Avatar

let me guess, this one doesn't count because she's a woman so she was on the rag when she reviewed this. so she's a troll and she's ugly.

did i get that right 12 year old fanboys?

Dec 18 - 01:49 PM

Romick Acon

went and saw the movie last night in digital 3d, all i can say is it was worth every penny. im sick of reading these reviews that are 20 pages long nitpicking at every little aspect that they thought was wrong with this cinematic adventure, yes i said it, it is an adventure. james cameron did exactly what he set out to do with this project, i had a great time and will be going again to see this with family for the holidays. if you want to go and have your mind blown by a movie this year, avatar is second to none. if you go in expecting a revolutionary story with superb acting this isn't for you. it's meant to ENTERTAIN, so to all you naysayers out there with these bogus reviews, your boring people with no sense of adventure just a bunch of snobs. take the stick out of your asses and enjoy this tech achievement.

Dec 19 - 11:03 AM

Robert Heron

Twelve year old fan boys will be the future of cinima whether you like it or not, so screw you.

Dec 19 - 08:51 PM

Stepping Razor

Well said, Matt L.

There aren't that many reviewers from racial minorities on here. I'd hate to see if they even dared to criticize Avatar and then read the racist ramblings of mad, raving fanboys bashing everything from that person's name, to his/her race, their religion, the clothes they're wearing in their photos, etc. etc.

Dec 20 - 04:36 PM

Lidia Fernandez

I'm an adult woman by the way, I really enjoyed this movie as everyone else of my adult friends & family of all ages did as well! :)

Jan 26 - 07:46 PM

Benedict Lee

Matt L. You're the troll.

Sep 7 - 11:24 PM

Chad Pastrama

You're awesome, Matt L. I really did not enjoy this movie, but probably not for the same reasons as others. It was basically a movie about "Save the Earth, it is your mother and god." Ugh. Actually, my God is Jesus, thank you very much, and I already take care of the Earth because JESUS said so. This film was so New Age and ridiculous. And it was so obvious that the "bad guys" were the British settlers/New Americans and the Na'vi were the "Native Americans". I know the settlers did awful things to the Native Americans, but some were quite good and tried to integrate them into society. Anyway, it was hundreds of years ago, so people need to get over it. The only reason people liked "Avatar" was because of the special effects and 3D. So let me make myself clear, if you're going to like a movie simply because of the digital 3D, then you really don't know what GOOD movies are about.

Jan 27 - 12:30 PM

Brandon Andrade

Your comment has made me lose all faith in the human race. Go suck God's massive cock, you fucking tool

Jun 21 - 12:04 AM

Ryan Jewell

well its true seriously disney has done this and it was better

Nov 4 - 01:14 AM

Mikayla Flood

Why don't you take care of the earth because it is the right thing to do, not because someone, who is definitely not a god, said so. I am Agnostic, and proud of it, and you hypocritical Christians need to nit-pick at yourself before nit-picking others.

Sep 23 - 03:19 PM

Derek Dols

Your'e an idiot bro. "My God is Jesus, and I take care of the earth because Jesus said so." IGNORANCE at it's finest. BTW God and Jesus are two separate entities in your religion so maybe you should read into it if your going to follow it. No wonder you don't like this movie, it's mocking your type lol.

Oct 1 - 05:17 PM

Brian Skerritt

Was the film perfect? No. Was the 14 years in waiting 3D as good as everyone expected? No. But to say the movie was not enjoyable based upon the budget must mean that a Ferrari is not as fun as driving as a Geo Metro.

Dec 18 - 01:52 PM

Peter Townsend

Anyone can criticize a film, book, piece of artwork based on their past experiences, this is our subjectivity at work. But to realize that a film is not judged by budgets and earnings alone, we must accept that there are going to be people on both sides of the issue. As such, for those who argue that "the visuals are stunning", I submit this definition of pornography- 3. the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction. How many of you felt a visceral response to the visuals? It is because the colors and light were manipulated to manipulate the viewer. Specific colors engage our senses and make us feel a certain way and so do colors that come in contrast to those colors. I will not doubt that people will say that this was a benchmark and influential piece, but the truth is that there will be no movie that is as visually and technically important as Toy Story.

So the debate as to whether or not this was a great film lies on the basic merits, the story. Whatever way a story is told, be it through books, theater, music, or orally, there has to be something that makes it compelling that which isn't trite and overused. It is to this which some are speaking and it is to that which I do agree that this will not be as long-lasting as it is being touted. There is much more to a movie. Plot, Character, dialogue, these too are essential to the mixture which is the art form of film. Dialogue is one in which James Cameron would rank in the shallow end. The Terminator is the only film were his broken dialogue is even somewhat convincing.

