Reviews

That's really all you need to do to enjoy this movie. Don't go into it assuming masterful storytelling. Don't go in hoping for a thinking man's script. In fact, don't even expect to see a film in the traditional sense. Because truly, Avatar is more of an experience than a film, and the experience is one of the most entertaining, most impressive ones you'll ever take. James Cameron is a genius, and out of all the movies he's made - Aliens, Terminator, and Titanic - this is the one I believe he will be most remembered for. The bar has been set, and a milestone in movie-making has been reached.

Note: If there were ever an excuse to watch a movie in 3D, this would be it. Even better, watch it in IMAX... I promise, the experience is worth it. Have fun.

I'm not gonna lie. To say that this movie is confusing is like saying the sun is hot but not really. And if you've seen cult director Richard Kelly's previous films, "Donnie Darko" and "Southland Tales," you know that's gotta mean something. When I went to see this movie, there were about 50 people in the theater. Before an hour into the film, about half of the audience had already walked out. By the end, there were only 15 people left wondering what in the hell did they just see. I for one could only comprehend roughly 40% of what I saw on- screen, and even then it can only be called interpretation. So why did I give this movie a generous seven stars? Because for one, we get some spectacular performances (Marsden's great and Langella returns as a familiar creepy character), and most importantly two, because it's entirely original and Richard Kelly, undoubtedly one of the bravest directors alive, uses his creative vision to tell a story that dares to be different. Quite frankly, it's the ONLY way - only through Kelly's unique style could this story be told the way it's intended.

In the end, if you're not willing to spend some serious thought into an intelligent movie (and even then it may all amount to nothing), stay FAR away from this one. But if you want to watch a deep, rich, complex and thought-provoking piece on spirituality, existentialism, and the predictability of human nature, go see this. Be prepared for lengthy discussions with your partner however.

*Note: If by chance you've read this review, taken my recommendation, have actually seen the movie and STILL believe you've wasted 2 hours of your life, I'd be happy to share my views on the whole meaning and plot of the film. See, that's why I liked it so much - it promotes discussion! As hard as it is though, I'll try summing it up by paraphrasing a rather depressing quote by Langella's character, who explains the significance of the simple box to an employee: "Your house is a box which you live in. The car that you drove to work is a box, on wheels. When you return home from work you sit in front of a box with moving images. You watch until the mind and soul rots and the box that is your body deteriorates, when finally you are placed into the ultimate box... to rest under the soil and earth."

The only movie to ever have me standing up in sheer tension whilst watching it (on DVD, that is), Sunshine is one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century. Filled with some really impressive imagery (the sun has never looked so beautiful), great acting, a thought-provoking story, and a tight script which features increasing tension throughout, it's in my opinion Danny Boyle's best movie... yes even better than Scumbag Millionaire (which to be fair wasn't a bad movie either).

However, I do have to agree with people who say the film's third act devolves into pointless Slasher-muck, but that alone is not enough to detract from the overall power of the film. Oh, and I loved the Alien/2001/Solaris/insert-awesome-SciFi-flick references. If only they came up with a more appealing title or better marketing scheme.

Spike Jonze really made the most of what he was given, seeing as the original story was only ten sentences long. Despite its short length, "Where the Wild Things Are" was universally acclaimed and praised for its psychoanalysis of childhood anger and beautiful art when it came out over 45 years ago. After watching the movie, I think it's safe to say that Jonze not only does justice to the book, but creates something much deeper and more mature out of the classic work. I can definitely see why more adults were in my theater than children - besides appealing to grownup nostalgia, the story has aged and evolved alongside its readers. Jonze and Eggers managed to flesh out the plot to include darker and broader themes; sometimes I was surprised that I was watching a children's movie. As for the art, the movie honors the monster's original designs and uses CGI to great effect, making the facial animation incredibly realistic. It's weird that I've related more with these creatures than some of the actors in other recent movies. And speaking of actors, Max Records is on his way to becoming a star. Oh, and Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, and Forest Whitaker are in this.

HOWEVER, this movie isn't for everyone. Watch it with an open (and preferably youthful) mind or don't watch it at all.