Avatar: Round 2

So yesterday I went to see Avatar 3D for a second time. The first time I saw the movie I expected to be wowed, but other than that I did not know much about the movie's plot or what role the special effects would play. When I walked out, I was pretty speechless. It wasn't the best move I had ever seen, but it was definitely the most amazing movie I had ever seen. Even a few days later, I couldn't stop thinking about it and knew that the film had not fully sunk in yet. I couldn't fully process what I had seen. In the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to see it again in the theaters. This is a movie that HAS to be seen on the big screen in 3D. Getting the DVD or waiting for it to come out on rental will not do it justice. I really felt like it was an experience more than a movie, and my second viewing only confirmed that.

I think that the movie was actually MORE enjoyable the second time around, which says a lot about how this movie will fare in the box office over the next few months. I do believe that repeat viewers will be commonplace, which is what made Titanic such a success. There is just too much to take in during one viewing- you really need a second one to take it all in.

Since the second time around I already knew the plot and how the movie ended, I was able to focus more on the film's scenery, nuances, and mastery of the technology. I was able to fully absorb the world that James Cameron created with the multiple moons, floating mountains, and unimaginable creatures. The entire concept of the movie is incredible- how the humans and the Na'vi coexist in the same world and even appear together in some scenes. You forget that the scenes with the Na'vi are only products of special effects. The whole thing feels real.

The movie just felt historic. As if I was witnessing a change in the way movies will be made going forward. It felt like the bar was being raised and that I was witnessing a film that I would be talking about for years.

The one thing I will say is that this is a different type of movie than a character film. There has been a lot of debate over what aspects of the characters' expressions and personality is attributable to the actual skill versus the special effects, which is a fair point. It is definitely difficult for the average moviegoer to distinguish between the two. I hope that this type of film does not replace movies like The Wrestler or Up in the Air but rather that they learn to coexist. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Academy Award for Best Picture- whether Avatar will be recognized as a breakthrough historic film or if the film itself and the technology it employs will be dismissed.

This film has a ton of potential going forward. I can easily see a sequel in which the Na'vi rebuilds and repairs its society. I can also see a prequel that shows how Pandora was initially discovered and how the U.S. set up the whole project on the planet. If Avatar has shown me anything, it's that going forward the possibilities are endless. Not only for this movie franchise, but for the movie industry itself.

A Glimpse At My Netflix Queue

A few months ago I joined Netflix and have been really enjoying it. It's really pretty cheap, and it has given me the opportunity to watch a bunch of movies that just fell through the cracks for me- ones that for one reason or another I just never got around to seeing. So far, I've rented Pulp Fiction, Speed, Momento, Boogie Nights, Step up 2: The Streets, Seven, Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which I saw but wanted to see again), You Don't Mess with the Zohan (awful), all three Bourne's, Manhattan, and Burn After Reading.

So today, I thought I would give everyone a little preview of what is on my upcoming Netflix queue. Keep in mind that it is like a fine wine, constantly evolving, so this is subject to change:

Current: Righteous Kill- On the surface, this seems like it should be a great movie with a DeNiro/Pacino 1-2 punch. Well I've only heard horrible things about it from other people since I rented it and it has now been sitting on my desk for about 3 weeks. I'm debating just sending this one back, but we'll see what this weekend brings.

1. Vicky Christina Barcelona- I love Woody Allen, Annie Hall is one of my favorite movies

2. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist- When it came out in theatres it seemed too Juno-like for my taste, but I'm willing to give it a shot now

3. Zack and Miri Make a Porno- Saw it, loved it, want to see it again

4. Blindness- I like movies about crazy epidemics (Children of Men, 28 Days Later, etc.)

5. The Usual Suspects- Heard this was a great one, but I've never seen it

6. In Bruges- Is supposed to be funny, was nominated for Best Comedy at the Golden Globes. Colin Farrell is awful, but I'm curious.

7. Crimson Tide- A classic that I've never seen

8. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 3: Disc 1- For my long time readers, you know my thoughts on this show and how much I love it. I've seen seasons 4, 1, and 2 (in that order). Season 3 is all that remains.

9. Casino- I need my DeNiro fix from somewhere in case Righteous Kill lets me down

10. Kung Fu Panda- I love the well done animated films (with the exception of Wall-E which I found incredibly annoying)

Feel free to critique, criticize, and let me know your thoughts.