Having a 95% Freshness rating by top-critics is abysmal and it almost would equate to jury tampering. But I guess that this subjectivity is relative to the audience reading and putting stock in the film. People using the argument that "it has earned 3 Billion dollars so it must be great" are deluded lemmings.

If we are talking about visually stunning films, 2001, is still stunning to watch even though it is decades apart from Avatar. It lasts due to the story that compels the protagonist into the world. The dialogue that occurs is beautiful and natural. The resting places of the film allow for our internal dialogue to continue well after the film goes black. It endures because of its ability to make something as far reaching as living in space human, relate-able, even the computer is flawed and human. HAL 9000 is a more believable and human character than any character that James Cameron has ever portrayed. So much so that Avatar leaps away from a human relationship in the film. We are not perfect species but we are deserving of compassion.

Good Vs Evil: I deplore this plot. For entertainment and propagandist usage it is perfect, but not a great defense for those of you out there using it.

I could go on about this film and James Cameron, but I will continue to digress until I reach the level of a petulant child so I will stop here with a final word. For those looking for a one-liner review.

This movie is bubble-gum. It taste great for the first ten minutes, then it is annoying and sticks to your dental work.

Feb 1 - 09:05 PM

Benedict Lee

No need to write an essay on it.

Sep 7 - 11:25 PM

David D

I'd be amazed if anyone would be arsed reading all that mate, I sure aint.

Sep 9 - 06:46 PM

PlanetaryAssault Systems

I did and he's right.

Be amazed.

Jan 23 - 09:06 AM

Danny Bonneville

did anyone read that entier thing. i dident lol.

Sep 29 - 08:00 PM

jake the rake

This bashing every negative review of Avatar is a joke.

Get over yourselves, fanboys.

Dec 18 - 02:04 PM

Brian Skerritt

spielberglover.........bashing EVERY negative review? not quite. I just don't think "top critics" should be able to review with inaccuracies and I feel I have the right to voice my own opinion in regards to theirs. To call me a fanboy and "bash" my comment on a review makes YOU the biggest fanboy of all. Stephanie's review was the first review I read of the film...and I found it to be HIGHLY untruthful. What do you drive for a car spielberg lover? Maybe you should take one of mine out for a day and you will catch my point in my original comment :)

Dec 20 - 06:56 PM

Matthew Dynda

spielberglover:

How hypocritical. You are bashing every negative reaction to these reviews without considering that some fan responses are very reasonable and intelligently stated. Brian S. is a fine example.

Dec 18 - 02:08 PM

jake the rake

So I'm bashing the bashers of negative reviwers. lol. a new low for the fanboys!!!

Dec 18 - 02:24 PM

Rob Gordon

Oh, come on. A critic has to be prepared to take the worst of it when they slam someone's new favorite movie. If it's reviewed in a particuarly acidic tone, they'll get negative feedback from people who might have only reasonably enjoyed the film.

It's a part of the job. Even Siskel and Ebert knew this, and capitalized on it in their own show, bashing each other horridly for having different views.

Dec 20 - 08:59 PM

Diego Hooghkirk

Finally, Salon.com makes a review worthwhile.

Dec 18 - 02:21 PM

Phil McGroin

worthwhile? They gave a rotten to an amazing movie...their review sucks as far as I'm concerned.

Sucks almost as much as Matt L.

Dec 18 - 02:27 PM

Diego Hooghkirk

It wasn't anything special, Armond.

Dec 18 - 02:29 PM

Phil McGroin

Perhaps to a moron like yourself. The Avatar haters are looking more and more desperate. I guess the people applauded the movie because it was average.

what a moron.

if it wasn't anything special name a movie with better 3D and overall FX.

I won't expect an answer anytime soon douchebag

Dec 18 - 03:03 PM

Diego Hooghkirk

All you can call people who don't agree with you douchebags? Wow. Pathetic.

Dec 18 - 03:13 PM

Diego Hooghkirk

So all you can argue is that it has good 3D and good overall FX? Whatever happened to movies being enjoyed because of a good storyline and memorable characters?

Dec 18 - 03:18 PM

Schuyler Reynolds

Just because you didn't think the storyline or plot was good doesn't mean is was bad. Everybody has there own opinions, just like me.
Yes, this storyline and plot was basically a post-modern Pocahontas. But it was well executed, and in my opinion matches the intensity of Pocahontas itself.

