tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post2310956943707716301..comments2024-03-28T14:52:13.218-05:00Comments on Stonekettle Station: Avatar: Simply Astounding (spoiler free)Jim Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-79427334500288342982010-01-04T22:50:52.523-06:002010-01-04T22:50:52.523-06:00Jim -- came to read your post from Anne's blog...Jim -- came to read your post from Anne's blog, but only AFTER watching Avatar for myself the other night. I thoroughly enjoyed your post, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this movie (as well as all of the historical sci fi/fantasy tie-ins and especially for addressing the Dances w/ Wolves comparison). :)<br /><br />I didn't see Avatar in 3D, but now I think it might be worth the 2 hour drive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-68991364789944341192009-12-27T16:52:31.161-06:002009-12-27T16:52:31.161-06:00Well, didn't get to see Avatar, even with a 4-...Well, didn't get to see Avatar, even with a 4-day weekend to try. Something about nearly every show in Atlanta being sold out (at least at the theaters I could get to). I suspect it will still be around when I get back next week...<br /><br />revele - time to wake your ass up and get moving!!WendyB_09https://www.blogger.com/profile/03788918629240949526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-86511046159304754162009-12-26T19:27:32.013-06:002009-12-26T19:27:32.013-06:00Oooh, forgot to mention (time lapse in there is be...Oooh, forgot to mention (time lapse in there is because I was watching a little "making of" clip about Avatar):<br /><br />Keep in mind that the hero of this story is a soldier and that scientists had tried to learn and failed. I think Cameron portrays *an excess* of military as a bad thing, in much the same way an excess of religion can be seen as detrimental. Soldiers (like the one who was John Connor's father) actually come off fairly well. So, while it is a narrative stereotype, he doesn't completely vilify them.<br /><br />I hated Titanic for the sole reason that it was ruined by the idiotic love story. Can someone make a spliced together version that is only about the ship and the tragedy? That would be SO much better. (Because, honestly, the ship stuff was great. LdC was horrible. (Yes, I've been told he's great now. Yes, I'll watch The Departed or Blood Diamond sometime soon.))Anne C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09444051201220766948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-69908586392249066562009-12-26T18:55:47.977-06:002009-12-26T18:55:47.977-06:00I'll have to disagree with MRK. I thought the...I'll have to disagree with MRK. I thought the story while simple, was very well crafted. They dropped logic hints early on about some things that could be considered logic holes. And, I could be biased, since this morning I watched a hour long evisceration of Phantom Menace, but sometimes a simple story with great writing and a tidy attention to detail can be SO much more appropriate to the film medium than a convoluted political piece. (Even LotR, with all its epic scope, had the simplicity of Evil vs. Good.)<br /><br />I loved it. I wanted to get right back into line and see it again. I didn't watch the 3D version (wouldn't have been able to, since it was sold out) but I definitely want my next time to be 3D. I love Sam Worthington. I liked him a lot in Terminator, but he is solidly in my favorites category now. How he manages to be so accessible is beyond me. The special effects were astounding, but they never took me out of the world that they created. And the animation of the Na'vi, particularly the female lead (can't spell her name for the life of me) was wonderfully done. Little movements in their expressions and motion made them come alive for me.<br />I simply loved it. It is a 5 out of 5 for me and I don't have many of those.Anne C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09444051201220766948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-64550342218608927342009-12-23T11:34:28.133-06:002009-12-23T11:34:28.133-06:00Hm... I'm not sure how I feel being lumped in ...Hm... I'm not sure how I feel being lumped in with dirty teenagers because I found the story simplistic. The thing is that everyone talks about the visuals of Avatar and I agree that they are game-changing and should be seen on the big screen but, I also think that the story is simplistic and riddled with logic holes. How compelling will that story be in twenty years when the technology is commonplace?Mary Robinette Kowalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11186499502632679751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-58196499864755521882009-12-23T10:15:10.740-06:002009-12-23T10:15:10.740-06:00Some very mild spoilage:
