Anybody else not enjoy Avatar?

[mochamanda]

Like most, I went to see this film just to see what the fuss was about. After watching it I still didn't get it.

Avatar is a movie which to me proves the old saying 'Beauty is only skin deep'. Strip away the admittedly incredible graphics and you have a very poor film. Weak and overdone plot, script, acting etc. The film James Cameron says he's wanted to make since he was fourteen feels like it was written by a fourteen year old.

Let's not forget the race and science fail, the black and white portrayal of the bad guys and good guys. I found it very hard to like the Na'vi when they're shown as being so sickeningly perfect and was annoyed at the human forces (aside from the special few) being completely unsympathetic.

When people ask me about this film my response is always "Pretty but not much else, worth seeing once for the astounding special effects, but not a film you'd want to buy and keep on your shelf at home."

[morris]

Originally Posted by ChrisEdwards

Avatar was a total failure, but it history will remember it well, if only because it ushered in the 3-D era. That's neither a good nor a bad thing.

It's not even an accurate thing. 3D has been in general use in popular culture since the 50's (and dates back even before that).
You mean Avatar ushered in another, improved 3D era.

Originally Posted by derfinsterling

My bigger concern was the undertones: The white man comes to save the natives. He's so superior that after a couple of weeks of living with them, he can do the same things they've been learning for their whole lives. Can do them better, even.

Yes that was the worst aspect, I have to agree. It was patronising towards the Na'vi.

[fortunesfool]

Originally Posted by Benmorse

Cameron is the best second unit director working in Hollywood today. Shame people keep thinking he understands narrative and character progression, really.

Yeah, because The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, T2 and True Lies were all boring, character free films.

[derfinsterling]

Originally Posted by Benmorse

yeah, no one thought the plot through enough for it to be racist. It's a lazy hero story, with poor scripting, saggy plotting, and bland uninteresting characters. You can pretty much apply any "issue" (racism, homophobia, etc) on to it, as it's so basic.

Oh, I'm not saying that Avatar is racist on purpose. It just happens to be. Which I kinda find even more disturbing.

[Benmorse]

Originally Posted by fortunesfool

Yeah, because The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, T2 and True Lies were all boring, character free films.

Terminator had character development? Must have missed that. Aliens was down to a tight script - Sigourney Weaver's performance is hardly award winning, neither are the soppy hysterionics of The Abyss. T2 see Terminator, and True Lies starred Arnie. ARNIE.

I never said any of them were dull, just that Jimbo doesn't give a crap about character or plot - a good script or a well motivated actor can do what they want - he just doesn't care. Suggest you read posts more carefully before wading in next time, eh sport?

[Benmorse]

Originally Posted by derfinsterling

Oh, I'm not saying that Avatar is racist on purpose. It just happens to be. Which I kinda find even more disturbing.

yup - seconded.

[cheyne0]

I didn't enjoy it at all,far too much hype to make you go and see it

[Y2Neildotcom]

I hated Avatar.

Don't get me wrong, brilliant visuals (in most parts) but a hideous story that was full of holes and exasperating when it didn't need to be.

[Jimmynna]

Haha, I haven't watched it at all!!!! That's how effective their advertising was with me! There was something about the trailer that made me think "exhausting" and "my cat would probably like it for 5 minutes, and then she would get bored too"...

[tim1363]

Was I the only one who got bored and was looking at their watch waiting for Avatar to end?? Don't get me wrong I loved the visuals of Avatar, thought it looked beautiful but the storyline was old, tired, cliched and overused. Is it a sign of the times that we're impressed by shiny things and don't care if there's a story at all? We're being ripped off as well, how many have you brought the dvd and then are going to buy the 3D version, and then the special edition and then possibly the directors cut??? Wake up and wise up, stop buying substandard editions!!!