Movie Review: Avatar, Starring Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana and more…
If you want to get completely outside of yourself, your perspective, YOUR PLANET, then you need to catch this movie, on the big screen, and definitely in 3D.
I’m not sure how I managed to come so far as to go and see this movie, without having even seen a preview.
I am actually glad that I hadn’t.
It means that I went into the movie completely devoid of any expectation, other than I had heard it ‘was good’ and provided a commentary on the time in history that we find ourselves, albeit from a different galactic perspective.
Here is a basic plot summary for those who want it, and I promise, no spoilers:
The reason for the name, “Avatar”. If you’ve been around the web, you may be familiar with this term, perhaps in the form ‘Gravatar’ this is simply an amalgamation of the word ‘Graphical Avatar’ in other words a graphical representation of yourself, like a profile photo. However in this movie, it represents a complete physical being called an Avatar.
The movie starts with “Jake Sully” played by Sam Worthington, former marine, wheelchair bound, who agrees to take his late twin brothers place on a scientific program on the far distant planet of Pandora.
The program in question is seeking a diplomatic solution between the local population “The Na’vi” and the humans (who are ironically the ‘aliens’ in this movie).
The humans are seeking to mine a grossly valuable mineral, only found, of course near the Na’vi and mining it would destroy their entire civilisation, and eco-system as well.
The scientists are able to transfer their consciousness into a Na’vi Avatar (body) that has been grown from DNA of Human and Na’vi. They then interact with the local populace and try to gain their trust.
This is where of course, it begins to get really interesting (although, it’s totally gripping right from the start!), as mounting pressure from the ‘big ugly corporate’ in using military rather than diplomatic means of dealing with the Na’vi grows, and as a former marine, Jake Sully is pressured into passing information that would be useful to the military in destroying the Na’vi, all whilst he is becoming more immersed into their culture and begins to see the beauty of their culture and their close relationship with the environment.
To me, the real triumph of this movie is the unique beauty of everything in the world of Pandora.
The depth of which James Cameron and his team have gone to create something in which we can fully believe, is breathtaking.
Each leaf, flower, bug, seed, tree, animal, creature and beast has been crafted with the utmost care, and as a graphic designer, I feel I can truly appreciate the effort and years that have gone into this work. Fifteen years in fact is how long it has taken Avatar to come to the screen. $450
million dollars.
That’s a lot of money. But it seems as though every penny has been well spent.
Seeing it in 3D (and in fact I’d love to have seen it in IMAX 3D!) made it even more immersive, as we are right there amongst the men from the military.
Right there flying high above the ground with the Na’vi, and also running through the quite spectacular forests and ground level scenery.
There were times during this movie, where I instinctively raised my hand to swat away some bug or seed that was seemingly about to bump into my head.
I am not going to spend this review commenting on the acting of the characters, nor drawing parallels between the world of Pandora and our own.
Rather, I’m going to recommend that you absolutely DO NOT MISS this one on the big screen. Even if you are not a fan of Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Action.
This is something that you need to experience for the pure joy of it.
For a masterpiece being laid in front of your very eyes that will stay with you for days afterwards, so that each time you blink your eyes, you see Pandora in all its splendour.
I left the movie house in stunned silence, not wanting to break the moment by doing something as mundane as talking. I will definitely go and see it again, despite the higher ticket price (owing to the 3D cinema).
Go, check reality at the door and prepare for a visual feast the likes of which your psyche has not yet had the pleasure of experiencing.
Have you seen Avatar yet?
What were your thoughts on the movie?
Were you as taken with it as me?
Please leave a comment with your answers. If you don’t have a blog or website then just enter google.com in the URL box provided.
Movie Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Starring Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett
The best thing about *this* member of the Indiana Jones franchise? No monkey brains for dinner!
Yes, I’m happy to report, upon closer inspection of this movie, when I watched it again last night that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
THEY ATE MONKEY BRAINS.
Okay, I’m moving along swiftly, from monkey brains to CRYSTAL SKULLS OF EXTRA TERRESTRIALS.
As always, Indiana Jones is based on pure fact. Hah!
Jest though I may, but The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull contains all the right ingredients of action, intrigue, betrayal and ancient artifacts as the other two main ones (Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade
I think that one of the reasons we are happy to suspend our sense of reality for the 90 or so minutes that it lasts, is because it is set in the time of the Cold War, and Cate Blanchett makes a very welcome appearance as the Russian femme fatale, and never has a shapeless blue jumpsuit and black boots been more appealing.
Totally loved the hair too Cate ! But yes, this shift in time allows us to easily imagine the goings-on as possible.
Ray Winstone, Shia LaBeouf and Karen Allen (from the original movies) are all featured, with Shia catering to a younger audience, and probably winning the IJ franchise some new fans, in much the same vein as which Episode I did for Star Wars.
Did I just compare Shia LaBeouf to Jar-Jar Binks? You betcha! No insult intended though.
