entertainment

'Avatar' blasts off with $232.2 million worldwide

18 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

18 Comments
Login to comment

Fron the commercials, it just looks like a bunch of computer graphics...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

From what I have heard, the graphics are so good that they make up for a less than stellar story. Apparently the story and acting are not so bad that the film would be better with the sound turned off, though. I have a hard time imagining a film better than Lord of the Rings overall, but I do want to see this in a theater in 3D.

It is hard to imagine that there was a time when the Towering Inferno, Roger Rabbit, Tron and Titanic were good enough to sit through just because of their visual effects. I wonder if Avatar will get so dusty so quickly.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It looks great, especially the final war scene.

“Avatar” was an original tale whose concept was not pre-sold to audiences.

Story-wise, it's another "white-man exploits heathens" movie. Calling the tale original is a bit much. It's paper-thin, they might as well call the resources the Navi are sitting on oil. There's even a speech where the Commander-General guy states, "We will fight terror with terror!"

But it looks great! Superb animation!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The graphics are cool but the plot is pathetic. This is one to see whilst slightly tipsy. Skip the DVD, it's not a classic. But I wonder how blue people look on Blu-Ray?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I can't wait to see it!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yeah, the basic storyline may be cliche & I'm the first to admit I'm not big on references to social statements - taking resourecs by force, destroying the enviroment, etc. - but from a pure entertainment perspective, it definitely gives you your money's worth & doesn't feel like 2 hours 40 minutes.

The 2D version is actually pretty good, but unless you plan to see both, be sure to see it in 3D, and rather than trying to find faults, open up your mind & enjoy the visuals!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Story-wise, it's another "white-man exploits heathens" movie. Calling the tale original is a bit much"

I have heard DANCES WITH WOLVES alluded to several times in reviews... Even from fanboys. Oh, hey, you think white people kill others only for oil? The story is timeless because the practice is timeless: Carthage, Sioux, Fremen. If literature is conflict, then this is one of the biggies. You know, INDEPENDENCE DAY had a similar theme, but it was more dramatic because it was the white people dying for their resources, and nukes were ineffective. Oh well, as long as the good guys win.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I have a sneaking suspicion that I have picked up better movies practically at random at the video store. And I have picked up some really great movies that way. But still...I think this movie is going to be proof of how hype sells just as much or more than a movie just being plain great.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well if any of you still have any doubts you won't be disappointed. I was unsure as well especially after the first trailer. Although that pretty much went out the window after about the first 5 minutes. I can see now what Cameron was up to for the past 12 years as has once again set a new benchmark for film. Up to this point 3D movies have seemed more of a gimmick then anything. This changes all that and is the best case I have seen yet for the technology. The characters are believable and is so fully realized that you forget you are watching a CGI film mostly. I couldn't tell the difference and was completely taken back at how realistic everything appeared to be. This has me even more excited now for future projects like Halo, Mass Effect and Battle Angel which Cameron has hinted on doing. When Avatar finally releases in Japan my guess it is going to definitely resonate with audiences. As while the story isn't new necessarily. Cameron's 12 year absence hasn't hurt his storytelling skills any. Not to mention if you are of the environment type this will most certainly hit a cord as it did me. I likely am going to take the whole family now as I can't recommend this highly enough.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Grrrrr. I see a lot of people talking like Reiki. People ... skeptical people... always come away with good things to say.

"as I can't recommend this highly enough."

It makes me salivate.

Reiki.. are you really going to take your whole family? Is it like that? You know, even Titanic is pretty heavy with all of the death... How young of a kid would you take to this?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well it is PG-13 but it isn't all the bad. There is some mild language but nothing worse then what you get watching normal TV these days. It takes itself pretty seriously for the most part. Whatever comedy there was was pretty tongue and cheek which worked well in this case. It was quite emotional but the subject material kinda strikes a nerve with me anyways. It did seem to have somewhat a harmonious tone set at least in certain aspects which gave it more credibility in my view at least.

This I believe will resonate a bit more with the Japanese as well as environmental types like myself. Although it has enough to go around. We are talking James Cameron after all so enough said as I don't want to spoil anything. In regards to kids I would say maybe 8 or 9. In our theatre there were some parents with kids around 5 or so and didn't seem to be a problem. I personally wouldn't take my a 5 year old but that's just me. I don't take recommendations lightly as this is a game changer as Lord Of The Rings was before it. It's rare I get excited about seeing a film a second time but this being the exception.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

One last thing as you are missing out if you seen this in 2D. It isn't meant to be seen this way so be sure you see in 3D. Well enough said and I believe it debuts in Japan Wednesday!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What happens if you watch Avatar after smoking some Thai pot?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Erm, Sarge, you get dry eyeballs and the munchies?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What happens if you watch Avatar after smoking some Thai pot?

you get banged up and do a stretch of bird in chokey

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Great movie. Can't wait to see it again. I missed James Cameron.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

OK. Reiki. Thanks. I bought my tickets. I will see it before the year is out. If you are still hanging around, I just want to know one thing. Am I going to see creatures or people like.... dismembered? We have a family member who is traumatized by that. Sorry to be so specific. I know it is weird... but... anyway...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

this just has the abyss written all over it

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites