Avatar (Pre-release speculation)

[ajb867]

Are you excited about this movie? Are you going to go see it?

Yes, and this Friday night!

Here is a link to by far the best trailer for the movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVdO-cx-McA

[Stink Fish Pot]

honestly, no.

I just don't get the buzz that this movie is apparently generating.

Perhaps I'm not the target audience for this type of movie, but I'm curious... are people in my age group (early 40's) interested in this movie, or is this for the late teens, early 20's demographic?

[ajb867]

I was reading on rotten tomatoes that the Early 40's group had more positive things to say about the movie then the early 20's group.

I'm in the latter and I get a district 9 like vibe from this movie which I enjoyed.

[Captain_C]

I'm still confused as to why this movie is supposed to be big. As far as I can tell, it is about blue CGI people in the jungle, but is somehow based on a japanese anime. Is japanese anime really that popular that it is worth the budget I hear this movie cost? Other than a few of my geekier friends and my girlfriend's 10 year old brother, I haven't heard anyone even mention this movie in conversation.

[GuanoLad]

As far as I can tell, it is about blue CGI people in the jungle, but is somehow based on a japanese anime.It's nothing to do with Anime. That's a different story (Avatar: The Last Airbender) which is being made by M Night Shyamalan and titled The Last Airbender.

This Avatar is completely original. Well, at least in how it relates to your post.

[madmonk28]

43 y.o. checking in: meh. I thought Titanic was a huge pile of crap with the most trite and predictable story line imaginable, this looks the same. I'd go to see the 3d if I was in the mood to go to a movie, but not make any special effort.

[Captain_C]

In that case my geek friends fail, as they have been telling me this is based on the Anime (which I haven't seen, so no reason to doubt them) since it was first announced.

[Kamino Neko]

Avatar: The Last Airbender isn't anime, either. It's American, through and through. Some stylistic touches taken from Japanese animation, but created by Americans, produced by Nickelodeon, and aired, first, in the US. The only Japanese connection is one Japanese-born actor - Mako, who played Uncle Iroh until his death.

[GuanoLad]

Avatar: The Last Airbender isn't anime, either. It's American, through and through.I did not know that.

Anyhowslike, I plan to see Avatar this week. I am very much looking forward to it. Not decided if I'll see it in 3D or not, but I suspect I will.

[yojimbo]

Yep I'll be seeing it on opening night.

I've dodged the 3D thing till now but I suppose if I'm going to see one it might as well be this one. I love Cameron's work before Titanic and while not loving that particular movie i can appreciate the skill and thought that went into it.

Getting good reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and in local papers etc. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[Alessan]

Big-time James Cameron fan here: absolutely looking forward to it.

I mean, even True Lies was worth seeing in the theater, and by all accounts this is better. I'm not expecting another Aliens, but even something half as good would still be the best film I've seen this year.

I don't care how lame the premise is; Cameron can sell it.

[Lobot]

Another Cameron fan here. I found Titanic to be his least interesting work but still enjoyable; with Avatar I'm expecting something more comparable to The Abyss, which I adore.

In any case, I'm just thrilled to see Cameron return to his genre roots.

[Equipoise]

Dammit, I wish the pre-release meh'ing could have been kept to the other thread and this (or another) one reserved for people who've ACTUALLY SEEN THE MOVIE!

Now, if I see it, and I try to start another thread, it'll just be merged into this one. To hell with that. That other thread is custom-made for folks who think that's it's so fucking cool to say how bad a movie is going to be in advance and how oh-so-yawnworthy the prospect of seeing the film is going to be. It's the whole premise of the other thread.

In any case, I'm 53, female, excited like a little kid on Christmas, thinking about going to see the IMAX 3D midnight show Thursday night, am pretty sure I'll love it even though I hate the trailer (haven't clicked on the one in the OP so I don't know if it's the same one I've been seeing in the theaters), love Titanic and think it's a great movie, btw (though I was rooting for LA Confidential to win the Oscar), wouldn't miss this theater experience for anything short of death, will certainly see it at least twice, one 3D and one regular viewing, and this is probably the only time I'll post in this thread.

[Broomstick]

The husband and I are mid-40's and we definitely want to see it - but then, we're geeks through and through. How much, you ask? My husband actually has some small props from the "Trouble with Tribbles" and the "blueprints" to the original Enterprise (TOS)

I do not, however, want to see it in 3D because I've yet to see a 3D projection that actually works with my vision. Nothing ruins a movie faster than blurry, double-vision, stab-you-in-the-head pain from visual incompatibility with the projection. The only way to sit through that is with one eye closed which, of course, totally ruins any 3D and why bother? Find 2D and spend less money.

[ajb867]

The trailer in the link is not one you have seen on T.V.

Its 3 minutes of pure awesome definitely worth a click!

[Equipoise]

(Ok, I lied about not posting again, sue me)

The trailer in the link is not one you have seen on T.V.I haven't seen any ads on TV, only the one shown in the theater. I've seen that one way too many times. After the first few times I started closing my eyes so images wouldn't sear themselves into my brain, but it was too late.

[B]Its 3 minutes of pure awesome definitely worth a click!I believe you, but I've already seen enough scenes in advance. I'm seeing the movie anyway so I don't need to be convinced, and whatever's awesome in the extended trailer will be even more awesome to see for the first time on a huge screen.

[MrDibble]

I'm looking forward to this like few films since Serenity. I like the trailers I've seen.

Data point - I must be the only person I know who not only liked, but owns, Final Fantasy- TSW, as well as Kaena. I'm a sucker for obviously fully-CGI characters and environments

[ajb867]

For me at least the Ads that are running on TV don't seem to help the movie. Had I not seen the trailer in my link first and just the ones on TV I wouldn't of even gone to see the movie.

EDIT: Ads I have seen just show violent scenes of the movie with generic alarm sounding type hollow music, its awful....

[Shot Clock]

Looks cool! But how long do you think it will be before some jackass comes out railing against the movie for being "a thinly disguised attack by liberal Hollywood types against our American way of life! How long will they go on apologizing for the fact that Europeans dragged the Indians out of the Stone Age?! Its always Big Bad America picking on supposedly defenseless natives, the majority of whom would turn America into a nuclear wasteland if given half a chance!"

Sounds like a good hook for Laura Ingraham. I don't think she has anything else brewing right now. :)

[ianzin]

I have been following the progress of this movie for two years.

I have intentionally not watched any trailers or clips, and I've done my level best to avoid learning anything about the story (my 'friends' are having fun at the moment trying to trick me into learning more about it than they know I want to).

I have my ticket all booked for Thursday, the first day I can go and watch it on a big screen, in 3D.

Yes, I'm going to see it.

[C K Dexter Haven]

Dammit, I wish the pre-release meh'ing could have been kept to the other thread and this (or another) one reserved for people who've ACTUALLY SEEN THE MOVIE! Point taken. I've edited the thread title, so this thread is about expectations BEFORE you go to see the film. Whoever wants can open a second thread about the film AFTER you've seen it.

