Film Review: Avatar
Amazingly, Avatar is still completely selling out every show every weekend, at least in the IMAX theater in Rochester. After weeks of attempting to see it and being foiled by academics or those sold-out shows, I finally was able to experience the movie in its intended IMAX form.
It was worth the wait. Seeing Avatar in IMAX is one of the most unique and engrossing experiences I have had at the theater. The technical achievements are mind-blowing, creating a feast for the eyes and ears. The audio and visuals combine to transport the audience into another world. Avatar has an incredible ability to absorb viewers into its universe.
The visual presence is the most powerful part of Avatar. The computer animation is probably the best I have ever seen. Between Avatar and District 9, this year was evidence that 3D animation has stepped up to another level. The visual effects in Avatar are similar to District 9 in the sense that the human world and the world of Pandora (the alien world) blend together. Neither switching between the two nor their combination cause any sense of disorientation as both worlds feel equally real.
This is only possible with the highest level of computer animation ever put on film. Not only is Avatar technically jaw-dropping, but it is a truly beautiful film. The colorful world of Pandora is so imaginative and full of life it becomes a character in itself. I was blown away by the creativity of the landscapes and creatures that covered Pandora.
One of the main complaints I hear about Avatar is its story. While it may be simple and rather predictable, I found it to be an enjoyable plot. It was able to sustain the film even through its extended length (about 2.5 hours), and that is all it needed to do. As for the overtly political subtext, it did not bother me. Rather than trying to analyze agendas, I simply let myself fall into the story. By laughing at the clichés, feeling for the characters, and admiring the visual spectacle, viewers can appreciate Avatar for what it is—a movie.
I loved Avatar, and I am extremely satisfied with the IMAX experience. As mentioned above, it is able to leverage exciting new technology to bring the audience fully into its world. If nothing else, I recommend seeing it for its impressive and immersive visual display. I am not sure how it will hold up on DVD, without the benefit of that experience. But as for its theatrical IMAX presentation, it was spectacular.
9/10
Note: If you are at all interested in the animation and acting behind Avatar, check out this link.
5 Comments
I thought this movie was absolutely stunning. I plan to see it again in theaters and if you have seen it but not it in 3D IMAX you really need to see it again. The plot to me was kind of cheesy and more than the political subtext, which I could not ignore as easily as others, I was not a big fan of the whole worshiping nature. I honestly felt a little uncomfortable when the Navi people were all holding hands chanting and swaying with a trance like look on there faces. As you said, if you sit back and just let yourself get sucked into the beauty of the movie it is truly one of the more enjoyable movie going experiences I have had in a while.
also consider the plot to FernGully: The Last Rainforest and tell me if you see the similarities that I do.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferngully#Plot
Tyler, I think we agree about the weak points of the movie, but also the fact that they still do not take away that much from the experience. Still, it is crazy to imagine how great it could have been with an amazing rather than average plot.
Also, while driving home my friend Jesse and I talked about it how the movie was just an updated version of Ferngully. Avatar is nearly an exact replica in many places.
I really
Sorry, first comment got messed up.
Avatar was a wonderful tech demo, but I think overall it is going to be bad for movies until someone actually uses that whole third dimension for something more than just being there to look cool. Honestly, the more I think about it, the more disappointed I am with Avatar. It is merely one of those 3D adventure rides with much higher production values. Its success has persuaded almost every studio to rush films into 3D.
The one upside to this strategy is that it should help cool the fire that is film piracy. With the inclusion of 3D technology in movies, they will once again have a theater experience that cannot be experienced at home. However, even this will not last long as 3D televisions are already being released.
Eventually, 3D technology will allow movies to develop even deeper meaning. Avatar merely provided the proof that the technology was ready, it just didn’t use it for anything other than a wow factor.
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