Yep, it lived up to the hype

Saw Avatar in IMAX 3D yesterday and it was absolutely stunning. Visually, it was rich with texture, depth and emotion. It really was like traveling to another world, and when I left the theater I felt exhilarated and exhausted, as if I got off a ride at a theme park. The story, while not original, was thrillingly entertaining too, but that's not the draw of this movie, it's merely a bonus to the mesmerizing effects. The Navi people are so well animated and emotive and the jungles they live in are so lush and inviting, that you'll forget they're made by computers. I read one review that said this is as close as you'll ever get to visiting another planet, and I agree. Another review, this one from Gizmodo, said the movie's groundbreaking tech will open the imaginations for new generations, like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, or The Matrix did for older generations (mine was Jurassic Park, I was convinced those dinosaurs were real).

Now it should be noted that I haven't seen anything in 3D since the Spider-Man ride at Universal Studios back in 2004, so if I seem to be gushing, that's why. This was my first IMAX 3D movie and it really did explode my mind--if you've seen other 3D movies recently, your mind may remain intact, though I hear the effects are still amazing even if you're an IMAX 3D veteran. The internet is full of reviews, both positive and negative, and I'm much better at reviewing video games than movies, so I won't take up any more space with Avatar love--just go see it.

One last thing, towards the end of the movie, Sam Worthington's hair grows out and he starts to look like Nathan Drake. If they make an Uncharted movie (haven't played the second one yet, but apparently it's enough like a movie to make an actual movie seem pointless), I think he'd be good, but he's not my number one pick, that goes to Bradley Cooper--to me, that guy is Nathan Drake. He might not look just like him, but I feel like he would nail Drake's personality. Third place goes to Nathan Fillioin. I'd take any of them as Drake, but after Jake Gyllenhaal was cast as the Prince of Persia, there's no telling who we'd get (Wesley Snipes?)



If you're a geek like me and want to see more video game celebrity lookalikes go here. Some of those are pretty funny.

Comments

[kristinalys]

I just read a blog about how Avatar had a really shallow plot and it was a crime against humanity. I'm on the fence about seeing it still.

[Austin Light]

A crime against humanity? That's kind of harsh. Like I said, the plot isn't original, and it's certainly been done better elsewhere, but I wouldn't go that far. There's some crazy hate going on for this movie, people want it to fail, which is baffling to me--why take sides and fight over it? It's an entertaining movie, and I feel like I got my money's worth. To each their own though.

[Logan Light]

Let me back up Mr. Light here. The film is so visually stunning that it will take any "lack of plot" argument, ball it up and toss it in the trash can.

I can say that the plot is not original. I knew where it was going. I knew who would win, but I didn't care. Getting to SEE it happen was completely worth it. I would gladly sit through any good v evil plot if it meant that I would be immersed in a world that would captivate my imagination. Loved it.

I didn't see it in IMAX, just digital 3D at a local theater, but amazing nonetheless. See this movie.

[Mel]

When I saw this posting I can't believe I didn't comment on it earlier- I realize I'm a little late to this conversation. But food for thought:
To me-this movie was just as ridiculous as its predecessor "Dances with Wolves". There is a whole lot of debates in Indian Country about this film. Some have compared it to the plight and genocide of indigenous groups all across the world. Others love it for the story. And some, like myself- only like it because of cool computer technology. I just cant get past the fact that the story line is just a ridiculous glorified 'Dances with Wolves' make over with all its inaccuracies and idiosyncrasies. I'll leave you to your own interpretation but shoot...the government didn't need to spend all the time and money to send a guy to learn everything about a race for the intents and purposes of destroying them. They didn't need to learn anything about the Navi- when you knew the inevitable destruction was going to happen. You could have skipped the whole business altogether, made some bad treaties on empty promises, put the Navi on their own reservation, and depleted their resources but then you wouldn't have a cool movie to watch now would you? Lived up to its impressive animation and technology but as for overcompensating as fellow commentor said 'lack of plot', I have to disagree. But I did get my money's worth to check out some cool animation along with a lifetime of jokes to make with indigenous friends.
Cheers.