Which reminds me, I’ll be reviewing the Transformers Movies in due course as well as Twilight, so stay tuned for that movie lovers!
What struck me is that at 60-something, Harrison Ford has still got that ‘it’ factor that makes him so watchable, and I’m sure many a post-menopausal tannie was getting their hair blown back whilst enjoying him in this movie.
So, if ancient Mayan is your lingo, chase scenes with killer cold war Russians your kind of action, along with giant killer ants, massive waterfalls and lots of suspense and betrayal your gig, then by all means do pick up a copy of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
here, or click here for the blu ray version
if you have a PS3 or blu-ray player. It’s definitely one for the collection.
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Movie Review: Star Trek, Starring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto
I absolutely regret NOT having seen Star Trek 
In fact I am tempted to rig up some sort of home based cinema, in order to fully appreciate the absolutely mind blowing visuals featured in this movie.
The era of the ‘pre-quel’ (the opposite of a sequel) began really, for me with Episode 1 of Star Wars. You know the trend, that movies have nowadays where instead of taking the story further, they do a ‘prologue’ or ‘before the time’? Since that movie, there have been various attempts at pre-quels some good (The Phantom Menace) and some not so good, (The Young Indiana Jones).
I’m happy to report that as an avid Sci-Fi fan, Star Trek was a big, BIG hit with me! Even if they hadn’t chosen to feature Leonard Nimoy (the original Spock) in the movie, it would still have been great, but this way at least the die hard Trekkies got to glimpse their hero give his signature finger signal and say, “Live Long and Prosper”.
What I found particularly interesting was how they showed us, how the friendship between James T. Kirk and Spock was borne out of a mutual dislike, and at its most basic a bitter rivalry, fueled by the raging testosterone of both young men. Both Chris Pine (Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock) do excellent jobs as the younger versions of their more famous older characters and one can imagine that it must have been somewhat of a thrill for them, probably having seen some of the original series as young boys. Say what you like Quinto, but I know you got a kick out of donning those famous ears!
Also a pleasant surprise in the movie (for me personally) was the appearance of Karl Urban (Eomer from LOTR!) playing McCoy (Doc). He had the original McCoy’s dry sense of humour and slightly pedantic (though ironic) tone of voice down perfectly.
Again, another pleasing appearance was John Cho (of Harold and Kumar, and American Pie fame) playing Sulu. There is a moment in the movie where he volunteers for a ‘dangerous mission’ saying that he’s had hand to hand combat training.
Then, in the shuttle on the way to the mission, Kirk asks him, what kind of training he’s had, and he replies with perfect comedic timing, “Fencing“. I just love that he made him out to be a bit nerdy.
Until we actually see him fight.
Then the joke is on us.
Nice one.
Zoe Saldana (best remembered by me, for her role as the ballerina with the attitude in Centre Stage), plays a very hot Uhura, who as it turns out, has a thing for Spock! Didn’t see that one coming either. Again, very nice.
Lastly, when I first saw the movie, I didn’t realise that the guy who plays George Kirk (James T’s father) is none other than Chris Hemsworth, of Australian Soap “Home and Away” fame. I’m guessing after *this* movie, he may stay out of soaps for awhile!
Yet another familiar face, this time playing the part of the very memorable Scotty, is Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Mission Impossible III). In fact I would say that the casting of this movie is so incredibly accurate and true to type that it must have played a very, VERY large role in the success of the movie.
Ben Cross (hands up those of you who also always immediately think of the ding ding ding of the Chariots of Fire theme when they hear his name?) also puts in an appearance as Spocks Vulcan father, and frobs above, Winona Ryder plays his Human mother.
Last but not least, had I not seen it in previews, I would have never guessed (with all that make up) that Eric Bana plays the part of the super villain, the Romulan “Nero”. Pity there was no reason for him to remove his shirt in this one ladies.
It’s a definite thumbs up for Movie Night in our household, so much so, that we’re getting the DVD. We may just have to upgrade our television too, to fully appreciate the dramatic sweeping depth of field scenes of far distant planets and incredible action.
Trust me when I tell you to watch this one, and better yet, buy it
Movie Review: Ghost, Starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore
Oh what a classic movie this was.
I have a vivid memory of going to see Ghost 
But then, I suppose that was nearly 20 years ago. (Faints at the thought that *that* much time has passed).
What made watching this movie so poignant this evening as it was screened on Movie Magic 2, is watching it, and knowing that Patrick Swayze has passed.
I wondered idly if his wife can bring herself to watch it. He looked so young and vital in this movie, clearly a far cry from how he left this world after suffering so long from cancer.
Patrick Swayze may not have been one of those classic A-list actors, but he was always A-list in my book. Because so many of his movies were integral parts of my adolescence. I mean, hello! Dirty Dancing! When I heard Patrick had passed away, it seemed so remote, so disconnected from me. Then a few days later they were playing “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen on the radio, and it really hit me. He’s gone.