[DrFidelius]

Dammit, I wish the pre-release meh'ing could have been kept to the other thread and this (or another) one reserved for people who've ACTUALLY SEEN THE MOVIE!

Now, if I see it, and I try to start another thread, it'll just be merged into this one. To hell with that. That other thread is custom-made for folks who think that's it's so fucking cool to say how bad a movie is going to be in advance and how oh-so-yawnworthy the prospect of seeing the film is going to be. It's the whole premise of the other thread.

In any case, I'm 53, female, excited like a little kid on Christmas, thinking about going to see the IMAX 3D midnight show Thursday night, am pretty sure I'll love it even though I hate the trailer (haven't clicked on the one in the OP so I don't know if it's the same one I've been seeing in the theaters), love Titanic and think it's a great movie, btw (though I was rooting for LA Confidential to win the Oscar), wouldn't miss this theater experience for anything short of death, will certainly see it at least twice, one 3D and one regular viewing, and this is probably the only time I'll post in this thread.

Yes my dear, but you see more films in a week than I have gone to on a year. You are not an average moviegoer.

I am not interested in this film, although I have noted that my sixteen-year-old daughter is looking forward to it. The special effects look good (how can dragon-riders versus attack helicopters not be cool) but everything I have seen of the plot is banal.
The "soldier sent to infiltrate the peaceful natives realizes that they are better people and must be protected" has been done very well many, many times. (I know it is like watching a magician -- you need to appreciate how the performer does the trick even if you know how the trick is done.)
Also, I know that war is bad, and not destroying the environment is good. I do not feel I need another lecture on this disguised as ground-breaking entertainment.

I am willing to change my mind on this film after it is released and people have actually seen it. I appreciate that other folks are eagerly awaiting it, I just hope to be spared the implication that I am a pig-ignorant philistine because I do not care.

[Lantern]

I am definitely looking forward to this though I don't know if I will go on opening weekend. I have a feeling this could be a landmark film which breaks boxoffice records and give a huge boost to the new 3-D technology. Early reviews seem to be good with 86% on Rotten Tomatoes as of now. At the least it should be decent entertainment.

[ajb867]

Point taken. I've edited the thread title, so this thread is about expectations BEFORE you go to see the film. Whoever wants can open a second thread about the film AFTER you've seen it.

Isn't that a tad redundant? I did not want to limit this thread to just pre-speculation.

[DrFidelius]

Isn't that a tad redundant? I did not want to limit this thread to just pre-speculation.

Threads are cheap. A new one can be opened easily when the topic of discussion has changed from "Who's looking forward to this" to "I just saw this and..."

[ajb867]

Threads are cheap. A new one can be opened easily when the topic of discussion has changed from "Who's looking forward to this" to "I just saw this and..."

You should start that thread after you see the movie with your daughter! :)

[RikWriter]

Looks cool! But how long do you think it will be before some jackass comes out railing against the movie for being "a thinly

Uhh...have you read Cameron's own statements about the politics of the movie?
There's no disguise about it, man.

[DrFidelius]

You should start that thread after you see the movie with your daughter! :)

She's sixteen. She doesn't want to go to movies with her dad. (Except Inglourious Basterds, which none of her friends wanted to see.)

[Equipoise]

Point taken. I've edited the thread title, so this thread is about expectations BEFORE you go to see the film. Whoever wants can open a second thread about the film AFTER you've seen it.Thank you.

[JohnT]

honestly, no.

I just don't get the buzz that this movie is apparently generating.

Perhaps I'm not the target audience for this type of movie, but I'm curious... are people in my age group (early 40's) interested in this movie, or is this for the late teens, early 20's demographic?

I am interested in seeing it. (42 yo)

[fiddlesticks]

It was nominated for a Best Picture Golden Globe award...that's something for a sci-fi movie.

[Xavier T. Nougat]

I'm definitely interested in seeing it, and as soon as possible. My wife and I were going to go on Friday morning in order to (hopefully) beat the rush of high school students throughout the rest of the day.

I've also been trying to keep myself as spoiler-free as possible about the movie. I'm very excited, but not necessarily expecting much, if that makes any sense. The only time I ever hyped up a movie for myself for 2 years and I was actually satisfied with the end result was Wall-E. Every other time, I ended up being disappointed. (Not that the hyped movies were bad, they just couldn't possibly meet my lofty expectations after 2 years - or more.)

So, I wouldn't say that I'm one of those "Meh" people, but more like, "If I expect anything better than 'meh' at this point, I'll get burned." For what it's worth, I'm 25.

[Justin_Bailey]

Now, if I see it, and I try to start another thread, it'll just be merged into this one. To hell with that. That other thread is custom-made for folks who think that's it's so fucking cool to say how bad a movie is going to be in advance and how oh-so-yawnworthy the prospect of seeing the film is going to be. It's the whole premise of the other thread.

We're not mehing it to be cool. We're mehing it because we don't understand why Avatar is getting hyped as the movie that will change everything. OK, yeah... 3D... new camera system... Jimmy Cameron directs... so what?

It's just another action movie that may or may not be amazing after the hype sheen wears off.

[Alessan]

Well, we're not getting much hype at this end of the world, which is probably why I'm so excited about it. Nobody has to tell me to go see the newest action-sci-fi movie from one of the world's greatest directors of action-sci-fi movies.

[RandMcnally]

I'm totally stoked to see this! I'll be there Friday morning to by tickets for the 3-D show that night.

[jackdavinci]

Well it was overhyped, and then the trailers/previews failed to live up to the 'finally perfect CGI' claims, so that soured it a bit. And of course it's obvious that there will be a juvenile white man vs the natives theme hitting you over the head. I also seriously did not appreciate the hamfisted raping of the Bones episode two weeks ago by an Avatar in-show advertisement theme.

That said, it still looks visually astonishing, the plot though juvenile looks exciting (nothing wrong with a popcorn movie), and I like most of the actors so yes I'll be seeing this, and I'm excited. In 3D "IMAX" of course and I suspect I'll see it more than once though Sherlock Holmes may be an obstacle to that.

[MovieMogul]

I'll give him this: Cameron's got balls of steel and is totally nuts (http://techland.com/2009/12/14/james-cameron-almost-died-making-the-abyss/).

[pepperlandgirl]

Well, we're not getting much hype at this end of the world, which is probably why I'm so excited about it. Nobody has to tell me to go see the newest action-sci-fi movie from one of the world's greatest directors of action-sci-fi movies.

No kidding. It's not like Titanic was the only film he ever made (which seems to be the inevitable comparison in these types of threads).

I'll probably go see it next week, when the semester is officially over and the last paper has been graded. I expect I'll enjoy the hell out of it.

[stpauler]

I'm not trying to piss in anyone's Cheerio's here, but it just looks horrible. Maybe I'm missing something when I've seen the previews, but the CGI looks very CGI/Jar Jar Binks.

[pepperlandgirl]

I'm not trying to piss in anyone's Cheerio's here, but it just looks horrible. Maybe I'm missing something when I've seen the previews, but the CGI looks very CGI/Jar Jar Binks.

