Avatar = Amazing

Avatar = Amazing

Topic Author: JB Bauersfeld

Posted: 3:44 AM Dec 18, 2009

Replies Posted: 8 comments

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J.B. Bauersfeld

I go to a LOT of midnight movie screenings. For me it's like most people's 7 o'clock show. You know, the one just an hour or two after you get off work. But tonight, I felt compelled to write about a film; nay, a cinematic experience that I haven't experienced in quite some time. I'll admit it: I've been drinking Jim Cameron's Avatar "Kool-Aide" since I saw the first preview. I read about the movie, saw clips, watched trailers, and basically soaked up everything I could.

I have finally gotten the payoff. I just finished watching the movie in 3D. Now, I don't have kids so I don't see a whole lot of 3D movies, so it took awhile for my eyes to adjust to the glasses (read: I had a headache for the first 30 minutes I was wearing them). But once I got used to them, I got lost in the experience. The world of Pandora (setting of Avatar) is gorgeous. Glowing fauna and outrageous characters remind me of a laser light show containing creatures that are more fitting in the world of George Lucas. The natives are pretty spectacular as well... like the 10 foot tall offspring of G.I. Joe and Barbie dolls. Long legs, tiny waists, and bad ass in about every way. And oh yeah, if you've been living under a rock... they're blue. But it works with the 80's skater color scheme. The main players Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) were great as the big, blue, bad ass Ken and Barbie. The antagonist Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) was both over the top and spot on at the same time. And James Cameron alum Sigourney Weaver is great as Dr. Grace Augustine.

Granted, the plot is vaguely familiar, and easily predictable... but I STILL found myself on the edge of my seat for most of the action sequences, and there are plenty. Avatar has done something that could be a game changer. It has taken the idea of a digital character meshed with live action (Gollum in LOTR, Yoda in Star Wars Ep II and III) and kicked it up about 9 notches. BAM indeed Emeril.

Don't take my word for it... go see for yourself. Personally, I want to watch it again in regular, plain ol 2D; and compare the 2 experiences... (and then go maybe one more time to be sure).

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by Julie Location: New York on Jan 16, 2010 at 02:58 PM

Just a bump up...YOu absolutely have to see it at the IMAX...make it a day trip .... You will not be sorry!

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by jrnymn Location: PandoraCrap on Jan 7, 2010 at 07:29 AM

James Cammeron spent a fortune on it, roughly around $ 350 mn including marketing. >when did money alone equal quality? If someone could spend millions of dollars on marketing alone I wouldn't be surprised if some of that money went in to “buying” some or all the critics to put out ”great” reviews. Think about it. If you really want to read a “true” review try googling around blogs and forums or simple just google “Avatar sucks” and see the results. A breakthrough in film technology especially 3D technology >nobody gives a shit about technology, period. What do 6-12 years kids know about 3D technology. It's only the hype that is being generated by the “media” that is putting out sentences like: “a ground-breaking technology”, “it's going to pave way for a whole new genre of movies just like Titanic”, “James Cameron has raised the bar”, “A must watch” etc The movie has the cheesiest plot I have ever come across. When I watch a movie I expect some intelligent dialog and some interest

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by Elaine Location: Topeka on Dec 31, 2009 at 01:00 PM

Hey JB Our family went to see Avatar 3D last night. It was the first movie my husband and I have ever seen in 3D. I must say, it was amazing. Our 13 yr old has ADHD and his meds had worn off...and he SAT through it and was QUIET!!!!! I think IMAX would be cool. Is the one at the KC Zoo open year round? Just curious. Glad to see something on the big screen that didn't scare the dickens out of people, and was NOT gorey. Have a super day and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Response: Thanks, you have a happy new year too. I'm not sure about the IMAX at the Zoo though.

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by Wrigley Location: Topeka, KS on Dec 22, 2009 at 05:16 PM

It was a great movie. I would recommend driving to see it in Imax 3d. The technology they use in the regular 3d is not the same. Imax has LCD shutter glasses and other 3d uses the red/blue(albeit they look a lot more fancy now). If the glasses(lenses) aren't clear/very light gray then you are really missing out. Don't believe me? Go see it in Topeka then go to the Imax. Check out the difference in the glasses then prepare to be blown away!

Response: I plan on making the trip to the KC Zoo so I can see it on the IMAX screen.

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by Kelly Location: Topeka on Dec 22, 2009 at 10:45 AM

I took my son to see this on Sunday! AMAZING is all he could say...he usually talks through a movie to make his commentary known, but not this one. He was enthralled. Like you, JB, he soaked up everything he could and was very impressed with it. As you said, the story line was familiar as it was almost like Ferngulley from the early 90's. Indeed this is a movie that I would reccommend, and seeing it in 3D is worth it!

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by Megan Location: Oklahoma on Dec 19, 2009 at 03:50 PM

This movie was mind blowing, especially in 3D. It is one of the best movies Ive ever seen

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by Lisa Lynn Location: Auburn Ks on Dec 18, 2009 at 08:57 AM

Hey J.B. I can't wait too see this movie. Thanks for the info:)

Response: Happy to help.

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by Lyn Location: Florida on Dec 18, 2009 at 07:10 AM

Some clarity, please...my local theatre shows "Avatar" "Avatar 3d" and "Avatar 3d Imax"....Is there a version that is NOT 3d?

Response: I'm guessing the version simply titled "Avatar" is the 2D version. But if I had a chance to see it in IMAX, I would. We don't have an IMAX screen w/in an hours drive.

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