Do I want to see Avatar?

[kriadydragon]

I'm hearing so many things, getting so many mixed reviews, and the hype really isn't helping as I despise hype. Really cool graphics aside, is it a good movie? Is it worth seeing?

My sister heard that it had some political leanings... or a message or something. It's one of the reasons why I've been reluctant to see this movie: big mean earth corporation picking on poor little natives. Poor little natives not so poor and fighting back. Human once on the side of the corporation now helping the natives, and possibly ending with the natives winning, human staying with natives and everyone learning a big important lesson. Not a particularly favorite story-line of mine. I'm more a fan of "big misunderstandings on both sides" storyline, such as in the movie Enemy Mine. And black and white story lines have a way of really getting on my nerves.

But Avatar looks so cool, and for all I know my expectations may end up being turned on their head (as was the case with Sherlock Holmes. I went it expecting one thing, and it ended up being something else.) So I'm incredibly torn.

For those who have seen it, what did you think of it? (no spoilers, please)

Comments

[tavabean.livejournal.com]

My friend who saw it thought it was technically beautiful, but also said, "It's Fern Gully" on steroids. Not sure what to make of that?!

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I have not seen it, but I tend to bulk when everyone tries to tell me it is the second coming in movies. I think the technology does look cool, but the whole 'white guy' saves 'natives' thing irks me.

I'll be the dumb one...is this the anime "Avatar" or something else? And if it is the anime, why isn't the lead Asian?

[ninja007.livejournal.com]

I loved it.

I didn't dissect it. I just enjoyed it.

I saw it in IMAX and was amazed.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

Yeah. the first time I saw the previews I was blown away and immediately wanted to see it. Then I started thinking about it and the direction it seemed to be going, and became very iffy.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the ype pretty much killed my enthusiasm. I can't stand hype at all.

Personally, it looks more like "natives show soldier guy the error of his (his people's) ways." I'm also nervous that it's going to be "go green!" propaganda, which I'm sick of like you wouldn't believe (I'm all for helping the environment, but I despise having it shoved in my face.)

This Avatar isn't the Manga/Anime version (though I thought it was as well.) They just have the same title.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I don't dissect movies, either. But sometimes I don't have to if the movie is being pretty blatant about any message it's trying to get across. I hate it when a movies tries to make us think, rather than inspires us to think.

I may just go see it since I've yet to come across any loud outcries against the plot. And I've also yet to see a movie in the theater that's majorly disappointed me (though, yeah, there's always a first time for everything :P)

[writerjc.livejournal.com]

I saw it, totally and completely loved it.

I've read some of the posts similiar to the ones you've mentioned above. But I read them all AFTER I saw it, and I'm glad I did. I'd totally go see it again.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I think I will, just because it looks cool visually and I'm a very visual person.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you for clearing that up!

I'll wait for the hype to die down and see what people think in a month or so.

I do want to see Sherlock Holmes and Alice in Wonderland so what do I know :-P

Oh and "The Book of Eli" looks badassed.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

Sherlock Holmes was the best :D And, yes, so looking forward to Alice in Wonderland. They couldn't have picked a better guy to make it than Tim Burton.

I'm really not that particular when it comes to movies, but I've become really particular over the years, and have lost my patience for certain story types.

Although it's snowing right now, so if the roads are bad I guess we're not going anywhere :P

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I used to LOVE going to movies. Now it has to be like the most amazing thing ever b/c Eric and I have to take a bus and time everything and then sometimes we have to wait...etc...so now I watch things on a decent TV when it cvomes out on DVD.

Think the last thing I went to the theater for was "The Dark Knight" lol

Glad to hear SH was good! Woot!

[writerjc.livejournal.com]

:) It is visually quite lovely. I really like some small details they added, but didn't outright mention but you could see if you looked (hope that made sense). Made for more interesting world building in my opinion.

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

IMO too much hype and too many political messages
+ loud sound in small auditoriums in local cineplex theaters.......

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

It's the political messages I'm worried about, and whether or not they're heavy-handed. I'm usually good at ignoring stuff like that, but lately I've been less patient with it.

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

**nods**
It may be my biggest gripe of all......the hype I can ignore
and I could always plug my ears to offset some of the loudness, but
the political schtick no.
I don't need some ninny from la la land
lecturing to me.

[valleya.livejournal.com]

We saw it the Saturday after it came out and had no preconceptions about it. I was in awe of it, actually, and the awesomeness stayed with me, too. It did run a little long and could have been edited without losing anything, but the whole "experience" was thoroughly enjoyed by all six of us who went to see it.

[crashbarrier.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen it yet, I hope to this week.. my friends who have seen it have said.. good visual, lacks actual plot. others have said.. add a singing blob of grease with the voice of Tim Curry and you have a very expensive Ferngully. Given I quite like ferngully :D...

One thing everyone has said.. it is well worth seeing on the big screen because story aside, visually it is the future of film.

so naturally i will have to go look:)

what can i say...

*Baaaaaaaaaa*

[x-erikah-x.livejournal.com]

I saw it and loved it. The main plot is a re-use of another movie (in my opinion and I've heard others saying the same). I won't say wich not to spoil it for you.

[linziday.livejournal.com]

If you have an IMAX theater nearby with 3D capabilities, then YES. Run, don't walk. No IMAX, but your theater has 3D capabilities? The yes, definitely check it out. Just a regular theater? Check it out on a spare Saturday.

I've seen it twice in IMX 3D and was simply stunned. The visuals and special effects are amazing. Like Jurassic Park level, plus. The story was better than I thought it would be but not super amazing. I'd give it a B-.

[linziday.livejournal.com]

I should add: the movie's message may feel a bit. . . . not subtle. I wouldn't say it's heavy-handed, but there's a moral and it's obvious.

I went in thinking I'd hate it because of that, but, really, my love of the visuals far outweighed my annoyance with the message.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I've decided to leave it up to chance, in that I'll either see it or I won't. My sister - who is usually my movie buddy - pretty much doesn't want anything to do with Avatar so I may end up going alone. If I'm able to go at all (car issues, in that everyone needs the car, usually at the same time :P).