Watched a telling intervi...Some very mild spoilage:<br />Watched a telling interview with <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/12/22/int.velshi.lang.avatar.cnn?iref=allsearch" rel="nofollow">Mr. Lang last night on CNN</a>, it was actually an interesting interview, for an actor, Lang is very well spoken (this from my mother in law who was married to one for 40+ years until his passing back in august). He discussed many of the points brought up in your posting and in the comments and clarified a bit on them. It’s worth watching.<br /><br />fulater: I got nothing on this one.Thordrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483497564571489980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-78198561820858344502009-12-22T17:44:18.286-06:002009-12-22T17:44:18.286-06:00Well, I haven't seen the movie yet so I only s...Well, I haven't seen the movie yet so I only skimmed this post, don't want to be tainted, BUT...<br />I cant help it Jim, they LOOK like over tall smurfs on the previews.<br /><br />And don't be hatin' the Stargate franchise!!! Look, we (I) went through a scifi movie DESERT for awhile there and Stargate was my oasis. Maybe my memory is just going to hell on me, but I feel like we had "Serenity" and a couple of half assed Star Trek movies to get us through; and they were spread pretty thin. Sure, we just had "StarTrek", "District 9", "Terminator Salvation" and now "Avatar" so its great, but when it gets dry in the next few months and I need a drink of SciFi I will be turning to "StarGate Universe" for my fix. And yes, I will be wondering "Where the boobs at?"<br /><br />But then there's always "Fringe". Oh god, please don't let them cancel "Fringe"! Walter! Not Walter!kirwooddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03461069606353975518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-20804393226802020422009-12-22T13:01:19.327-06:002009-12-22T13:01:19.327-06:00Okay, this just came up for captcha:
haterout = A...Okay, this just came up for captcha:<br /><br />haterout = A GOP round-up.Carol Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06041453807217603422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-20411160321765612802009-12-22T12:59:52.070-06:002009-12-22T12:59:52.070-06:00Confession Time: Star Wars didn't impress me w...Confession Time: <i>Star Wars</i> didn't impress me when I first saw it. Maybe it was because I saw it with my family at a drive-in, so we missed out on the intimacy of a walk-in theater. Maybe it was because I wasn't into SF at the time (I dabbled with it a little - Asimov's "It's Such A Beautiful Day" was - and still is - a big favorite). I know a big part of it is I was an 11 year old <i>Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew</i> fan who was sulking that I was missing out on part 2 of an episode where Joe's life was in danger in the cliffhanger (shut up).<br /><br />But once I was won over the following year to the SF side by the "Trouble with Tribbles" episode of <i>Star Trek</i>, I was gone, baby. BTW, I wouldn't have watched that had William Schallert - who played Nancy Drew's dad - not been in it. <br /><br />Of course, once I lost my head over Peter Cushing, developed a big crush on Harrison Ford and actually performed alongside Mark Hamill's brother in my first play (in 1981), well, I definitely revisited <i>Star Wars</i>.<br /><br />You know what? It wasn't half bad. I still prefer <i>Star Trek</i>, but I can see what the big deal was. <br /><br />I'm still bummed that Grand Moff Tarkin didn't survive. :(<br /><br />crant = a badly timed crampCarol Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06041453807217603422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-70152100012150693832009-12-21T22:27:29.412-06:002009-12-21T22:27:29.412-06:00This was the first time that I can remember that I...This was the first time that I can remember that I had <em>zero</em> buyers remorse for spending money on a movie ticket, we have a $3 fee on the regular movie cost, and this time, it was worth every frakking penny. I kind of felt after the move that this was it, there was no where else to go, if I never see another movie, that’s ok; my movie experience was now complete. Luckily that only lasted a few minutes, as there is another movie I have to go see, Avatar… again.<br />My advice, worth every penny you pay for it, if there is only one movie you ever see, even if it is just for the experience, go see this one.<br /><br />tomatie: S&M technique involving rope and tomatos.<br />what?Thordrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483497564571489980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-69008007241379241052009-12-21T22:06:31.421-06:002009-12-21T22:06:31.421-06:00OK - gotta comment again - the next word is:
Punc...OK - gotta comment again - the next word is:<br /><br />Puncesse - Janiece...Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854671368992589012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-75823954060410050242009-12-21T22:05:51.401-06:002009-12-21T22:05:51.401-06:00+5 and a box of Junior Mints for Jodie Foster. Ye...+5 and a box of Junior Mints for Jodie Foster. Yep.<br /><br />I remember my dad bringing home a 16mm copy of Forbidden Planet and The Thing (James Arness version) once. And I saw Star Wars on locally broadcast TV the day after it opened in the theater in Fairbanks and just about wet myself. I grabbed all the sci-fi I could after that...<br /><br />Now - the $50 Regal gift card I won in a trivia contest is gonna come in handy handy, yes yes.<br /><br />Thanks, Jim. :)<br /><br />relooki - 'double-take' in Ewok.Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854671368992589012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-83917753306884498192009-12-21T21:08:25.894-06:002009-12-21T21:08:25.894-06:00+1 for Jodie Foster.