Simon Pegg went to the London premiere and later reported on his Twitter that the CGI was pretty amazing. In fact, he said that he predicted a Star Wars VII with all the "original actors." He clarified that he didn't think it should be done, but "Because MoCap tech will eventually be able render physically naturalistic & photorealistic versions of any actor alive or dead."

I don't know if the film itself is any good, but I doubt very, very much that the CGI work is comparable to 10 years ago.

[randwill]

I've only seen footage, trailers and a scene on Letterman last night, on my television set, but the CGI doesn't look very advanced to me. I would have expected the next advancement to bring it closer to me not being able to tell real from CGI. It all looks very CGI to me.

The scene shown on Letterman with the female character interacting with a flying creature didn't look as real as the scenes in the Harry Potter movie from a few years ago when the actors interacted with a CGI griffin-like creature.

[Alessan]

I'm not trying to piss in anyone's Cheerio's here, but it just looks horrible. Maybe I'm missing something when I've seen the previews, but the CGI looks very CGI/Jar Jar Binks.

What's wrong with CGI? The Incredibles was CGI.

[stpauler]

What's wrong with CGI? The Incredibles was CGI.

The Incredibles didn't try to blend CGI with reality and that's the difference. The CGI I have seen in the previews seems to be trying to mix the two together. If the whole movie were CGI, I don't think I would have cared, but the fact that it's blended with reality, well it just looks disjointed.

This is, of course, just my opinion.

[Khadaji]

I have not yet decided. I love 3D, but for whatever reason this has not caught my interest at all. So far I've read really good things about it though. I will wait I think, catch the buzz and maybe see it in a few weeks.

[Larry Mudd]

I have been a 3D nerd since about 1981, but it's only recently that they're starting to make 3D movies that aren't crap.

I really enjoyed Coraline - a great movie on its own, and a great implementation of 3D. I was buzzed about it from the time I first saw the trailer, bt nowhere near as excited about it as I am about Avatar.

Having read as much as I can about its development, I don't think it's that overhyped. I had a little hesitation when the crappy trailer came out, but that was mostly down to 20th Century Fox being in bed with Apple and obligated to use Quicktime, which somehow hasn't imrpoved much since the early nineties. Made everything (including live action bits) seem distractingly fake.

This looks to be a huge spectacle, and Cameron's track record for making entertaining movies is pretty good. My wife and I rarely get out to the theatres these days (10mo old baby cramps the schedule a bit) but the sitter is booked to see this, because for damn sure it's not going to be one to wait to watch on DVD.

[GuanoLad]

It all looks very CGI to me.Apparently, according to witnesses, that is less noticeable in the cinemas, and even less again if you see it in 3D. And if you get caught up in the story, you won't care anyway.

[mswas]

I already have my tickets with like eight people for Friday at 10:30 AM.

[elfkin477]

Are you excited about this movie? Are you going to go see it?
No to both questions. I don't understand why any adult finds the idea of seeing blue CGI people exciting, but obviously YMMV. I don't go to see Pixar movies either.

[Red Barchetta]

No to both questions. I don't understand why any adult finds the idea of seeing blue CGI people exciting, but obviously YMMV. I don't go to see Pixar movies either.

Because there's more to a movie than the medium in which it's presented?

Then again, I'm no fan of anime, so I guess I can see where you're coming from.

[MOIDALIZE]

Years in the making, millions of dollars, supposed to revolutionize the moviemaking process....and the aliens look like some kind of fruity elf I could make with Morrowind's character creator. I think I'll wait for this to be on an HBO channel.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

Count me among the perplexed. The CG stuff doesn't look like a significant advancement and the story doesn't look particularly interesting. With the characters and the concept of a battle between tech type combatants versus natural type aliens, it all seems like Jar Jar all over again. Meesa no want to endure that again.

[Max Torque]

I just don't know. It looks pretty, I guess. But having seen that trailer (and this isn't the first time I've seen it), I feel like I've already seen the movie. I mean, every major point of story progression is in that trailer. Every single one. All that remains is the outcome of the final battle, and I think I have a pretty good guess at that.

I don't think I'll be in line on opening night.

[Equipoise]

I wonder if people felt the same way back when about Terminator 2 or Aliens 2. Ah, I've seen it before, doesn't look like there's anything new (and what's with that fakey-looking silver guy, sheesh?). I might see it if it shows up on TeeVee.

[Savannah]

I want to see it. I'm not a huge James Cameron fan, but I certainly re-watch Aliens and The Abyss. 3-D is nifty, and from the trailer online that was linked upthread, it looks like a thrillride.

I think I will drag my husband out to it. 3-D! 3-D! 3-D is cool!

We're in our mid-forties.

[Equipoise]

Aliens 2.:smack: That was redundant.

[Savannah]

Double-post, sorry.

[elfkin477]

Because there's more to a movie than the medium in which it's presented? I don't know, most of the CGI movies I've ever seen have been all shiny, but thin on plot.

[Hentor the Barbarian]

I wonder if people felt the same way back when about Terminator 2 or Aliens 2. Ah, I've seen it before, doesn't look like there's anything new (and what's with that fakey-looking silver guy, sheesh?). I might see it if it shows up on TeeVee.As to Terminator 2, I can say that I and my friends did not feel the same way. The effects there were truly groundbreaking (without requiring IMAX, which was good, since we didn't have it), and it was expanding upon a movie (The Terminator) that had been a rather modest release without a great deal of hype that became quite popular. Also, I don't recall it being featured on 60 minutes as the greatest movie ever that will completely change filmmaking.

Aliens? Hmmm. I recall there being excitement because Alien had been so great, but I don't remember there being the same kind of hype. I did go on a date to see that - I do remember that aspect fondly.

[DrFidelius]

You know, I did not go to see either Aliens or Terminator 2 when they were in theatrical release. I stil haven't seen Terminator 2.

I suppose I need to turn in my fanboy decoder ring.

[yojimbo]

just got a ticket to a preview show tonight at 21:00. Seven hours and I'll know if it lives up to the hype. I'll report back with non-spoliers tomorrow :D

[FoieGrasIsEvil]

Yes my dear, but you see more films in a week than I have gone to on a year. You are not an average moviegoer.

I am not interested in this film, although I have noted that my sixteen-year-old daughter is looking forward to it. The special effects look good (how can dragon-riders versus attack helicopters not be cool) but everything I have seen of the plot is banal.
The "soldier sent to infiltrate the peaceful natives realizes that they are better people and must be protected" has been done very well many, many times. (I know it is like watching a magician -- you need to appreciate how the performer does the trick even if you know how the trick is done.)
Also, I know that war is bad, and not destroying the environment is good. I do not feel I need another lecture on this disguised as ground-breaking entertainment.

I am willing to change my mind on this film after it is released and people have actually seen it. I appreciate that other folks are eagerly awaiting it, I just hope to be spared the implication that I am a pig-ignorant philistine because I do not care.

