Avatar (2009; Rated )

Karla S. said on Friday, March 05, 2010 11:25:44 PM
I thought the set up to Avatar was boring, and I almost left the theatre. I stayed on because I wanted to see the special effects. They were worth waiting for but after a short while, the effects became routine. There was not much awe, and really how can there be when a computer is doing the work. I thought the performances all around were melodramatic. I need a good story to truly enjoy a film. The story can be routine, but the writing has to be alive. Without a good story, you don't have a film; you just have the effects (for what that's worth).

Thomas Gazdayka said on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:46:29 AM
Hello Richard, I found your site. I have missed your reviews since you left 'At the Movies'. Concerning AVATAR, I loved it. I have only seen it twice, not 13 times with TITANIC. BUT very visually stunning. Again nice to have found your movie review site. I will be coming back often.

Connie said on Monday, February 15, 2010 7:32:29 PM
Good review and you captured exactly how I felt about the movie. The fx and 3d were SO good and even revolutionary, you have to give this movie high grades. The whole pantheism, noble savage, evil whitey thing took away from the movie.

Scott said on Thursday, February 04, 2010 3:03:28 PM
Richard,
I was hoping you of all people would have sided with me on NOT liking this heaping pile of dung. But I forgot that going to the movies in this day and age has nothing to do with story lines and dialog. MY BAD! Its all about how much money you can pour into the CGI to get the mindless morons to oooo and ahhhh about. I really wanted to like this movie. I have nothing against James Cameron but come on Richard! (I think I am going to rename you Dick) Just because you make the most expensive movie in history does not give you right to receive the praise he is getting from this heap. Please get back down to earth Dick and stop smoking dope before you go to the movies.

Marc said on Saturday, January 16, 2010 11:44:33 PM
I was very skeptical about this movie before I saw it because of all of the hype. However, it really is that great. I'm not just talking about the breathtaking visuals though, but the story and the acting was excellent. Yes, the plot was a bit predictable, but it doesn't matter when you care about the characters the way you do when being utterly immersed in this story. The soundtrack is also top notch and helps you feel the emotion of the movie. Much of the movie I was just sitting with my mouth open and at the edge of my seat. One of the best of the decade.

Christopher Zeidel said on Thursday, December 24, 2009 8:14:50 AM
Avatar is interesting in spots. I liked the final battle. The problem is that it's extremely predictable. I knew everything that was going to happen long before it happened. It is also overlong. Cameron spends too much time setting things up, but the last 40 minutes are quite exciting.

Miguel said on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 9:38:57 PM
The film stinks.

Eric L said on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 4:27:56 PM
Visually stunning. I came out of the theatre in aww. Solid Performances by the leads. I disagree that it was layed on to thick, I thought the scene where the hometree was destroyed was masterfully done, not overdramatic, very sad, and I felt for all the Na'vi. One of the best movies of the year by far.

Ernie Truman said on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:03:52 AM
It always seems that every year we get one of those action-packed juggernauts with anticipation flooding the neighborhoods and spreading through word-of-mouth. In the past decade alone we have had movies like King Kong, The Lord of the Rings, Watchmen, Transformers, and The Dark Knight. Many of them have delivered (The Dark Knight being a prime example). Others like Transformers and Watchmen have let us down. Avatar was not one of the latter. This is a movie with such life, color and visual spectacle that it's nearly impossible to take your eyes away from what is going on. This by far one of the best movies of the year (but not the decade) and deserves to be seen by anyone even remotely interested in movies. Richard Roeper's review is on the money. It had some weaknesses but overall they amount to nothing more than an almost unrecognizable nuisance. See it in 3D if you want. I don't think it will take away from the experience like A Christmas Carol. James Cameron has made 3D so that it enhances the movie and gives it depth. Still, I wonder whether or not you'd be better off saving five dollars and just see the movie in its regular 2D format. Either way, buy a ticket and you won't be disappointed. Just don't drink anything before the movie. You have been warned!

Susy said on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 2:04:58 AM
I beg of you all, save your money, this movie is so long boring, long, loud, long, unimaginative, long, visually stunning and long.