In the world of Pandora, Humans have begun to colonise the planet in order to being mining operations of a precious mineral. However, the native inhabitants of the Na'vi resist their presence where their live directly in the way of human mining operations, which threatens to destroy the unique ecosystem of Pandora itself. In genetically engineered Na'vi bodies, the humans as well as our hero Jake Sully is thrust into a unique position to interact with the Na'vi people.
Avatar presents a wonderful adventure into a pretty spectacular new world, needless the say, the animation and visuals are breathtaking. In Imax 3D, one could really appreciate the quality of visuals that is really something to behold, making it well worth it if you have the opportunity. In terms of story, one cannot fault it as it is well delievered and paced, squeezing a lot of content into quite a lengthy film.
While some human vehicle designs were awesome in action, they were not groundbreakingly original with familiar themes and ideas most likely due to the restriction in art direction and believability in human created machines. It is the very world of Pandora itself and the Na'vi people that what is to be really appreciated here with its fantastic lore and art direction, making one feel really immersed into a completely new world. The environments and the colours is what really sets the film apart with a magnificent use of scale that really settles Pandora as its own alluring, living world. Where, without spoiling anything, the whole conceptual side of the ecosystem and creatures that inhabit Pandora is deeply fascinating that no doubt stayed with my thoughts long after the film had ended.
Overall, Avatar is an amazing film that I throughly enjoyed that is likely to become one of my top favourites films. The hype surronding this movie is well justified and is a must-see on the big screen for everyone and those keen into CG animation. For those wondering whether to see it in 2D or 3D, I would certainly recommended seeing it in 3D to see the film in its best quality as this type of film demands it, and if you can see it in Imax 3D, then do not hesitate to do so as you won't be disapointed.
6 comments:
Amazing film, the storyline is good and got some similirarity with Disney's Pocahontas. ( a good story).
the 3d is just unbelievable, so organic so real, and I agree with you If you got a chance watch it 3d, 2d is not bad but having a 'monster' film like this you have to use all the technology.
I checked some concept Designs ( the ones who came out) and Dylan Cole, James Clyne and others are in there...
I want to get hold of one of the copies of Art of Avatar...
Whenever I hear details of the storyline I think of Fern Gully...until I see it the similarities seem uncanny.
I saw it in 2D but true it is amazing. And actualy Simon has a point, it's a mix between Pocahontas and Fern Gully. The music that goes along with the film is rather well compossed to.
Although I liked Avatar visually I can't help feeling a little duped by the story. Its Dances with Wolves or the Last Samurai rehashed. A Hollywood trait that can be a little insulting at times.
However, in a wider context, this is a universally common them in history - The invading army and the convert. So its a 50/50 call depending upon your point of view. Is it a rehashed story or a common cultural event?
Long ago I met up with a friend who was working on Avatar...he asked me what I thought. I said 'Its sounds like Furn Gully meets Dances with Wolves'...I felt a little bad for saying it at the time as it seemed a bit judgmental(not having seen any footage of the movie). However, having read all your comments I'm glad that you all at least have similar feelings /insights and at least recognise the 'common ground' that Hollywood often recovers.
I agree with you to an extent Alan; the film's narrative seems to have been derived from older classic films. I have heard it being compared to Fern Gully, Dances with Wolves, Pocahontas, the Last Samurai.. which is an opinion every one here so far seems to share.
James Cameron admitted that the film takes influences from others, I believe even describing it himself as "Dances with Wolves - in space".
AVATAR's "lack of originality" has been its main and MAJOR criticism, which I find a little irritating. It's almost as if people forget that originality doesn't just apply to a film's storyline. Avatar uses an admittedly old story - but the way in which the story is executed visually and through acting, in my opinion, FAR outweighs any possible shortcomings that could be talked about regarding the narrative's originality.
I mean, everyone loved Titanic right? In fact - it's currently the highest grossing film in history. I wonder if that film took any influences from anywhere :p. I'll stop now for the risk of seeming too defensive.
By the way, I'd KILL to meet anyone who worked on Avatar's CG. =(
I've come across a very interesting interview with a model maker who worked on Avatar, who talked about designing the models in Z Brush and "pre-vis" and whatnot. I'll definitely dig it up and share it once I start blogging again as I think everyone on the course who liked the film will find it really interesting.
Also Leo (if you've bothered to read this far) where are there IMAX screens near Rochester / Chatham? I've seen it once in 2D, and twice in RealD 3D, and would like to compare with IMAX 3D which apparently has superior audio and a sharper image.
Uh not sure bout Rochester/Chatham as I didn't see it in the area. I saw it at the Odeon Cinema in Charlton, I'm pretty sure there's an Odeon cinema in Chatham so maybe they do the Imax 3d too. Best check on the net though.
There's a lot of common elements and reoccurring themes in Avatar, from the story and to the artistic design as mentioned before. Though, I think the film pulls it off in such a way in its pacing and charm that one can forgive its borrowed themes and simply admire at what has been achieved.
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