While I as an adult agree with your jaded opinion to a degree, I will still go and watch it with my seven year old son. We'll bot "oooh" and "aaah" over the 3D effects, I'll overlook the tired plot device and he will appreciate it as he hasn't had the kind of exposure to it that us grown-ups have.

And furthermore...why do we as a people keep repeating the mistakes of history in spite of the fact that we claim to know the lesson already?

[Larry Borgia]

James Cameron entertained me more than anyone else in the 80s, So I'm hoping the movie does well. He has a schmaltzy side-- see the end of The Abyss--but there's no one who can direct action better, or tell stories of tough competent guys (and ladies) with big machines in extreme situations.

I know the story will be silly noble savage stuff, but the combat scenes should be dramatic and exciting. I think it'll be a little similar to Titanic, With a fast moving story layered on top of a pretty sappy theme.

[Justin_Bailey]

I've been reading a few reviews and the "precious mineral" that the evil marines are trying to get from the Na'vi is called Unobtanium. Seriously.

Christ. This movie is going to be pretty, but it's going to be a chore to watch. I can feel it.

[Alessan]

I've been reading a few reviews and the "precious mineral" that the evil marines are trying to get from the Na'vi is called Unobtanium. Seriously.


Actually, that seems to indicate a certain level of self-awareness that I find kind of appealing.

All of these remarks about the film's potential "cheesiness" have convinced me: Cameron is trying to make his very own Star Wars. Just as Lucas in 1977 fused Flash Gordon, Kurosawa, Westerns, WW2 movies and the Lensman novels into something transcendent, Cameron is aiming for the same result by mixing pieces of Vietnam movies, Heavy Metal comics, anime and God knows what else. There's no assurance he'll succeed - but there's nothing wrong with trying.

[mlees]

I wonder...

Will the fact that it's the Christmas season soften the impact of "sappiness" that may be in this movie? (Since, I presume, folks are expecting to go see more "family oriented" stuff this time of year.)

In other words, will the fans be more forgiving than they would be during the summer "blockbuster" time?

[pepperlandgirl]

I've been reading a few reviews and the "precious mineral" that the evil marines are trying to get from the Na'vi is called Unobtanium. Seriously.

Christ. This movie is going to be pretty, but it's going to be a chore to watch. I can feel it.

Yeah, what a completely ridiculous term that nobody has ever used before. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unobtainium)

[Foghorn Leghorn]I say, it's a joke, son[/FL]

[Justin_Bailey]

Yeah, what a completely ridiculous term that nobody has ever used before. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unobtainium)

That's my point. Using the parody term for the object, in a serious movie, just sounds terrible. It would be like Robert Downey Jr running around as Sherlock Holmes while looking for the red herring.

[Alessan]

But what if the characters know it's a parody term - if the object was named that way on purpose? Would that be OK?

[pepperlandgirl]

You know, it's funny. Nearly every complaint about Avatar I've read on this board pretty much sums up all my criticisms of Star Wars and George Lucas. Tedious, unoriginal, stupid plot that really exists just to showcase the special effects (and no, I'm not talking about the prequels. That's exactly how the original trilogy is, too). Yet, somehow, it's a well-loved, even classic, film. Every time there's a new ridiculous movie like 2012 and Transformers 2, lots of people post that they have every intention of seeing it and they don't care how stupid it'll undoubtedly be because it's "fun" and "mindless entertainment" and whatnot.

Yet, this film is completely polarizing, prompting people to post everything from mild nitpicks (come on, "unobtainium" has been in use for over 50 years and not just as Sci-Fi parody. On top of that, it's not a sin for a movie to be self-aware or for the characters to make meta references. If you don't like that, there's a whole shitload of movies and television you'll have to avoid), to completely insane reviews (yes the politics of Barak Obama, Che Quevara, and Ho Chi Minh are all exactly the same, and said politics can be summed up by a film maker in a 2 hour movie without losing any of the subtly or nuance that such a widespread political ideology must surely have) and I would bet dollars to donuts that some of the largest detractors will happily jump all over my shit for criticizing Star Wars (a film I have actually seen, unlike everybody in this thread talking about Avatar) and not even see the humor in their reaction.

[Eyebrows 0f Doom]

I'm seeing it Sunday, at the only true IMAX theater in Manhattan, the Lincoln Center 13. Don't be fooled by theaters claiming to be IMAX, in most cases they are only slightly larger than regular screens. The Lincoln Square IMAX is 76x97' (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/cynthetiq/screencompa.jpg) while the "IMAX" at the Empire 25 is 28x58'. I was very impressed by the 15 min preview so I am hoping it will be worth it.

The showings at that theater are all sold out so I wonder how early I have to get there to get a good seat...

[mswas]

No to both questions. I don't understand why any adult finds the idea of seeing blue CGI people exciting, but obviously YMMV. I don't go to see Pixar movies either.

I can't understand why there are adults who cannot empathize with a character because they are blue and CGI.

[smiling bandit]

You know, it's funny. Nearly every complaint about Avatar I've read on this board pretty much sums up all my criticisms of Star Wars and George Lucas. Tedious, unoriginal, stupid plot that really exists just to showcase the special effects (and no, I'm not talking about the prequels. That's exactly how the original trilogy is, too). Yet, somehow, it's a well-loved, even classic, film. Every time there's a new ridiculous movie like 2012 and Transformers 2, lots of people post that they have every intention of seeing it and they don't care how stupid it'll undoubtedly be because it's "fun" and "mindless entertainment" and whatnot.

Aside from the fact that it isn't true of either the prequel or original Star Wars films, and the fact that the director is pissed-pants-pleased with himself for making such a "subversive" political movie (leaving aside the fact that his politics are typical Hollywood idiocy), and the fact that the revealed, stated plot is basically mindless idiocy...

Why shouldn't we complain? I don't like being spoonfed trip by people who proclaim their greatness with half-billion-dollar crap? I'm increasingly pissed at Hollywood's total incompetence and ruination of potentially grand movies.

[mswas]

I've been reading a few reviews and the "precious mineral" that the evil marines are trying to get from the Na'vi is called Unobtanium. Seriously.

LOL, I told you that in the other thread. But, that's part of what's awesome about it. :) Rather than make up some hokey explanation for their floating mineral, he just sticks with the trope. I'm perfectly ok with that. It's the ultimate key to knowing what I am watching.

Christ. This movie is going to be pretty, but it's going to be a chore to watch. I can feel it.

LOL, only because you're taking it too seriously. Not every Sci Fi needs to be 2001. But then again, how can anyone watch a movie about black stone squares floating in space?

Just think about it, you can sit there for every delicious minute of that three hour movie, feeling better than James Cameron. ;)

[mswas]

I'm seeing it Sunday, at the only true IMAX theater in Manhattan, the Lincoln Center 13. Don't be fooled by theaters claiming to be IMAX, in most cases they are only slightly larger than regular screens. The Lincoln Square IMAX is 76x97' (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/cynthetiq/screencompa.jpg) while the "IMAX" at the Empire 25 is 28x58'. I was very impressed by the 15 min preview so I am hoping it will be worth it.

