Avatar

–noun

1.

Hindu Mythology . the descent of a deity to the earth in an incarnate form or some manifest shape; the incarnation of a god.

2.

an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life.

3.

Computers . a graphical image that represents a person, as on the internet.

If you were to ask me my favourite film of the moment, the answer I would give could not come quicker or easier. Avatar. Plain and simple.

Whilst I'll admit that, story wise, it is not that original and I quite agree with the references to Pocahontas, to be completely honest it is rarely original story telling that creates an enjoyable viewing experience for me. What is original is the concept and the way the story is told. Most importantly I love the way the film looks, every time I watch my brain feels like it would melt from sheer sensory overload.

When I first watched it, I watched at the IMAX in 3D. Being partially sighted in one eye, me and 3D films don't necessarily get along. It's a lot better now that it's not those separate lenses with one green and the other lens red but I still find I don't get the same immersive experience as others. Yet with Avatar I loved the way the 3D was used. It wasn't just in your face explosions and axes being thrown at your face. It was subtle, small details, like blades of grass and critters, drawing you into the world of Pandora. I find myself to be a very visual person and I'm attracted to visually beautiful things. That is exactly what Avatar is. The amount of effort and detail, that various artists involved have put into this film is outstanding. The use of visual effects are amazing. I find myself having to regularly remind myself that none of it is real and that I can't go out there and ride on a real banshee.

I have a copy of the extended addition, despite the length of the cinema release I still wanted more from Pandora, a testament I think to a truly brilliant concept and story. With some many amazing effects, I was interested to see how it was all made. I've tried to watch behind the scenes stuff and I don't always find it that interesting. I liked how this one involved you in everything, from the musical score, to the creation of the wardrobe, the language, and the camera work. What amazes me is the length of time they committed to this film. Over 5 years of creating, fleshing out, filming and post. What I especially love is the way they handle problems. When told something couldn't be done because the tech simply wasn't available they just created their own.

I was disappointed however that Trudy died. Not bothered so much about Grace, but I like Trudy and I think she could have been used a little more. But then again this could be down to the fact I am fond of Michelle Rodriguez, one of favourite kick ass chicks.

So what else did I love about Avatar? I loved the critters, the way moved and the level detail in their creation. I love the way the Na'vi look, their fangs, their tails and the fact they're blue. I love the way they hiss like a cat when threatened. I love the way they move and the love their relationship with their world. I love their language. I love the fact that whenever I've finished watching Avatar I always want to be a Na'vi, no matter how many times it's been.

I was thrilled to find out that it would be part of trilogy. Which was instantly followed by dread. In part due to the fact that I knew it would a mighty long wait, but mostly because we've all seen many a franchise go the dogs with truly second rate sequels. I pray that this will not be the case for Avatar, please don't do what Pirates of Caribbean did. But I have faith in Cameron

So I end with a salute to James Cameron and the epic team behind avatar. Thank you for a truly enjoyable and epic film!!!!

Damned Aliens!!!!

It's all about Alien Invasion at the cinema at the moment. Between Paul, I am Number 4, Battle: LA and Mars Needs Moms, I fear our civilisation may be lost forever.

Wednesday 23rd February: I went to see I AM NUMBER 4, starring Alex Pettyfer et al. I watched it at the IMAX which always helps make cinema going that bit extra special. Although part of me does miss the trailers (note: not the adverts). It is yet another book adaptation (by Pittacus Lore)  which again, as I've been told, is nothing like the book. But then again they never are, nor do I expect them to be. I really enjoyed this film. I enjoyed the character interaction and thought that the set up of the story was well balanced with the action pack last half.

I'll admit, I am quite partial to a bit of eye candy, so Alex Pettyfer made the watching quite easy. That said I would never like something just because it featured a hunk, I'm not that shallow (at least I hope not). I think he did a pretty good job, although thanks to A-Level English I did struggle to shake the image of a floppy haired Tom Brown.

Early on it became pretty clear Michael Bay was involved in this film. Although he didn't direct this film, it definitely had an air of "Bayness" to it. Plenty of explosions for one, admittedly not quite to his usual level. The biggest give away for me was the Alien knife used by the guardians, it looked like they stole it of the set of The Transformers. 

My friend and I also simultaneously spotted "Joshua" from Dark Angel. Apparently the voice was not a character decision but the only way Kevin Durand can talk when forced to wear a pair of pointy knashers. That said, don't take it as a negative, merely an interesting observation between friends.

Overall I personally enjoyed this film, good ol' action fun. It didn't give me a headache from being overly complicated nor did I end up comatose from dullness. A pretty good balance I think. I would be quite interested in seeing if they end up making a sequel to this, as there is more in the book than the film and I would like to see the story concluded. Good watch.

Wednesday 16th March: Battle: Los Angeles

Relentless "edge of you seat" action. That is both a good thing and bad. It kept the adrenaline going and it kept your eyes glued to the screen, but you couldn't relax. There was no let up to the tension, no moment in the film where you could take a breather and gather your nerves for the next onslaught of action. This at times left you feeling a little bit stressed during the film.

I would also have like to see the Aliens in a bit more detail. Glances at them were always fleeting and you never really got a good look to the point where you could say, "oh that's what they look like ". Even when they found the injured one, close ups of that were just a gooey mess of stuff.

I also noticed that Michelle Rodriguez still hasn't managed to shake her type casting. I swear I only ever see her in combat gear. Still, she is one of favourite kick ass actresses so I don't have too much of a problem with that. 

Furthermore, to my utter relief the Aliens didn't drop down dead from the flu, fantastic. There was no quick fix ending to this film, not one cleverly aimed missile and we're all saved either. I was absolutely astounded that they didn't aim for a neat and easy ending which makes a change from a lot of the end of world/invasion films. At the the end of it the battle and the war waged on which was refreshing. 

Explosive action fun, if not a little to much.