar...I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue.

Couldn't be any more contrived and childish than T2's plot.

Terminator: Merciless killing machine sent back in time to assassinate the mother of a future war leader.
Terminator 2: "I WUV YOU ROBO-DADDY!!!"

/yes, I will trash that sh*t movie every chance I get

SacriliciousBeerSwiller: AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar...I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue.

Couldn't be any more contrived and childish than T2's plot.

Terminator: Merciless killing machine sent back in time to assassinate the mother of a future war leader.
Terminator 2: "I WUV YOU ROBO-DADDY!!!"

/yes, I will trash that sh*t movie every chance I get

Trash it all you want, you don't buy the idea that a disfunctional teen with an absent father and a institutionalized mother might view a protector figure as a pseudo-father after being exposed to some very terrifying experiences?

SacriliciousBeerSwiller: AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar...I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue.

Couldn't be any more contrived and childish than T2's plot.

Terminator: Merciless killing machine sent back in time to assassinate the mother of a future war leader.
Terminator 2: "I WUV YOU ROBO-DADDY!!!"

/yes, I will trash that sh*t movie every chance I get

Hand in your man card; anyone who dislikes that masterpiece is a wiener.

ranak:
In alot of movies where the characters are animated in some way, there is a perceptible difference in lip and facial movements, but here, there's not. It LOOKS like it's them speaking.

My problem is this: if you can't make the CGI nearly impossible to discern from the real stuff, don't bother using live actors at all, because it just makes everything look cheap. In 10 years it will look particularly bad.

Note that this is based on what I saw in the trailers, but I don't imagine they fixed the CGI between the trailers and the final release.

DecemberNitro: SacriliciousBeerSwiller: AgentOrangeDrink: I just came back from Avatar...I've played NES games with better plots, characters, and dialogue.

Couldn't be any more contrived and childish than T2's plot.

Terminator: Merciless killing machine sent back in time to assassinate the mother of a future war leader.
Terminator 2: "I WUV YOU ROBO-DADDY!!!"

/yes, I will trash that sh*t movie every chance I get

Hand in your man card; anyone who dislikes that masterpiece is a wiener.

I will not apologize for disliking a Terminator film that caters to emo pussies.

TheWizard: Trash it all you want, you don't buy the idea that a disfunctional teen with an absent father and a institutionalized mother might view a protector figure as a pseudo-father after being exposed to some very terrifying experiences?

You're reading too much into it, and ignoring the fact that the fundamental underpinnings were stolen from f*cking Short Circuit.

James Scameron: ranak:

oh how super dooper...
the same could be said for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves".
it looks like a playstation game.
i'll save my 20 bux, wait for it to hit dvd, rent it and forget it.
oh and Taratino is a total douche hack.

He is a big time douche. I actually hate watching his interviews, and this one is no different.

but...

He is no hack. He creates incredibly memorable pictures. Pulp Fiction is one of the top 5 movies of the last 30 years.

There is a reason it is #5 on imdb. And it's not like this is a bad list. People really farking like these movies.

None of the movies listed here are in my top 3, but none of them were directed by "hacks"

1. 9.1 The Shawshank Redemption (1994) 460,049
2. 9.1 The Godfather (1972) 374,710
3. 9.0 The Godfather: Part II (1974) 220,063
4. 8.9 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) 138,962
5. 8.9 Pulp Fiction (1994) 375,971
6. 8.8 Schindler's List (1993) 249,010
7. 8.8 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) 191,697
8. 8.8 12 Angry Men (1957) 101,503
9. 8.8 The Dark Knight (2008) 407,731
10. 8.8 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

The story is not that bad, people. I'll grant that most of the bad guys are one dimensional but a lot of that is because most of the screen time is dedicated to the Na'vi world. Maybe if it had been longer (yes, I actually would have loved if this 2.5 hour movie was longer) they could have been fleshed out more. And as far as cheesy dialog, yeah, typical Cameron. But I honestly think Aliens has just as much but that didn't keep it from being awesome.

Avatar ... was interesting. I'd read a number of reviews prior to viewing it and at some point had read an early script so I was anticipating outright awful. Foremost, a vast expanse of the movie was indeed spent entirely with the alien natives. Most of the screen time was dedicated to the acceptance of Jake into their culture. Whether it was compelling enough to warrant the amount of time it received ... eh, I'm not entirely sold.

It is also true, however, that the vast majority of the characters were cardboard, a fact contrasted by the otherwise stunning and immersive environment. The clichés were recognizable from the onset; the inevitable conclusion discernable from a similar distance. The betrayals, the climatic battle sequence--which was hilarious and awesome simultaneously--were never a surprise.

So I'm not entirely certain where to place Avatar in my outrage and disgust scale. It certainly wasn't the greatest cinematic achievement of my short lifetime (though the visuals at times were stunning). The pacing, the characters and the plot were atrocious at times ... and often it didn't impact the movie negatively. The suspension of disbelief was tested on a few occasions (lulz space horses and space Gaia). It felt too drawn out at times. Yet I can't bring myself to hate the movie, or at least the entirety of it. So it warrants a "meh". It was a spectacle. Whether that's good or bad I'm not entirely sure.

Also, I can't stress enough that you'd be doing a huge disservice to yourself to not see Avatar in 3D. If you're like me and don't have IMAX nearby, check the RealD theater locator (new window).

Quasar: What's amusing about Avatar is that the top critics on Rotten Tomatoes are around 96%, yet if you read the actual reviews, most of them basically say the same thing:

The visuals are ground-breaking, spectacular, immersive, and jaw-dropping! The world is so lifelike! The story is cliché, cheesy, ham-handed, unoriginal, and falls apart if you pay any attention to it. The aliens are so beautifully-rendered! Visual masterpiece!

After watching it last night, I've got to say that the visuals more than make up for the mediocre story. The 3d was spectacular. You just get sucked into this entirely new world. It was like being a kid again... seriously.

My biggest beef was that both the cat-hippies and the planet raping humans got a little old after a while-- none of the characters were very intelligent.

I'm having a hard time rehabbing my opinion of Quentin Tarantino after I read his top 8 movies of the year list. Man has god awful taste.

Avatar's story was simple and familiar, a fact that i was thankful for, because i was way too busy sucking in the awesome 3D visuals. plan on going back a few more times.
gorgeous gorgeous movie in every detail right down to the luminescent freckles on blue skin.

hubiestubert: The impact of the visuals--and the scale of those visuals--IS part of the experience, and part of the storytelling. If you haven't seen the film in the IMAX 3D format, you have only seen a shadow of what the film is.

There isn't an IMAX within a thousand miles of here, but I think I am going to see it in 2d anyhow. As per usual I bet Fark Film Critics go way overboard bashing the movie when it is probably not that bad plot or acting wise. But you come to expect this in any thread involving movies, beer, law, guns, music, cars, food, news, cell phones, computers(hardware, OS, or software), cops, and boobies.