Dec 18 - 07:52 PM

Diego Hooghkirk

Why do you hate Matt so much? It's not like saying that you're 12 years old is a horrible act of discrimination towards 12 year olds.

Dec 18 - 02:32 PM

Michael Williams

Interesting. I'm having a very hard time figuring out how anyone could have disliked this movie. I mean, unless they just hate awesome CGI, hate sci-fi epics, hate good stories, etc. The movie rocked. It was my first time seeing a movie in IMAX 3D. I was waiting for the right one to come along and this was without a doubt it. I made a wise choice.

Dec 18 - 02:48 PM

Stepping Razor

Tekzel, are you aware that people can have different tastes? Different likes and dislikes?

I'm sure that there are movies that you didn't like, yet they were enjoyed/liked by others. Does that mean you have to like those movies, too?

All those things you stated: awesome CGI, sci-fi epics, good stories. Those are all based on your personal opinion, your tastes. What you find awesome, or good, or epic, I might not find the same.

And same goes for my tastes. I may like things that you hate.

A lot of people across this country loved the High School Musical movies, the Twilight movies, and almost every Disney movie.

To them, those movies were good, great, wonderfully entertaining. Were they the same to you? They might be asking the same thing: How could ANYONE not love these movies?

Dec 20 - 04:43 PM

Zachariah Savic

Right on Armond.

Dec 19 - 09:54 PM

John Smith

haha dodgerblue movies arent just about the 3D and "FX", maybe some people didnt love the movie as much as you did, and for the record people didnt exactly applaud this movie, last time I checked The Hurt Locker won film of the year. Honestly in my opinion the stolen story in Avatar could have been much better, but everyone would have to agree the visual experience was like nothing we've every seen. The movie was good and bad so can everyone just get along?

Aug 9 - 09:05 AM

Anthony Retondo

Was the film perfect? Heck it very well could be. Should anyone ever be discriminated for thinking otherwise? No.

Dec 18 - 02:22 PM

Ryan Jewell

yes because all great movies had one dimensiol characters

Nov 4 - 01:18 AM

Triple Twyford

Stephanie Zacharek is the only %u201Ctop critic%u201D that I believe doesn%u2019t deserve the title. She has given negative reviews to Up, WALL-E, The Dark Knight, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, There Will Be Blood, and Up in the Air. She is notorious for giving rotten reviews to anticipated movies and anyone with a brain knows this. Avatar still has a 94% among top critics which is unheard of with a movie that%u2019s overall meter is at 82% (thanks to the blogger critics).

Dec 18 - 02:50 PM

Endless Sender

My god these are all great movies that she didn't like. What movies DOES she like...Bridges of Madison County? The English Patient? Blech.

Dec 22 - 10:50 AM

Ted Chalfen

Guys...you have to admit...you loved this movie. I don't care what you say, or what criticisms you might have, you loved it. Because you are a human being, and this movie plays on everything we love. Good vs. Evil, Underdog vs. Favorite, Forbidden Romance, lots of explosions, Sigourney Weaver, James Cameron, etc. You did love this movie, whether you admit it or not. If you didn't, see a physician.

Dec 18 - 03:06 PM

Martin Starbuck

A good comment Ted C.

Maybe some Persons don't want to get to involved in things, so movies which causes strong emotional reactions are classified as intruders of their persona.

And by the way, to call each other morons and jerks and silly and stupid and idiots shows superb high-level critic-ability. Go and make a film, you already showed your knowledge of high-quality entertainment.

Dec 29 - 01:22 PM

Joey Gaber

Some (like me) would say that appealing to the lowest common denominator is not something that a movie should be doing, which is basically what your argument is. An appeal to ethos, to the way things are, you think the movie is about good vs. evil and thus you will frame it as such, but to me I found more sympathy in the hard *** army sergeant than I did in that ***** cripple that gave up on humanity for something that wasn't his. That is what I did not like about the movie, the message was tripe and the story was crap, and yes it did try to appeal to the worst parts of humanity a bit too much for my liking. Black and white is not how I see the world but it is how the supporters of this movie see the world. Either you're smart and intelligent and you agree that this movie is awesome or you're a delusional freak that can't have any fun.

Dec 31 - 12:20 AM

Piranha Fodder

"Black and white is not how I see the world but it is how the supporters of this movie see the world."

Did you just vomit that at random onto the keyboard? I suggest you go back and re-read that sentence ten times. If, after that, you haven't realized what a complete idiot you are, you should seriously consider being sterilized.

