Avatar Breaks Even, Surprises Everyone

[TOGSolid]

Those "hating" on Avatar, are you either idiots? Or do you just want to point out the absolute obvious? I think everyone could tell that the plot was cliche, it stunk to high heavens of cliche, but the atmosphere, the graphics, the world, Pandora, you were sucked into it because it was so beautiful and engaging of all your senses, you didn't want to leave.

So if you're going to say that the graphics were amazing(which they were)but the plot has been done before and is cliche, then no shit sherlock, tell us something we don't know.

I saw it in 3D myself and was positively blown away, didn't care that I knew what would pretty much happen, I was lost in the movie all the way through.

Gameplay is more important than graphics!

Err

Uhh

Skilled writing and a solid plot are more important that visuals!

Same rant tbh, just different media. The only reason this movie did well was because of how easily people are distracted by shiny objects. "oooh look at the pretty pictures." Oh well, such is film making these days. A solid plot and a great script get completely ejected in favor of putting on a visual spectacle.

Never said one was better than the other. OBVIOUSLY you(and I) would want to see a movie with a great and gripping story and equally as great visuals but for this movie that's not the case, so people should stop bitching and just accept it.

Wait, we should not complain and instead just dutifully pay money to go see crap movies? What kind of logic is that? No sir, I will complain and quite vocally about the current state of things. It may not change anything but at least I'll feel better knowing that I'm at least getting my voice out there.

 

[kawaiiamethist]

I feel like a definite minority. I didn't really like Avatar. I know I know, I didn't like the story. I'm sorry! I'm a film student, I watch things looking for the story and since film is just a visual medium of storytelling NOT having a good story seems wrong to me.

But my god what graphics. I forgot I was watching a computer movie, I really did. I will hold everything else to this, (well AVATAR did it, why can't you?) but overall I didn't really like it. Sorry everyone.

Good thing it made its money back or James Cameron would be living in the poor house the rest of his life. Amazing, amazing visuals.

I'm also a film student (well, media student, but we also study film) and the story left me feeling very annoyed, even more annoyed than Transformers II. Perhaps if Cameron had spent more time developing the plot than engrossing himself in the fauna and flora of his new planet, we would have been treated to an immersive story. Instead, my ticket got me 2 and a half hours of (what amounts to) a Square Enix cut scene.

 

[MrSnugglesworth]

Wow ... I wish I had money like that. Hopefully James Cameron wont ruin this great movie by using the money to make a mediocre sequel

God, I hope he doesn't.



IT DOESN'T NEED A SEQUEL. THE ENDING LEAVES JUST ENOUGH TO THE IMAGINATION!

 

[Thegreyfox666]

I'm glad it's doing well, it should be. Granted the story is mediocre (who really cares?), Avatar makes up for it in so many other ways. I went into the movie without expectations of the greatest movie in the history of movies.

It was an exciting action movie as I expected, but the best part for me was that it was IMMERSIVE. It was like playing an epic game, or reading one of your favorite books(everyone has a few). It made me actually care about what happened, even if it was predictable. I felt bad for the Na'vi when things went wrong; I hated the humans when they schemed against the Na'vi.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like people are expecting the best movie ever made or something. It's not the best movie ever made, but it is damn good. It definitely served it purpose for me, and I honestly plan to see it again before it's out of theaters.

EDIT: Please don't make a sequel, there is no were to go from the ending, it would ruin things.

 

[WlknCntrdiction]

Those "hating" on Avatar, are you either idiots? Or do you just want to point out the absolute obvious? I think everyone could tell that the plot was cliche, it stunk to high heavens of cliche, but the atmosphere, the graphics, the world, Pandora, you were sucked into it because it was so beautiful and engaging of all your senses, you didn't want to leave.

So if you're going to say that the graphics were amazing(which they were)but the plot has been done before and is cliche, then no shit sherlock, tell us something we don't know.

I saw it in 3D myself and was positively blown away, didn't care that I knew what would pretty much happen, I was lost in the movie all the way through.