I didn't go see Titanic ...+1 for Jodie Foster.<br /><br />I didn't go see Titanic again because of all the "dead bodies" I loved Avatar, and you just reminded me that I have to go again to revel in the scenery.<br /><br />Cass_mCass Morrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04562393261839375741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-11786040536206438782009-12-21T18:53:10.352-06:002009-12-21T18:53:10.352-06:00I want to be Jodie Foster in the worst way. I als...I want to be Jodie Foster in the <i>worst</i> way. I also remember being 10 and my step-brother taking me to see Star Wars. I can still remember feeling like my head would never be unstuck from that seat at the theater.....Wha? Huh? Wow! Am so looking forward to taking the kids to see Avatar.melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10694812735275496888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-88720362375869072302009-12-21T12:43:43.321-06:002009-12-21T12:43:43.321-06:001 hour and 45 minutes to Avatar 3D IMAX... see ya...1 hour and 45 minutes to Avatar 3D IMAX... see ya on the other side of the star jump!<br /><br />Dr. Phil<br /><br />alayigh -- the cry one makes, presumably, while following a character jumping off a cliff on Pandora in 3D IMAX.Dr. Phil (Physics)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11943336276878704753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-36207781986446878722009-12-21T11:46:05.005-06:002009-12-21T11:46:05.005-06:00Well, crap, now I am going to have to drag the hus...Well, crap, now I am going to have to drag the husband to a 3D SF movie. He is NOT a movie kinda guy. And I can't sit upright comfortably for too long. But I suspect that I will be dragging said husband to see this movie in its 3D form. Whether he wants to go or not.<br /><br />I saw Star Wars in the theater when I was 10 and I was totally BLOWN AWAY.<br />____________<br />tolog = book about toesneurondochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12155027993661209263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-58968044167452045762009-12-21T10:40:43.328-06:002009-12-21T10:40:43.328-06:00Damn you Jim. This wasn't really on my list o...Damn you Jim. This wasn't really on my list of "must see" movies. Now I've gotta add it. <em>And</em> go to the trouble of seeing it at the IMAX theater.<br /><br />Bastard.<br />------<br /><br />anter = a hunter with a distinct lack of ambition and no sense of adventure. Usually pursues his hobby no further than his own backyard.Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648438549121320566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-26526209217925733112009-12-21T10:27:49.121-06:002009-12-21T10:27:49.121-06:00Jim, thanks for the review.
I remember ditching h...Jim, thanks for the review.<br /><br />I remember ditching high school to see Star Wars in Westwood. I remember seeing the star destroyer in all its magnificence and realizing my SF dreams were coming true on the screen.<br /><br />I'm a big Cameron fan. But he's not a great editor. For example, the missing rape scene in Titanic between Zane and Winslet still drives me nuts every time I see the movie. That said, the man is a demigod of SF-moviedom.<br /><br />Also, please don't show disrespect for Babylon 5. It does not belong on your list with SG-1. It is inarguably the most literate and literary SF series ever shown on TV. Period. Big B5 fan, here.<br /><br />Anyway, Avatar is on my "must see" list this year.<br /><br />hessa = When Germanic mercenaries get upset, they throw a hessa fit.Nick from the O.C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-69708728034134295512009-12-21T09:45:37.498-06:002009-12-21T09:45:37.498-06:00Steve, I agree.