Jan 2 - 09:30 AM

Joey Gaber

lol you're retarded- not my problem buddy. If you don't understand what it is I'm trying to say then that is on you, not on me.

But I will put in terms that a simpleton like you can understand: the world is not built on absolutes and it never will be.

GG

Jan 5 - 11:37 PM

Doc Solder

No, I didn't love it. I liked it okay. It was kinda entertaining. I haven't re-watched it and probably won't go out of my way to do so.

I've seen movies like this before. This one was prettier, that's all.

May 27 - 12:43 PM

Tim Guy

The problem with these reviews and comments by others are they are simply STUPID and unfounded.

Avatar has a good story. The character development of the Jake Sully *is* the story. It was very well done. The dialogue was spot on for the Military in a non R rated movie.

*anyone* who tries to say that this movie did not revolutionize special effects is simply a blind Callous idiot who's opinion is worthless. Everyone can have an opinion but not everyone's opinion is correct.

I went into this movie looking to pick it apart based on what i had read and came away wondering if the fluoride in the water really was causing wide spread mental retardation.

Not a single solitary negative comment about the characters, story or special effects being bad is valid.

Those people are flat out ridiculous. I cant stress it enough.

Dec 18 - 03:37 PM

Anthony Retondo

"Not a single solitary negative comment about the characters, story or special effects being bad is valid.

Those people are flat out ridiculous. I cant stress it enough."

-That is a very very bold statement.

Dec 18 - 03:44 PM

Sin Donor

Here here! Agree 100%!

Dec 18 - 04:33 PM

Bo P

That's your argument Tim G.? Is that people voicing there opinions that don't jive with yours are simply "STUPID"? Funny how you followed that by your mispelling of the word "dumbfounded". What makes you think your opinion is "correct" when your grammar is far from it? You seem to be one of the many people defending this film using the "it's good because ... it just is!" argument, which doesn't work as an intelligent evaluation of a movie. A "valid comment", as you might call it, is supported by a valid argument. When it comes to effects, you're right -- they were wondrous. But as far as good storytelling goes, this film could have played out on Cartoon Network. Take out the effects and then come at me with your argument that it was a great movie, everybody.

Jan 3 - 06:29 AM

Patrick Miller

just so you know, unfounded is actually a word, believe it or not, and was also used in the correct context.

Jan 8 - 01:16 AM

V L

Tim G wrote:
I went into this movie looking to pick it apart based on what i had read and came away wondering if the fluoride in the water really was causing wide spread mental retardation.

Tim, I can't possibly agree with you more. I feel like I'm on Mars when I hear people rant against this film. It disturbs me deeply. It makes me wonder what the HELL can possibly be wrong with them. I mean it, it's really bothering me. What is wrong with people? Are they just so jaded they literally can't see anymore? Do they feel so entitled that they can't even recognize a gift from film makers when they get it? Do they think they've ever witnessed anything like this film before? They are so goddamned pathetic, it makes me so sad. I can't believe I almost didn't see Avatar because of the negative reviews!

Feb 20 - 12:27 AM

jesse rowlands

seeing all these debacles makes me want tos see the movie more

Dec 18 - 03:55 PM

Matt Lubisich

armond, either you are assklown who seems to have disappeared or you are doing each other and taking turns on the keyboard. either way, i love how riled up you guys get at negative reviews as if it somehow affects your lives.

makes me laugh every time. thanks

Dec 18 - 04:14 PM

Michael Carter

Oh Stephanie.
'"It'd be a fresh start. In a new world. And the pay is good. Very good,'" was actually said by TWO extras, not Sam Worthington. Maybe that helps clarify the punctuation.

"Cameron's political stand is solidly liberal..." Liberal? If anyone can legitimize genocide or "the corporatization of military power" I'd like to hear his argument. Because that sounds like pretty basic morality to me.

The worst part of your review, Steph, is that you seemed to have forgotten that special effects ARE USED TO TELL STORY. That isn't "Avatar" specific. And while this particular story is at times predictable, the story-telling THROUGH SPECIAL EFFECTS is unique and has changed the way movies will be made forever.

How many movies have that attribute?

Dec 18 - 06:41 PM

Michael Carter

Learn something, Steph.