Gameplay is more important than graphics!

Err

Uhh

Skilled writing and a solid plot are more important that visuals!

Same rant tbh, just different media. The only reason this movie did well was because of how easily people are distracted by shiny objects. "oooh look at the pretty pictures." Oh well, such is film making these days. A solid plot and a great script get completely ejected in favor of putting on a visual spectacle.

Never said one was better than the other. OBVIOUSLY you(and I) would want to see a movie with a great and gripping story and equally as great visuals but for this movie that's not the case, so people should stop bitching and just accept it.

Wait, we should not complain and instead just dutifully pay money to go see crap movies? What kind of logic is that? No sir, I will complain and quite vocally about the current state of things. It may not change anything but at least I'll feel better knowing that I'm at least getting my voice out there.

You misunderstand me, again. The movie is already out, it's already got all it's money back, I'm referring to the people who are "hating" on it because of the cliched storyline, it's made, it's done, the storyline is cliched, stop bitching about THIS movie. You can't really say anything bad about this movie that hasn't already been said so just shut up about it.
That's what I'm saying.

I don't think I can put it in any more plain or clearer English than that. Please tell me you understand now, please?

 

[Logic 0]

I think word of mouth will help this one out a lot. i was skeptical as hell about this flick but thoroughly enjoyed myself. Plot was a bit predictable but the visuals, especially in 3D, sets this film apart from anything else out there.

About a forth into the movie I actually forgot I was watching something that was completely created in a computer. Films like Beowulf and The Polar Express have tried to capture lifelike performances but there has always been something about it that reminds me I'm watching CG. Avatar was, for me, the first film to actually cross that barrier.

Yeah, for a good part of the movie I actually thought James cameron decided to shell out the money to actually build a physical set instead of makeing CGI that was good enough that I couldn't tell the difference.

 

[Travdelosmuertos]

People are saying it's a lot like Dances With Wolves, and I definitely feel that. My initial feeling was Last of the Mahicans meets Aliens meets 3d. It is very peculiar to me, however, how similar the plot is to several sci-fi novels I've read, including Frank Herbert's Dune. Rare mineral (Unobtainium/Spice) obtainable in only one place in the universe (Pandora/Arrakis). Its production is interupted by the native population (NAAVI/Fremen) who wage war against the oppressors (The Company/CHOAM). A young male becomes part of the tribe (Jake/Paul) to lead them to victory. Of course there's many, many differences, but ever since I read Joseph C. Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces, I've been tying stuff together like that. Oh, and Pandora has many striking similarities to the world in Herbert's The Ascension Factor.

Wow ... I wish I had money like that. Hopefully James Cameron wont ruin this great movie by using the money to make a mediocre sequel

i really can't see what the sequel could even be about.

It might be a bit difficult to find a decent plot line in a self-contained movie like Avatar. Hopefully, oh hopefully the screenwriters who want to be the next big thing won't try.

Otherwise, we'd get Avatar II: Twenty Years Later, and the Kids are Still Rebelling Change.

I think the most logical (and likely) idea would be the company coming back with the military's aid to crush the tribes years later, probably capturing Jake and maybe even taking him back to Earth. Would be interesting to see.

Wow ... I wish I had money like that. Hopefully James Cameron wont ruin this great movie by using the money to make a mediocre sequel

You mean he won't do a Lucas?

Empire was better than a New Hope.

[small]Yes, I know you're referring to the prequels, but if one more person gets pompous about the 'far superior' originals I will murder a puppy.[/small]

And T2 is better than The Terminator. It also pushed visual effects to their limit at the Time. Aliens (also a Cameron movie) is one of the most influential action movies ever made. It has some of the best looking sets ever, too. Even though it's a complete departure from Ridley Scott's vision, it still is one of my favorites.

 

[TOGSolid]

Those "hating" on Avatar, are you either idiots? Or do you just want to point out the absolute obvious? I think everyone could tell that the plot was cliche, it stunk to high heavens of cliche, but the atmosphere, the graphics, the world, Pandora, you were sucked into it because it was so beautiful and engaging of all your senses, you didn't want to leave.

