An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

December 19, 2009

$500 Million and Worth Every Penny

My son and I have been intrigued by the much-hyped new movie from James Cameron, Avatar. Today we were able to escape the rain and yet another round of flooding to see it. I was so very glad we did, and look forward to going again. Although the plot line was basically a western in which the Indians are the heroes, not the cowboys, it is still well worth the price of admission. We saw the film in 3D and the special effects are beyond bar-raising, but to me the most stunning thing about the movie was the attention to detail used in creating the life on an alien world. Much of the film takes place in an amazing forest with an incredible array of plants and animals. I did not want these scenes to end, and several were so visually beautiful they made my eyes water. Though not a perfect film; gardeners, nature lovers and tree huggers will not be disappointed either with the scenery, nor with the ultimate message.


(In the spirit of full disclosure, I have not received any compensation for this mini-review and paid the full $11 x 2 plus a $2 convience fee for an on-line purchase. However, as I stated before I would be open to paid endorsements - hint, hint, nudge, nudge)

16 comments:

  1. Thanks for that step into a fantasy/real world. The plot is so familiar and current. It is nice to think of the indigenous peoples as being able to win and save their homeland. Brings to mind Mobile and other oil companies. Cool special effects.

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  2. Oh, I can't wait to see this. We were just debating about going this afternoon but we may wait for the crowds to die down. Tell me, do you know if anyone got sick while watching it? We've heard reports about this and a friend of mine gets dizzy easily when watching heavy motion scenes, especially those involving heights and people falling.

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  3. Carol,
    Yes, it was a very timely theme, but I think that was part of Cameron's motivation.

    Phillip,
    I did not see anyone get sick, but the man a couple of seats down was weeping by the end of the movie, I am not sure why - it was not that kind of film. There are tons of heights and falling scenes all in 3d, so your friend should likely see something else.

    Les

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  4. Les, do you wear 3d glasses for this?

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  5. Phillip,
    The theater I went to offered it in 3d and in regular (that was cheaper). I highly recommend seeing it in 3d. There were not a lot of those cheesy special effects designed to make you fly back in your seat. However, the entire picture is enhanced by it and it actually brings you into the picture as much as possible. It is also offered a IMAX theaters, but they were sold out yesterday for the time we wanted to go.

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  6. I've read/listened to reviews from folks who don't normally go along with the hype. And they said good things -- including the restraint James Cameron used with the 3D. It's on my list of movies to see in the theater rather than wait for DVD -- a very short list.

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  7. Benjamin,
    You don't sound convinced. I think you need to see it for yourself.

    Craig,
    I am not much for hype either and do not attend many movies. I usually only go when I know that the film would not translate to the small screen well.

    Les

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  8. Oh thanks for that endorsement, Les. I had been wondering what that movie was all about, but just knowing there are garden scenes, even scifi ones helps make up my mind. I love animation anyway, so we will go see this at the big fancy theatre in Knoxville to get the full effect.
    Frances

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  9. I'll take your recommendation and see it.

    I've tagged you with an Honest Scrap Award. See is you want to do it at http://federaltwist.blogspot.com/2009/12/honest-scrap-award.html.

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  10. My spouse went to see it, but I think he didn't enjoy the 3-D glasses. Not sure why we haven't talked about it yet! gail

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  11. Glad you two had a good time...doubt it will be on our list of films to see. We see one a year.

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  12. Isn't it silly that we have to list a disclaimer about reviews on blogs? But I digress. I do want to see the film. I have a long list of movies for the holidays. Thanks for telling us just a bit about one.~~Dee

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  13. Frances,
    Definately a big fancy theater kind of film.

    James,
    I really appreciated the award but will decline to follow through. Its not you, its me.

    Gail,
    I have heard that it made other people uncomfortable. My son and I are thrill ride junkies, so maybe we have the gene that lets us enjoy such things.

    Janet,
    I understand that this film will not be for everyone, especially if you are looking for something a little more intellectual.

    Dee,
    Yes disclaimers are silly.

    Les

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  14. Good to hear! I wasn't sure if I should bother or not but now I want to see it.

    Hope you had a good Christmas! Thanks for all your comments this year. I enjoy them tremendously.

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  15. It would affect me greatly. I want to see it but I would feel so sorry for the people on the planet that I'd be on pins and needles. Mr D says I need to live in a world where every movie ends happily ever after. I can see where the plants are just fantastic.

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