In Theaters: Avatar
Jake proves himself worthy of the Na'vi, then immediately betrays them, then changes his mind. "I was a warrior who dreamed he could bring peace," he says. "Sooner or later, though, you always have to wake up." Worthington's low, beveled voice sells a lot of iffy lines, although for all the received chatter about Cameron's crappy dialogue, I heard nothing worse than some of the pap smeared across Invictus. It is the references that are risible, and Cameron doesn't hold back: "When people are sitting on shit you want, you make them your enemy," Ribisi says, one in a long line of direct hits on the Iraq war and its corporate jackals. As a fellow Canadian I couldn't help but think Cameron was letting his Maple Leaf fly, particularly in the villainy reserved for Col. Quaritch, a pig-eyed American whose bloodlust outpaces his mission. To present, during wartime, a battle sequence that revels in legions of American Marines being blown to pieces is truly shocking, beyond subversive -- a confused, quasi-radical stance that undermines what is foremost a piece of entertainment, a truly transporting draft of movie magic. I couldn't decide if it was red- or blue-baiting, nor figure out why Cameron would want to vulgarly divide an audience already coiled so blissfully in the palm of his hand.
Avatar's legacy will not be that of an environmental epic, nor of an acid chunk of misanthropic, anti-American polemic, although it is both of those things, in turn and in tandem. What it is, foremost, is the most convincing and comprehensive packaging of the technology guiding the future of cinema that has yet been seen, and for that reason I hereby command you to see it. The film's central, unexpressed paradox -- the notion of using the most sophisticated technology known to the medium to advance a plea that we humans learn to leave well enough alone before we destroy ourselves in the name of progress -- is far more interesting than anything Cameron has to say about President Bush and his Daisy Cutters of Doom.
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Comments
Avatar is so fuckin awesome, it makes Delgo look like Battle For Terrs!
I still doubt I'll love this movie even with all of the praise it's been getting. I'll watch it when it comes to HBO, unless someone drags me to see it in theaters.
And I seriously doubt this will live on in the history books the way, King Kong has, maybe more like the way Titanic has or The Terminator.
Canada's image lies in tatters
We should curb our nationalism and pride a bit.
I saw it yesterday and I'm going to se it again soon! It was the single best film experience I have ever had. I saw it in IMAX which is definitely the best way to watch it. Avatar should be the next Star Wars.
This gave me a huge headache – prepare for hours of 3D by doing this: Tictacdo Also, There's no action until the end – a huge build-up for nothing. Like Titanic all over again...
I just saw Avatr for the first time tonight and I say first time because I will be seeing it many more times. Awesome movie in so many ways. Great imagery, animation, plot, moral, action, love story between man, animal and creature, man's obsession with greed and violence, overcoming and more. Blam!
The 3-D effect made me want to puke – I was so dizzy
For me, the best parts of the movie by far were the human segments with Sam Worthington. No matter how amazing/revolutionary/mind-blowing CGI or animation is, it tends to bore me senseless.
Majean said, "And I seriously doubt this will live on in the history books the way, King Kong has, maybe more like the way Titanic has or The Terminator."
Titanic is the highest grossing movie of all time. Terminator is a well-loved movie. Sounds like Avatar is in good company. There is no doubt that Avatar will be remembered for a long time the way Star Wars has. My only fear is that someone will make an even more spectacular movie. Even if that happens we will all be winners.
Right on the nose. This movie had me laughing, crying and wanting to fight for what is right. No other movie has ever gotten me so emotionally involved. It's about time they started making movies this great.
James Cameron will be "King of the Universe" with his film "Avatar"