So if you're going to say that the graphics were amazing(which they were)but the plot has been done before and is cliche, then no shit sherlock, tell us something we don't know.

I saw it in 3D myself and was positively blown away, didn't care that I knew what would pretty much happen, I was lost in the movie all the way through.

Gameplay is more important than graphics!

Err

Uhh

Skilled writing and a solid plot are more important that visuals!

Same rant tbh, just different media. The only reason this movie did well was because of how easily people are distracted by shiny objects. "oooh look at the pretty pictures." Oh well, such is film making these days. A solid plot and a great script get completely ejected in favor of putting on a visual spectacle.

Never said one was better than the other. OBVIOUSLY you(and I) would want to see a movie with a great and gripping story and equally as great visuals but for this movie that's not the case, so people should stop bitching and just accept it.

Wait, we should not complain and instead just dutifully pay money to go see crap movies? What kind of logic is that? No sir, I will complain and quite vocally about the current state of things. It may not change anything but at least I'll feel better knowing that I'm at least getting my voice out there.

You misunderstand me, again. The movie is already out, it's already got all it's money back, I'm referring to the people who are "hating" on it because of the cliched storyline, it's made, it's done, the storyline is cliched, stop bitching about THIS movie. You can't really say anything bad about this movie that hasn't already been said so just shut up about it.
That's what I'm saying.

I don't think I can put it in any more plain or clearer English than that. Please tell me you understand now, please?

Now that you've actually bothered to form a coherent enough post to elaborate on your thoughts, yes. It doesn't mean you're right though. Just because something has already happened doesn't mean that a dissenting opinion shouldn't be voiced. People actually attempting to argue that a movie is good just because it's got pretty visuals will be getting tongue lashed whether it makes them butthurt or not. It's a fucked up double standard that around here trying to argue graphics over gameplay would get you yelled at, but 'zomg Avatar is great, it's so pretty!' 'But it's got no real substance.' 'ZOMG IT'S GOT GREAT VISUALS HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE IT!?!?!?ZOMG111!'

 

[Travdelosmuertos]

Double post? Yes. As for the story, what story is original nowadays? Even the original Star Wars had a fairly cliched story. I'm prepared for the hate train, trust me. Star Wars was basically a story taken from classical literature, one of the Greco-Roman epics and transplanted into a futuristic setting. People went to see Star Wars for the spectacle, not because it had the best story in the world. Now people are saying that Star Wars has an amazing story, and it does (it just isn't original), mostly out of nostalgia. Avatar's story is familiar, but it's presented in a way that's similar to the original Star Wars. A believable world with characters and settings that simply work.

I know I said it Avatar had some similarities as well, but Star Wars just straight up plagiarizes Frank Herbert's Dune.

Check this out if you don't believe me:

http://www.moongadget.com/origins/dune.html

 

[sneakypenguin]

Ugh, i saw it in Imax 3d and it reaffirmed my view that 3d sucks as a movie medium, not to mention the story was insulting with how hand holding it was, and the battle scene was just to convenient, effects were great, world was great, everything else ended up being a pile of suck imo.

 

[TheOnceandFutureKing]

I'm not surprised at this, Avatar if nothing else was animated insanely well and that alone I think would help it break even. Aside from that it was bland and pretty average still it presented itself well enough so I enjoyed it enough to see it twice, if for no other reason then the 2nd time was because a friend had yet to see it. Bottom line its worth seeing in theaters but that may be the only time its needed.

 

[Jared]

That... is so awesome

I am so glad it made its money and more in such a short time! Goes to prove cameron still has it!!! Great work! <3 this film!

 

[nYuknYuknYuk]

All that money they could of given to charity... *sigh*

Yes. How about no more movies for a year, all the money that would have been spent on movies go to people who need it. No more poverty. Seriously.