But I also thought that the love ...Steve, I agree.<br /><br />But I also thought that the love story wasn't all that predictable. Cameron could have given us a happy ending, one where Jack and Rose survive together and the rich asshole goes down with the ship - and a lesser director would have done exactly that.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-73946641642764841282009-12-21T09:21:34.353-06:002009-12-21T09:21:34.353-06:00Jennie, given my background I tend to be sensitive...Jennie, given my background I tend to be sensitive to the military aspect of Cameron's movies, but you're right he does seem to have equal or greater disregard for the greed of corporations. <br /><br />Doesn't mean I don't enjoy his movies, and this one in particular, but like I said, I sure would like to see the military portrayed as something other than the bad guys for a change - but that's true of most movies and entertainment nowadays.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-13455943213158799432009-12-21T07:17:18.231-06:002009-12-21T07:17:18.231-06:00Quick note on Titanic. I could never figure out wh...Quick note on Titanic. I could never figure out why people went on and on about the predictable romance when the big thing I remember was the tragedy of all those people dying in a great realistic catastrophe.<br /><br />Second the remark on Jodie Foster.Steve Muhlbergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136005762428407135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-17143629428200467922009-12-21T05:53:45.819-06:002009-12-21T05:53:45.819-06:00Loved loved loved Avatar and agree with most every...Loved loved loved Avatar and agree with most everything you said but I do have a quibble re: the portrayal of the military. The characters themselves were as you describe but technically they were a mix of ex-military, scientists & head-office types. They were contractors. The difference between David Petraeus and Eric Prince. To me, the movie was more anti-corporate (anything except a bad quarterly statement) than anti-military. (More being a relative thing.)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03095148529380602379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-32099381328342570282009-12-20T23:26:26.832-06:002009-12-20T23:26:26.832-06:00I'll be honest: I don't know it I'll s...I'll be honest: I don't know it I'll see <i>Avatar</i> or not. I realize that my geek card will be revoked if I don't soon see <i>Terminator</i> within the next year and I admit that I really love <i>Aliens</i>, but the truth is that Cameron isn't one of my favorite directors - I wasn't fond of <i>The Abyss</i> and I seriously hated (and still hate) <i>Titanic</i>, despite the fact it has several of my favorite character actors (David Warner, Victor Garber, Bernard Fox).<br /><br />If my boyfriend wants to watch it, I may tag along. But it's not on my "Must See" list.<br /><br />Wendy, <i>Contact</i> is fantastic. I wish I had seen it on the big screen. Hopefully it'll be screened again somewhere in L.A.Carol Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06041453807217603422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-10238191927921189282009-12-20T23:05:22.052-06:002009-12-20T23:05:22.052-06:00Well that's perfectly understandably, Wendy, a...Well that's perfectly understandably, Wendy, after all who in their right mind wouldn't want to be Jodie Foster?<br /><br />What?<br /><br />Stop looking at me like that.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-42500042351719002372009-12-20T23:01:52.596-06:002009-12-20T23:01:52.596-06:00Well, now I know what I will be doing on Christmas...Well, now I know what I will be doing on Christmas Day. Early show I think, before the masses get motivated to move out from under their respective piles of wrapping paper. <br /><br />The only movie since the opening day of <i>Star Wars</i> that ever blew me away was <i>Contact</i>. I had to keep telling myself to breathe, and was speechless for most of the way home after the film (which the roommate found rather odd and I couldn't explain). I wanted to <i>be</i> Ellie speeding through the cosmos.WendyB_09https://www.blogger.com/profile/03788918629240949526noreply@blogger.com