Outer Rim Territories

Musings, ramblings, and nonsense from the fringe of space and time
 

Avatar: Reviewing the Reviewers | Front Porch Republic

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It is curious to me that this movie has so obviously touched a raw nerve and gotten under the skin of a certain set of east-coast conservatives.  It reminds me a bit of the over-reaction of the same set to a certain book about granola-toting and sandal-wearing cons! I understand and agree with, to a point, the knock on Hollywood pantheism.  That said, I found Douthat’s critique of the movie to be forced and artificial.  It is true that the tall blue people were a bit tree-huggy, and their primitive beliefs were certainly based on American Indian-type pantheism or nature-worship.  However, the primary expression of this was the belief that all of the living things in their home formed an interconnected whole that the native people are both caretakers and a part of.  Take out the fantasy and sci-fi elements and there isn’t anything here Wendell Berry hasn’t also said. More interesting is the question Douthat raises of why the natives are attractive, both to the central character, and, in theory, to the audience.  As I’ve already said, I enjoyed the movie a good deal and in no small part because I enjoyed the depiction of the natives.  Why?  Am I just a naïve anti-American nativist, or a sucker for nostalgic, romantic, treacle?  Or maybe I’m just a flat out tree-hugging anti-corporate anti-military liberal!
via Avatar: Reviewing the Reviewers | Front Porch Republic.

Filed under  //   Movies  
Posted December 23, 2009 by Christopher Gillespie 
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Avatar

Anne and I saw Avatar for my birthday. Don't see it in 2D as it will ruin any value the popcorn-fest has. It's about the 3D.Some call it "Dances with Smurfs." I prefer to think of it as the Lion King, with Braveheart battle sequences, and a huge homage to the Titanic in the final act. Dialogue is not the strong point but who would expect edgy dialogue from James Cameron? The typical James Horner soundtrack doesn't get in the way. Most of the time the 3D is a subtle extension of the depth of field and not distracting. When stuff pops off the screen its dramatic and effect. Overall, its no classic but its worth the time and the $$. CBC has a great review:

A lot of Avatar is ridiculous – how else to describe a movie where bikini-clad warriors speak in a patois that recalls Jodie Foster in Nell? But it's also impossible to ignore the film's technical innovations. In the end, it's probably best to check your brain at the door, embrace Avatar for the popcorn-chomping trash it secretly is and accept the truism that most sci-fi audiences already know: You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.
via CBC News - Film - Review: Avatar.

Filed under  //   Movies  
Posted December 19, 2009 by Christopher Gillespie 
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