 

[Cyberjester]

All that money they could of given to charity... *sigh*

Yea, and what a waste that would have been. =P


On topic

Wow ... I wish I had money like that. Hopefully James Cameron wont ruin this great movie by using the money to make a mediocre sequel

i really can't see what the sequel could even be about.

The RDA return to kick ass with even more powerful mechs/exoskeletons and gunships?
Also the film was awesome, and i wish the game was as well, because i wanted to fight in those awesome mechs/exoskeletons

Haven't seen the movie, just played the game in a store on a HD tv. And it's the best looking console game I've ever seen, not sure if you get to play the mechs, but visually it's nice. I'm going to have to change my stance on how PC games are superior in every way.

 

[Flying Dagger]

Wow ... I wish I had money like that. Hopefully James Cameron wont ruin this great movie by using the money to make a mediocre sequel

You mean he won't do a Lucas?

'

Dude ur talkin about a director who after Titanic pretty much didnt do anything for years. And since titanic is the best selling movie of all time that should speak in volumes about the guy.
i personally think he is crazy not to cash in on his fame back in the day but oh well....

there wasn't much scope for titanic 2: revenge of the drowned

 

[YoUnG205]

wow expensive movie. I do not see how the movie is so good though. Don't get me wrong the effects were amazing however everything else was just average.

 

[BobisOnlyBob]

Cameron isn't doing a sequel. He's done with Avatar. His next project is Battle Angel Alita.

He plans to complete a trilogy if the first film is successful. Alita will be a CG character with the photographic likeness of a 14 year old girl. The actress portraying Alita, however, will be an adult, who is not yet identified by the studio. Her character will appear nude in many scenes, so performance capture CG imagery will be the only logical way to portray such a young character in this manner without violating child pornography laws. Avatar will be a "training ground" for Battle Angel, as the alien characters involved in that film will be based on similar technology. In addition, the film will be filmed with the digital 3D system Cameron developed for Avatar.

 

[MarsProbe]

The movie wasn't that great. Sure, it was a good movie and everybody should see it, but it's just a wasted potential. I had many problems with this movie and while watching i had to should ''WTF is this? Why are they doing this? Why is this guy even allowed to be here? Is he retarded?''
I wanted to punch the guy who got in to the avatar, then stud up and started wailing hes tail around and people wanted to drug him. For gods sakes, your a marine that's in a billion worth avatar, start being serious, stop endangering other life's. This an important mission god dammit! And when you see flowers, don't go away from your crew to get killed by wild beasts!

Well, I don't know about you, but if I was a person who for whatever reason didn't have the use of his legs and suddenly found myself in control of an extremely fit and agile 10 foot tall humanoid body, the first thing I'd be doing is busting out of the place and making the most of my new found mobility. Plus, you get to check out an awesome looking alien moon to boot. But hey, if you want to stay in lying on the medical bed, be my guest.

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the film myself. I didn't even really notice the considerable screen time passing and the two parts of the film I'd heard mocked quite considerably in another review (Sully and Neytiri's intimate moment and the Na'vi's ritual chant around their sacred tree) were actually perfectly bearable I though.

The only downside I can see is that, if I ever want to do watching this film again any justice outside of the cinema, I'll need quite a large tv to pull it off!

 

[Gindil]

Avatar cost just $237 million to make, but $150 million more went into advertising:
http://www.thewrap.com/article/true-cost-and-consequences-avatar-11206?page=1

But after having just seen it, this film was easily going to make it's cash back - probably one of the best films of all time. Considering it's a Cameron film, there was more change of the Titanic being raised than Avatar being a flop.

I don't think there's a 3D movie that's ever aged well. Avatar made a profit which is certain. But I highly doubt that this is a move that people will enjoy without 3D glasses. Also, T2 or Titanic are MUCH better offerings than Avatar's.

 

[Ushario]

I saw Avatar in 3D and I have to say I'm happy they made a profit, a surprisingly good story, awesome action scenes and epic amounts of destruction. Yet it all worked and didn't remind me of a Michael Bay (sp?) movie.

I'm just hoping that James Cameron makes a few more awesome movies.