The showings at that theater are all sold out so I wonder how early I have to get there to get a good seat...

That's where I'm seeing it on Friday Morning.

[MOIDALIZE]

Lol lol lol get waste 420 watch avatar lol

[Equipoise]

Aside from the fact that it isn't true of either the prequel or original Star Wars films, and the fact that the director is pissed-pants-pleased with himself for making such a "subversive" political movie (leaving aside the fact that his politics are typical Hollywood idiocy), and the fact that the revealed, stated plot is basically mindless idiocy...

Why shouldn't we complain? I don't like being spoonfed trip by people who proclaim their greatness with half-billion-dollar crap? I'm increasingly pissed at Hollywood's total incompetence and ruination of potentially grand movies.Pssst, your teabags are showing, might want to tuck 'em back in.

[pepperlandgirl]

Aside from the fact that it isn't true of either the prequel or original Star Wars films, and the fact that the director is pissed-pants-pleased with himself for making such a "subversive" political movie (leaving aside the fact that his politics are typical Hollywood idiocy), and the fact that the revealed, stated plot is basically mindless idiocy...
.


Well, it is true that all six Star Wars film have extremely tedious, ridiculous plots that were already well-worn and ridiculous in the 70s. And I haven't seen anything in the trailers that indicate Cameron is "pissed-pants-pleased" with himself, though I am fascinated by the rather bizarre implication that art should be apolitical (and of course, you know exactly what the politics are even though you've never seen the film because other people who haven't seen the film--and one crackpot who has--tells you what they are).

As for the plot being mindless idiocy, once again see Wars: Star. Also, there are no new plots in Hollywood (or literature for that matter). Shakespeare made an entire career out of recycling tired plots. It's not a crime and it's not anything new. You might be tired of this particular plotline, and that's fine. Nobody says you have to like it. But don't act like Cameron in particular, or Hollywood in general, has wronged you in some way because the plot of a movie isn't 100% original. If that's really your baseline requirement, you must not get your entertainment from movies, television shows, theater, books, or music.

[mswas]

Lol lol lol get waste 420 watch avatar lol

I'm trying to imagine a way I can make that happen for my screening. :)

[Justin_Bailey]

But don't act like Cameron in particular, or Hollywood in general, has wronged you in some way because the plot of a movie isn't 100% original.

"Avatar will change everything."

No, actually, it's more of the same. Maybe a tad bit better in the special effects/3D department. Or, to quote a reviewer at CHUD.com in their review of Avatar...

The game is not changed.

It has, however, been gussied up. The visual effects in James Cameron's Avatar are undeniably excellent, and his use of 3D truly sets the standard for the way this particular gimmick should be employed in the future. Cameron's frame is deep and textured, and the CGI characters have very expressive faces and are exceptionally detailed. Cameron has taken a step forward with CGI and motion capture, but it's simply that - a step. Not a leap. Not a revolution. A step.

I want to like Avatar, but nothing I've read about it tells me I should spend $9.50 on it.

[Red Barchetta]

"Avatar will change everything."

No, actually, it's more of the same. Maybe a tad bit better in the special effects/3D department. Or, to quote a reviewer at CHUD.com in their review of Avatar...


Perhaps we should wait until we see the movie before we start championing other reviewers' stances as our own? I could cherry-pick snippets from reviews too that offer the exact opposite opinion; that doesn't make its contents any more or less valid.

And that's putting aside the fact that only time will verify who was right...

[pepperlandgirl]

"Avatar will change everything."

No, actually, it's more of the same..

Are you serious? Do you take every single marketing tagline as the Gospel truth? Do you become enraged when a comedy is marketed as "the greatest comedy of the year" but you think it's really only the 3rd greatest?

I don't even care that much about the film or what'll it change or whether or not it's an event, but the attitudes in this thread (and the other thread on the exact same topic) are absolutely mind-boggling.

[Red Barchetta]

I don't even care that much about the film or what'll it change or whether or not it's an event, but the attitudes in this thread (and the other thread on the exact same topic) are absolutely mind-boggling.

Nailed it. It's bizarre, isn't it? I have no stake in this game--I've actually avoided all the trailers, by design, so I have almost no expectations going in (besides it being a James Cameron flick, whose movies I've generally enjoyed).

It seems a lot of people have already formed a verdict of the movie before having even seen it. I'm fine with people not being interested in it, but to parrot the opinions of others without having the film defies logic.

[MOIDALIZE]

But you do have a stake in it, because you're adults who have decided to see a movie for kids and teenagers and you need to justify that to yourself, so you're hanging your hat on what a groundbreaking film experience this is supposed to be.

[Red Barchetta]

But you do have a stake in it, because you're adults who have decided to see a movie for kids and teenagers and you need to justify that to yourself, so you're hanging your hat on what a groundbreaking film experience this is supposed to be.

Wow... :rolleyes:

[MOIDALIZE]

Aren't you some kind of anime/Nintendo fanboy?

[Larry Mudd]

I'm trying to imagine a way I can make that happen for my screening. :)It's almost three hours long -- only a hashish-eater's ass can endure such a thing with no discomfort.

[Red Barchetta]

I don't know, most of the CGI movies I've ever seen have been all shiny, but thin on plot.

But you said you don't go to see Pixar movies (besides a few early ones, I'm guessing), so how would you know?

[Red Barchetta]

Aren't you some kind of anime/Nintendo fanboy?

I actually stated earlier--in this very thread, no less--that I don't like anime...if you're going to pigeonhole/poison the well fallacy me, at least get the basics right.

[mswas]

But you do have a stake in it, because you're adults who have decided to see a movie for kids and teenagers and you need to justify that to yourself, so you're hanging your hat on what a groundbreaking film experience this is supposed to be.

Your SN is MOIDALIZE, jus' sayin'.

[Justin_Bailey]

Are you serious? Do you take every single marketing tagline as the Gospel truth? Do you become enraged when a comedy is marketed as "the greatest comedy of the year" but you think it's really only the 3rd greatest?

Who said anything about gospel truth? The "theatre experience" is damn expensive nowadays and I can't see every movie in the theatre that I would like to. So I have to pick and choose and, again, everything I have seen from Avatar makes it seem like a stinker. The fact that a lot of the reviews confirm it (while others parrot the "This movie will change everything" marketing line) does not instill confidence in me.

Or were you mad at all the people who decided they had no interest in Transformers 2 too?

Perhaps we should wait until we see the movie before we start championing other reviewers' stances as our own? I could cherry-pick snippets from reviews too that offer the exact opposite opinion; that doesn't make its contents any more or less valid.

You're right, I should wait. But that reviewer nailed everything I've been feeling about Avatar from the trailers and the pre-release hype. If he still feels that way after seeing, I'm very worried Avatar won't even be a quarter as amazing as its cracked up to be (by the marketing folks, but still).

