Sinead's Recent Reviews
Avatar
PG-13
SPOILER ALERT
WOW WOW WOW is all that I can say about Avatar. James Cameron has done it again, the film was just unbelievable! Despite the doubts that a lot of people had towards it, I thought it was absolutely brilliant, and I think you'd be foolhardy to disagree with me.
Firstly, the film was the greatest visual feast my eyes have ever experienced. I watched it in 3D, and though it took me a while to get used to a whole extra dimension on screen, by the end of the film when the action packed finale rolled out, my eyes were ready to take in the spectacle. Utterly beautiful, and the 3D only enhanced it. Amazing stuff by Weta Digital led by Joe Letteri.
The design for the film was phenomenal. The Na'vi, their weapons, their environment, the creatures, as well as the mecha, the technology and the AMP suits were designed exquisitely and quite unlike anything I've ever seen before. I was blown away by Neytiri's beauty, and everything about Pandora kept my eyes glued to the screen. Props to Richard Taylor's Weta Workshop and Cameron's team for the amazing design.
The story was a convention and predictable one, but all the more loveable for it. It was very much the same basic story as 'Pocahontas', but with an alien twist and set in a remarkable environment. However, Cameron did extremely well with aligning the audience with the Na'vi. Even if you are a 'man of industry', you'd be on the Na'vi's side. I think everyone would be tempted to punch the Colonel in the face. Whereas every Na'vi death was like a stab to my own heart, I smiled in triumph when a human was destroyed.
The film was cast well, with Sam Worthington making an excellent protagonist. Combined with the digital performance of all the Na'vi characters, the kick-ass attitude of the fellow heroes, and the sneering, hateful performances of the antagonists, the film worked brilliantly.
However, if I were to make one criticism of the film, it would be the dialogue. I found it to be poorly written at times, with some lines being cringe-worthy (and I did cringe). Considering Cameron wasn't using a particularly original plot, he ought to have come up with more original and interesting dialogue. However, much of the film lacks dialogue altogether, and that is in fact a relief- it gave the visuals more of a chance to shine.
Sound mixing was incredible. The roars of the beasts were convincing and terrifying, and truly brought the creatues to life. The sounds of the machinery was also well done, although anything to do with the 'antagonistic' side is nothing compared to the Na'vi in my mind. The music was also beautiful; exactly what we should expect from the likes of James Horner.
Cinematography was also brilliant, capturing fight sequences and sweeping vistas very well. It also accomodated the 3D, which only enhanced the experience. Editing was also good, building up to a strong climax and allowing enough time for a good story to develop without rushing, but also without dragging. Althought I felt it began a bit quickly, by the end, I understood why Cameron had chosen to rush to the parts involving the Na'vi.
Overall, this film was phenomenal, and I love it more by the second. Visually, it was such an impressive film, and the entire concept of the Na'vi race astounds and moves me. I see this as being a potential 'Star Wars'-esque grail. The basic moral of faith vs. industry was presented in a whole new way, and I can only praise James Cameron for this astounding masterpiece. It's not often that as an audience, you turn against characters of your own species, but Cameron has created such a powerful story that it makes you wish that we lived in a Na'vi society.
Michael Jackson's This Is It
PG
A spectacular show put on by MJ. If the concert had gone forth, it would have been phenomenal.
This film beautifully explored the depths of MJ's performer side and gave an insight into just how passionate and dedicated the man was.
From a filmic perspective, I commend this film's editing, which I thought was absolutely brilliant. It was cut together with heart, showing the viewer a truthful view of MJ, intercut with spectacular footage of not only his rehearsals, but also the music videos that were newly shot for the concert, and interviews with colleagues. This made for a very entertaining couple of hours, and I was overall mesmerized by the power of this film.
Brilliant indeed for Michael Jackson fan.