What a sad loss to the acting world.
“Ghost” is definitely one of those movies to add to your home DVD/media collection, and also a great reminder to tell your loved ones, that you love them (and don’t just say “Ditto!”) because life is short.
Goodbye Patrick. We miss you already.
Movie Review: Angels and Demons, Starring Tom Hanks
Summary: Wow! Some of the best special effects that I’ve ever seen in a movie… and the most recent movie during which neither the husband nor I could bring ourselves to pause in order to make tea.
Yes, Angels and Demons
The Da Vinci Code 
It also features Tom Hanks, reprising his role as Professor Robert Langdon, the eminent symbologist.
Now while it once again, features the Christian church as pivotal to the plot, it does not come as close as The Da Vinci Code
What it does do, is make us hurtle headlong right alongside the main characters in a race against time to find an explosive device hidden somewhere in Vatican City.
The pressure is added by the fact that the entire catholic world, is in suspense, waiting to hear (see) the announcement of the new pope, and crowds have gathered in St Peters Square. All the cardinals are cloistered away in ‘conclave’ to select the new pope, and with all this added drama it makes for a heady, suspenseful movie, during which you are absolutely unable to move from your seat.
Once again, Professor Langdons seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of history, symbols and religious iconography is called into play to solve the clues left by the mysterious Illuminati, who have claimed to be behind it all.
Some interesting points:
- Tom Hanks hairstyle is much better than in The Da Vinci Code
- Ewan McGregor, is still hot, even as a priest. Sorry, but it must be said. One thinks that one would have a hard time seeing him as anything other than Obi Wan Kenobe, but thankfully his acting is so polished and he establishes his character so well, that you aren’t even slightly reminded of roles that he has played in the past.
- Stellan Skarsgard (can’t do that funky Swedish thing on his name with my keyboard) is brilliant in his role as head of Vatican Security, and the character we all love to hate. It doesn’t help that he too, is brilliantly good looking as well.
- For the guys, they’ll be pleased to know that the one and only female featuring in this movie, Ayelet Zurer, is your typical gorgeous Italian babe, so they need not feel left out in the eye-candy stakes. Although, the story really doesn’t leave any time for ogling.
Angels and Demons
So, would I recommend getting this for movie night? Yes, but with the following provisos:
- Please do not let your kids watch Angels and Demons
- Do not make popcorn for this movie, any sound whatsoever will distract you from the incredible pace of the story. Best not to shift around on your leather sofa too much either while watching unless you can do it silently.
- Visit the loo before pressing ‘play’ on the remote. There are no slow bits, so you’ll either have to keep it in, or rupture your bladder. Up to you. Pressing pause, is an option that you will NOT consider.
- You can order your copy of Angels and Demons
Movie Review: Defiance, Starring Daniel Craig
Summary: Not your average World War 2 flick!
Yes, this movie starts Daniel Craig. No we do not get to see him in various states of undress.
Quite the contrary actually, since most of the movie is spent in snowy forests of Western Belarus/Eastern Poland during World War II.
But we do get to hear him speak Russian. With a pretty good accent actually.
Of course, I’m totally qualified to judge his accent, given that the extent of my Russian is ‘Da’ and ‘Nyet’.
Actually come to think of it, they could have been speaking Polish, or an Eastern Polish/Western Belorussian/Russian derivative, and honestly, I wouldn’t have a clue, but hey, it sounded pretty convincing to me.
So, the movie is called Defiance
However, this story chooses to focus on a more positive aspect, if you will, of the same story. It tells the story of the three Bielski brothers who initially start by hiding out in the forest, after their family are killed by Nazi collaborators.
The three brothers played by Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot all grown up, awww), inadvertantly start to harbour other fugitives and eventually they number over a thousand refugees.
The brothers differ in their approach to leading this group, Daniel Craigs character wanting to do what is necessary in order to survive, and Liev Schreibers character wanting to go all out for armed revenge on the Nazi collaborators. The story then splits into their differing perspectives, following Liev Schreibers character joining up with the Russian Partisans (fighting the Nazi’s) and with Daniel Craigs job as leading the group of refugees.
Without spoiling the plot or the story as a whole, it is the most riveting WWII flick I have seen in a long time. I generally try to avoid war movies, having grown up in a household where one parent lived through Nazi occupied Holland with many stories as to their extent of their evil, and frankly, when I want to be entertained I generally try to find something a bit more lighthearted.
What I can say for this movie, is that I was pleased that while there were a few very violent scenes, there were no scenes involving gas chambers or concentration camps, and in fact I believe that this was pivotal to the story, as the story was one of Defiance, of not going quietly into the night, of survival at all costs.
So, in closing, take this one out from your local video shop, put the kids to bed, and prepare to be on the edge of your seat.
Watching this movie will also make you crave Vodka.
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