[MOIDALIZE]

No, nobody needs to wait. It's just another overhyped movie. We don't need to seriously analyze it or objectively argue the potential merits of this fine piece of cinema. If people are annoyed by the hard sell of the marketing and decide to write it off, that's a perfectly legitimate decision. Why do the people who plan on seeing it find that so objectionable? Do you really need us to validate your decision? Go watch it if you want, but don't sit here scratching your heads wondering "Gee, why won't people just give this a chance? It just doesn't make sense."

[Lobot]

What's with this idea that science fiction/fantasy only appeals to children and Comic Book Guy-style adults who exist in a state of arrested development? It's a BS argument that adds nothing to the discussion.

[pepperlandgirl]

Who said anything about gospel truth? The "theatre experience" is damn expensive nowadays and I can't see every movie in the theatre that I would like to. So I have to pick and choose and, again, everything I have seen from Avatar makes it seem like a stinker. The fact that a lot of the reviews confirm it (while others parrot the "This movie will change everything" marketing line) does not instill confidence in me.

Or were you mad at all the people who decided they had no interest in Transformers 2 too?

I'm not mad at anybody in this thread. I'm boggled.

For example, I had no intention of seeing Transformers 2. I think Michael Bay is an asshole, I don't have any interest in robots (even ones that are robots in disguise) and the annual big-blockbuster-blow-everything-up extravaganza doesn't interest me in the slightest. I had pretty objective reasons to pass on the film, and judging by the reactions of people who did see it, I made the right choice. However, to my knowledge (and I grant I could be misremembering) I never posted in any threads about how awful it clearly was. Furthermore, I didn't participate in several threads about how awful it was sight unseen. And finally, I didn't post in threads specifically to insult or be snide with people who did plan to see it (like MOIDALIZE as the most recent but far from only example).

The reactions I've seen to the existence of this movie is the sort of over-the-top response I would expect from people who were tricked into viewing Twilight or The Happening.

[MOIDALIZE]

Yeah, this thread, the one we're in right now? This was the first question asked:

Are you excited about this movie? Are you going to go see it?

Many of us have explained why we are not excited and why we will not be seeing it, because the thread asked for our opinion. If this were the "Avatar enthusiasts unite!" thread, I might understand your puzzlement.

[Red Barchetta]

Many of us have explained why we are not excited and why we will not be seeing it, because the thread asked for our opinion. If this were the "Avatar enthusiasts unite!" thread, I might understand your puzzlement.

Right, and one of the questions wasn't "How would you define the characteristics of others who do want to see the film," much as you have done... repeatedly.

[mswas]

No, nobody needs to wait. It's just another overhyped movie. We don't need to seriously analyze it or objectively argue the potential merits of this fine piece of cinema. If people are annoyed by the hard sell of the marketing and decide to write it off, that's a perfectly legitimate decision. Why do the people who plan on seeing it find that so objectionable? Do you really need us to validate your decision? Go watch it if you want, but don't sit here scratching your heads wondering "Gee, why won't people just give this a chance? It just doesn't make sense."

It's just weird that people are offended by a Sci Fi blockbuster and so passionately want to see it fail. That to me is evidence that it will do well. A proportion of the haters will see the movie just so they can tell everyone else how cool their prognostication was.

That it inspires so much passion tells me a lot of people will see it.

It's no more a 'Kid's Movie' than Die Hard. If such films are so beneath you, why do you even bother discussing it? Isn't there a Documentary on Rwanda or something you could be viewing instead of participating in this discussion of a film that's beneath you?

[Justin_Bailey]

For example, I had no intention of seeing Transformers 2. I think Michael Bay is an asshole, I don't have any interest in robots (even ones that are robots in disguise) and the annual big-blockbuster-blow-everything-up extravaganza doesn't interest me in the slightest. I had pretty objective reasons to pass on the film, and judging by the reactions of people who did see it, I made the right choice. However, to my knowledge (and I grant I could be misremembering) I never posted in any threads about how awful it clearly was. Furthermore, I didn't participate in several threads about how awful it was sight unseen. And finally, I didn't post in threads specifically to insult or be snide with people who did plan to see it (like MOIDALIZE as the most recent but far from only example).

OK, but not everybody in this thread is angered by the film's existance. In fact, few are. And even MOIDALIZE is rightly pointing out that saying we don't want to see it and here's why (which includes the exessive hype) is not some crazy notion.

[Red Barchetta]

OK, but not everybody in this thread is angered by the film's existance. In fact, few are. And even MOIDALIZE is rightly pointing out that saying we don't want to see it and here's why (which includes the exessive hype) is not some crazy notion.

So do you also agree with MOIDALIZE that it's a "movie for kids and teenagers" without having seen it? And that being an "anime/Nintendo fanboy" (whether that's an apt label or not) apparently somehow factors into this? I mean, you're a Nintendo fan, right? By his logic, you should be loving this movie, as well as your opinion evidently becoming invalid...

[MOIDALIZE]

So do you also agree with MOIDALIZE that it's a "movie for kids and teenagers" without having seen it? And that being an "anime/Nintendo fanboy" (whether that's an apt label or not) apparently somehow factors into this?

It does when you indignantly question the disinterest of those who don't want to see it just because it happens to be your shiny pop culture obsession of the moment.

[Justin_Bailey]

So do you also agree with MOIDALIZE that it's a "movie for kids and teenagers" without having seen it?

Fuck no. That's drunk posting (or possibly trolling) at its purest. Alien dragons plus walking mecha with massive machine guns times James "Nuke it from orbit" Cameron should be a formula for pure awesome.

And that being an "anime/Nintendo fanboy" (whether that's an apt label or not) apparently somehow factors into this? I mean, you're a Nintendo fan, right? By his logic, you should be loving this movie, as well as your opinion evidently becoming invalid...

Again, fuck no. My movie tastes run the schlockier the better. I love big dumb action movies. But there's a line and, like Transformers 2, Avatar looks too dumb. There are legitimate reasons to think Avatar isn't worth seeing, that's all I'm saying.

[Red Barchetta]

It does when you indignantly question the disinterest of those who don't want to see it just because it happens to be your shiny pop culture obsession of the moment.

If that's what you've inferred (which doesn't surprise me, seeing as you made up the fact that I like anime), then you clearly have not understood what I've written. I'm not questioning those who are disinterested, hence why I've replied to few others aside from you. Instead, I take issue with your blanket statements in an apparent attempt to discredit those who may actually be interested in the film.

And obsession? Please...can you please stop making stuff in order to support your argument (if it can even be called that).

[MOIDALIZE]

Then what do you call this:

Nailed it. It's bizarre, isn't it? I have no stake in this game--I've actually avoided all the trailers, by design, so I have almost no expectations going in (besides it being a James Cameron flick, whose movies I've generally enjoyed).

It seems a lot of people have already formed a verdict of the movie before having even seen it. I'm fine with people not being interested in it, but to parrot the opinions of others without having the film defies logic.


???

[Red Barchetta]

Fuck no. That's drunk posting (or possibly trolling) at its purest. Alien dragons plus walking mecha with massive machine guns times James "Nuke it from orbit" Cameron should be a formula for pure awesome.

