Avatar Review
Below is my review of the 2009 James Cameron film, Avatar. Please note: this review contains plot description and other 'spoilers'.
I don't get to the movies much anymore. It's not the ticket prices that have kept me away, it is the other movie-goers. I can't stand all the talking, cell phones, and general 'rustling' of candy wrappers...not to mention people with weak bladders getting up 3 times during a 90 minute flick. I'll wait for the DVD unless a film must be seen on the big screen. Avatar is one of those films. To date, Avatar has made a zillion dollars in box office worldwide, surpassing Cameron's own Titanic as the biggest grossing film. Well, sort of. In constant dollars, Gone With The Wind is still number one (as of the date of this post). So, I'm a little late in my review, but as I said, it takes a lot for me to venture into a movie theater these days.
Avatar is a visually revolutionary film. I saw the IMAX 3D version, and although the IMAX screen at the theater where I saw the film was much smaller than the other IMAX screens I have seen (Sony Theaters Lincoln Square New York, Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, Liberty Science Center), it was still an awe inspiring visual experience. James Cameron's combination of live action and CGI characters is the best to date in a feature-length film. With that said, when the story switched between the 'real' scenes and the CGI action, the contrast was a bit jarring and distracting.
A friend of mine cautioned me about seeing Avatar in IMAX 3D. He said his eyes were 'seriously messed up' for a week afterward. I didn't care. James Cameron needed my $15, and nothing was going to stand in my way of supporting this struggling filmmaker. I had no issues with the 3D. Perhaps the smaller screen helped? I would like to see the movie in 'regular D' to judge the difference,because I'm not sure how much the 3D added to Avatar. In any event, there were no 3D gimmicks in the film. In fact, after a bit I didn't even notice, I just got lost in the stunning imagery and flawless motion of the CGI characters. Then there was the story...
Buyers Remorse
To some extent, I always regret what I purchase. As much as I may love the item, parting with my hard-earned cash always takes a toll on me. As a result, I am VERY critical of every good and service that I purchase. I wouldn't have it any other way. When you buy a car, rent a DVD, or dine out at a fancy restaurant you have not only purchased that good or service, you have also purchased the right to bitch about it!
I have noticed that some people never negatively criticize something they have purchased, a sports team they follow, or anything on which they have spent money, time, or energy. I assume that they subconsciously feel that their choice of purchase reflects on them to a very large degree. Not me. I'll tell you straight up that I purchased a Chrysler PT Cruiser in 2002, and it was the biggest piece of crap that I've ever owned, but others would never admit it. They would defend the Cruiser and tell you how great it is despite their deep hatred for the car. This mentality is completely foreign to me. What's the use of being alive if you can't complain about living?!
If you are a regular reader of BackingIn, you know that I'm a Microsoft enthusiast, but don't get me started on how much I hate Microsoft Outlook. I live for the New York Mets, but I could do a thesis on why they suck out loud. I bought a 2009Volkswagen Rabbit, and it is a great car, but it gets horrendous gas mileage and the fit and finish are sub-par. I own a Motorola Droid, and it is way cool, but rest assured, I will give you a true assessment of it below.
Let It Die
According to Yahoo Movies, the J.J. Abrams version of Star Trek has grossed $257,730,019 to date, more than any other Star Trek movie. I am the only human who hated this movie. New fans, old fans, Trekkers, Trekkies, men, women...all loved the film. Even George Takaei, the actor who portrayed Sulu in the original 60s TV show, liked it! He hailed the new film on the Howard Stern show. In a quest to find somebody that didn't like the movie, I even searched the internet, but, alas, I stand alone in my hatred for this dreck.
Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future was a positive one. He imagined a future where human beings settled their conflicts peacefully. In Gene Roddenberry's future racism, war, poverty, etc. did not exist. With varying levels of success, over 5 TV shows, an animated series, and 10 feature films, Star Trek extolled the virtues of diversity and tolerance. There were episodes and portions of films that succumbed to the pressure to make money over creative integrity, but taken as whole, the Star Trek franchise stood for something.