Again, fuck no. My movie tastes run the schlockier the better. I love big dumb action movies. But there's a line and, like Transformers 2, Avatar looks too dumb. There are legitimate reasons to think Avatar isn't worth seeing, that's all I'm saying.

Cool, just clarifying :) I was just thrown off by your apparent defense of MOIDALIZE, who's utilizing some shady "debate" tactics.

Especially since I often agree with a lot of what you post.

[MOIDALIZE]

"Yeah, I totally have no stake in this, but what the hell is wrong with everyone?!"

[Red Barchetta]

Then what do you call this:

???

Are you serious? I mean, really? Did you not read what you just quoted?

"I'm fine with people not being interested in it, but to parrot the opinions of others without having the film defies logic."

(bolded for emphasis...and readability)

[Eyebrows 0f Doom]

"Yeah, I totally have no stake in this, but what the hell is wrong with everyone?!"

There's nothing contradictory about that. There are now two separate huge threads on this film when it hasn't even opened yet, which I think is bizarre. I'm going to see it because I think the effects look cool, but I don't expect the story to be anything special, and I don't like how the advertising for it has taken over everything on FOX, even to the point where last week's episode of Bones was basically an hour long promo for the film.

[mswas]

There's nothing contradictory about that. There are now two separate huge threads on this film when it hasn't even opened yet, which I think is bizarre. I'm going to see it because I think the effects look cool, but I don't expect the story to be anything special, and I don't like how the advertising for it has taken over everything on FOX.

Really? Is it pre-empting your favorite commercial?

[Eyebrows 0f Doom]

Really? Is it pre-empting your favorite commercial?

Did you see the recent episode of Bones? The secondary plot was the squints trying to get tickets to Avatar, waiting outside the theater, people in make-up as the Na'vi (!?), etc. They even showed part of the trailer within the episode as the characters watched it on a big screen TV, and talked about how it was best thing they've ever seen and it's so amazing, etc.

[mlees]

I have watched two different trailers, and can only go by the impressions those left in me.

I suspect the film is overhyped. I suspect it might be weak (that is to say, simplistic) in the plot department. I may rent it (and seeing it 2D), but going to a movie theatre is usually not my cup of tea.

Therefore, if it is deeper than that, I would be pleasantly surprised. Even if it's not a deep movie, it might be fun to see (just like last May's Star Trek reboot).

I can forgive plot faults if the action is fun to watch.

[Larry Mudd]

Did you see the recent episode of Bones?I couldn't stand to watch more than the first few episodes of Bones. That does sound like a pretty egregious case of offensive corporate "synergizing," and is exactly the sort of thing that would dampen my enthusiasm. Just when you thought that the Bones writing staff couldn't possibly insult the intelligence of their audience any more...

Callow promotion is one thing, though - and the hype surrounding Avatar is a little beyond that. The hype from disinterested parties is justifiable.

By which I mean to say that I think that it'll deliver on the promise of an unprecedented spectacle. I am not much of a theatre-goer - it takes a spectacle to drag me out. I am planning to see Avatar on the opening week-end (Sunday) - ordinarily I would rather pass a kidney stone than brave opening week-end crowds for a movie. Hell, I'll take a sharp blow to the testicles over going to a theatre on a regular week-end, unless it's right at the end of a run. I can't freaking wait for this.

[elfkin477]

But you said you don't go to see Pixar movies (besides a few early ones, I'm guessing), so how would you know? I said I don't GO to see them. I have a magic box in my house that accepts round disks that play the movies on the tv for me right in my living room. The only Pixar movies I haven't at least attempted to sit through are Cars and Up.

[Red Barchetta]

I said I don't GO to see them. I have a magic box in my house that accepts round disks that play the movies on the tv for me right in my living room. The only Pixar movies I haven't at least attempted to sit through are Cars and Up.

Sorry, that came across as snakier than I intended. I was just curious, as more recent Pixar films are quite different to their early few. That aside, good call on skipping Cars :p

[yojimbo]

Just back from a screening.

I saw a 3 min HD clip on xboxlive and all the trailers. None of them do it justice. It is the most amazing looking movie I've ever seen. There are images in it that just take your breath away.

The story is pretty straight forward but it gets the job done and hits the right balance of lighthearted comedy, specticle and tense action.

The action is handled expertly as you'd expect from Cameron.

There are things I could grumble about but I'd really only be picking nits.

The 3D didn't blow my skirt up all that much but it wasn't horrible either. I'll be going to see it in 2D on the biggest screen in the country over the weekend. It will be interesting to see the difference.

All in all, I loved it.

[yojimbo]

I can forgive plot faults if the action is fun to watch.
You will forgive the faults then ;)

[An Gadaí]

yojimbo, I would have gone along had I known you were heading to it. Sounds great.

[GuanoLad]

I just came back from a 3D screening.

Holy schamoly, that was amazing! I think a lot of the things many people were anticipating and complaining about are completely unfounded. The 3D is great, the CGI is virtually seamless, and the tree-hugging plot rarely dominates, and is handled as a macguffin.

Not that it's any guarantee you'll all like it, but if you go in open-minded I expect you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Equipoise]

I just came back from a 3D screening.

Holy schamoly, that was amazing! I think a lot of the things many people were anticipating and complaining about are completely unfounded. The 3D is great, the CGI is virtually seamless, and the tree-hugging plot rarely dominates, and is handled as a macguffin.

Not that it's any guarantee you'll all like it, but if you go in open-minded I expect you'll be pleasantly surprised.You or yojimbo should start another thread, and specify in the OP that the thread is ONLY for those who have seen the film, and point a link to this or the other thread for those who want to act like pouty little girls because some people are excited about and want to see this.

[Equipoise]

Here's an interesting blog (http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/12/cameron_is-recrowned_king_of_the_world.html) from Roger Ebert about Avatar. This part mentions the "embargo" but I especially like the last paragraph:

...

In the days before the first press screenings of "Avatar," a sort of frenzy gripped certain web fan sites. Then the great day arrived, 20th Century-Fox issued individual invitations and posted guards at the door, the chosen people filed in, the movie began, silence descended, interest grew, and doubts were dispelled. Cameron had done it.

Fox made much of a press embargo: No critics were to review the film until Fri. Dec. 18, its opening day. A flaw in this theory was that the movie opened a week sooner in England, and American fans, not witless, were instantly devouring the London reviews.

Kirk Honeycutt of the Hollywood Reporter broke the U.S, embargo and referred to Cameron's infamous speech when "Titanic" won as best picture: "A dozen years later, James Cameron has proven his point: He is king of the world." Todd McCarthy of Variety was also an embargo-breaker: "Cameron delivers again with a film of universal appeal that just about everyone who ever goes to the movies will need to see."

You could call those the kinds of reviews Hollywood likes to read, and it's unlikely Honeycutt or McCarthy will be denied entry to Fox screenings anytime soon. What was the point of an embargo, anyway? Was Fox afraid the reviews would be negative? By Friday afternoon editors at the Sun-Times and Tribune were growing restless as the good news leaked out, and both papers published reviews. Soon a movie that wasn't supposed to be reviewed was sporting high numbers in the Tomatometer (86% as I write).

More sincere praise came from a woman seated not far from me (no, not Chaz), who felt the call of nature, raced out to the facilities, hurried back in, sat down, and 10 minutes later realized she'd forgotten to put her 3-D glasses back on.

...

For those who are afraid the Na'vi will look too weird, or the 3D will overwhelm the plot...

...

Cameron has told a story with comprehensible emotional motivation, physical events that make sense at least within the realities of his imaginary world, and an alien race that exists not as foils for ray guns but an indigenous people living in harmony with their environment. His movie has a Green message and an anti-war message, both effective and organic parts of the plot.

Those towering blue Na'vi with their long tails look peculiar at first, but it's strange how quickly they grow on us. You don't whip up aliens like that with a sketch pad. It takes trial runs and countless hours of testing. And Cameron was equal to the test. He also overcame the bane of 3-D, which is dimness. His Dolby 3-D seems noticeably brighter. His use of 3-D is restrained; he doesn't poke his picture in our eyes, and his editing makes sense of things, unlike Michael Bay's mixmaster approach.

...

[Justin_Bailey]

You or yojimbo should start another thread, and specify in the OP that the thread is ONLY for those who have seen the film, and point a link to this or the other thread for those who want to act like pouty little girls because some people are excited about and want to see this.

Why are you so combative about the fact that some people think it looks terrible?

[ajb867]

You or yojimbo should start another thread, and specify in the OP that the thread is ONLY for those who have seen the film, and point a link to this or the other thread for those who want to act like pouty little girls because some people are excited about and want to see this.


Why? I wanted people to discuss their views about the film whether or not they enjoyed it. Just because you don't agree with someone doesn't mean it has to be shuffled off away from view were only opinions you agree with are discussed (wouldn't that be kinda boring? "Looks like we are in agreement then!"). I'm sure there are going to be people who will see the movie and not like it. That's fine I'm sure its not for everyone but I can't wait to see it especially after people came straight back to this thread saying it was amazing.

[Equipoise]

Why? I wanted people to discuss their views about the film whether or not they enjoyed it. Just because you don't agree with someone doesn't mean it has to be shuffled off away from view were only opinions you agree with are discussed (wouldn't that be kinda boring? "Looks like we are in agreement then!"). I'm sure there are going to be people who will see the movie and not like it. That's fine I'm sure its not for everyone but I can't wait to see it especially after people came straight back to this thread saying it was amazing.There needs to be a thread for PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE that doesn't have 112 previous posts by people who HAVE NOT SEEN the movie.

What makes you think I would want people who didn't like the movie to stay out of that new thread? If people see the movie and don't like it, fine, they should post that, along with their reasons, in the thread for PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE. Their opinions will have a little more weight than opinions based on a 3-minute trailer and teabagger vomit.

[yojimbo]

There needs to be a thread for PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE that doesn't have 112 previous posts by people who HAVE NOT SEEN the movie.


http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=544267

[Equipoise]

Thank you, but I see that it's already got posts from people who, sigh, haven't seen the movie. Sheesh.

I'm not going to post there until I've seen the film, hopefully at midnight tonight.

[mswas]

Did you see the recent episode of Bones? The secondary plot was the squints trying to get tickets to Avatar, waiting outside the theater, people in make-up as the Na'vi (!?), etc. They even showed part of the trailer within the episode as the characters watched it on a big screen TV, and talked about how it was best thing they've ever seen and it's so amazing, etc.

No, I've never watched that show. But I'm not that opposed to it. I appreciate product placement as an artform. If they did it poorly in that episode then that's an aesthetic critique, but I don't think there is anything wrong with using your promo to create a topical episode.

I don't even know what Bones is about though.

[Eyebrows 0f Doom]

Thank you, but I see that it's already got posts from people who, sigh, haven't seen the movie. Sheesh.


On noes!!! Someone asked a one sentence question about the type of 3D glasses used! That means they hate the movie and want it to fail and now it's all hijacked. Crap, better start yet another thread!

[mlees]

Teabagger vomit?

.

.

.

..

Is it in 3D?

[Equipoise]

On noes!!! Someone asked a one sentence question about the type of 3D glasses used! That means they hate the movie and want it to fail and now it's all hijacked. Crap, better start yet another thread!I'm not really such a bitch. When I wrote that, I was just afraid that the thread would quickly devolve into a discussion about 3D types, systems and philosophy, that's all. It, at least the philosophy, sure took over the other thread for quite a while, and I had these visions in my head about what the thread could soon look like.

It looks like it didn't though, so that's good.

I have midnight tickets, whoo! I'm going to see The Blues Brothers first, it's playing at Piper's Alley and it's the last night. I've never seen The Blues Brothers. Blue brothers, blue aliens, a blue night for me. :)

mlees, ha!

[chorpler]

No, I've never watched that show. But I'm not that opposed to it. I appreciate product placement as an artform. If they did it poorly in that episode then that's an aesthetic critique, but I don't think there is anything wrong with using your promo to create a topical episode.

I don't even know what Bones is about though.

Bones is about a forensic anthropologist who partners up with an FBI agent to solve crimes, essentially. It's a little goofy science-wise, like all forensic/police shows, but it's worth watching just to see how Emily Deschanel plays the character. And all the other characters are pretty fun too.

I actually thought the Avatar subplot in that episode was awesome. It reminded me a lot of how my friends and I would behave when we were super-excited about something. Except for the having-sex-in-a-tent-while-waiting-in-line part, alas.

[jackdavinci]

I actually thought the Avatar subplot in that episode was awesome. It reminded me a lot of how my friends and I would behave when we were super-excited about something. Except for the having-sex-in-a-tent-while-waiting-in-line part, alas.

Yeah the actual subplot was actually funny in parts and certainly in character. But the fact that it was a real movie and obviously an advertisement just about ruined my ability to enjoy it. It should have either been a fake movie, or it should have been more subtle.

[Larry Mudd]

It's a little goofy science-wise, like all forensic/police shows...Well, like all forensic/police shows set in present time where the workhorse lab equipment is a desktop holodeck.

[Justin_Bailey]

Well, like all forensic/police shows set in present time where the workhorse lab equipment is a desktop holodeck.

I'm not sure why people say that about Bones. The holodeck is rarely used and when it is used, it's more or less just an industrial version of The Sims. While something exactly like that probably doesn't exist in the real world, something very similar to it could probably be whipped up real easy.

[BigT]

I'm not sure why people say that about Bones. The holodeck is rarely used and when it is used, it's more or less just an industrial version of The Sims. While something exactly like that probably doesn't exist in the real world, something very similar to it could probably be whipped up real easy.

I've never seen Bones. Something like in this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=544401)?

[Marley23]

Since the movie's opened I'm going to shut this down. Everybody is strongly reminded to keep the conversation civil in the current thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=544267) rather than throwing out personal jabs and barbs about fanboy-ism.