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091211/REVIEWS/912119998

Dec 18 - 06:44 PM

rick ziola

Just saw Avatar today....I was.....disappointed??? I had more expectation from this, being a J.C. fan, and I have to admit that all the wonderful imagery (didn't seem all that spectacular or different in 2D than anything else lately) did not take away from the fact that I have seen and heard this story far too many times before. I felt like I was watching a sci fi Braveheart, or something like that anyway. I almost expected the lines made famous from Mel Gibson in that movie. I enjoyed District 9 much more and look forward to it coming out on DVD this week.

Dec 18 - 07:28 PM

aragorn k

I'm sick of pretenders desperately obsessed with "complex plot". First off Avatar's got a very good story for its topic (na'vi are a simple people, adding existencism arguments or such would seem completely out of place) Are there movies with more nuanced stories and characters? Hell yeah. But when somebody ask you if you have seen a movie like those, your answer would have to be "yes", i mean there have been too many story gems in movie history to say "no". But when they ask you if you've seen anything like Avatar, you'd be lying to yourself or mechanically separating the "plot" from the technology to so "yes". Ladies and gentlemen, whether or not you digg Avatar's decent but simple story, now you are in post-Avatar era, and not a single movie in recent memory has managed to achieve something similar.

Dec 18 - 07:33 PM

Matt Lubisich

spartan, is your favorite movie transformers or something? movies need plot to be interesting. and dances with wolves on a different planet isn't creative at all no matter what effects were used.

Dec 18 - 07:40 PM

Dayvid Iannaci

LOL at Matt L.

I see you... patrolling the neg reviews looking to get into arguments with people you like to call fanboys.

Gotta admit, some of your digs are entertaining but let's be real... You haven't even seen the movie have you Matt?

Don't lie... You haven't seen it... c'mon admit it.

What happened? Did a trekkie beat you up when you were a kid or something?

Dec 18 - 07:58 PM

aragorn k

Comparing Avatar to Transformers is criminal. By "story not being particularly complex" I mean it's not full of melodramatic twists and psuedo-philosophical observations, not that it's a simpleton plot.

I absolutely love this movie, because cameron did something NEVER done before, instead of presenting complicated, dark turns of events and drama actings to encourage viewers to use their BRAIN to comprehend his implicatoin, on "why fight for pandora" HE SIMPLY SHOWED US, and let us use our HEART to find the answer he has for the viewers.

Transformers' "special effects" can never do something similar, because it's just there for dazzling decoration, while the technology used in Avatar TELLS A VERY CENTRAL PART OF THE STORY in a way that many top drama actors can't pull off. Anyone striving to separate Avatar's technology from its plot is futile, because the tech here isn't "special effects" anymore, it's the biggest character in the movie, central to the emotional tie to the story, who is worthy of an oscar~

Dec 19 - 02:24 AM

Ryan Jewell

this has been done before like 1000 times actually and what brain is there thewhite men come to get reasorces from indians i mean the navi

Nov 4 - 01:22 AM

Matt Lubisich

i am a trekkie buddy. i just like busting chops.

and no i haven't seen it. it's just fun to get the fanboys blood pressure up. it's soooooooooooooooo easy i can't help myself

Dec 18 - 08:00 PM

Dayvid Iannaci

LMAO - I understand.

Check out the flick though... it's pretty awesome.

Dec 18 - 08:50 PM

Bob Road

its gods fault and obama and tiger woods
( isnt that what 90% of the comments turn into somehow )

the movies great anyone that dont see that is not in touch with the next gen of scifi is.

suck me

Dec 18 - 08:51 PM

Ryan Jewell

the next gen of sifi is bad writing and bad characters spending almost 2 billion on the movie and has lots of explosions sounds like Michial bay

Nov 4 - 01:24 AM

Sean Pak

Why yes, Stephanie Zacharek, I did wish I was there. Mission accomplished, then. If it were a bad movie, why would I want to be there?

Dec 18 - 10:38 PM

Colin Bush

Stephanie, you are an ignorant moron. To think this movie is terrible is to think that Red is not a color.
You are probably someone that does not understand the hard work of CGI because your brain cannot handle the truth.
James Cameron is a true master at what he does. Just look at Terminator 2, Aliens, and Titanic. Who cares if this movie has a huge budget, oh wait you do. You are the only person I have herd about that complains about a high budget movie and then does not understand the movie to its full potential.
I went into the movie thinking it was just going to be an action movie, but it was much more. The first hour and a half (maybe 2 hours) felt like you were there and learning as Jake did. This was the best Scifi I have seen, maybe even the best.
Please never review a movie, I am 17 and I make more sense than you. Get your credentials right before reviewing a movie.

Dec 18 - 10:47 PM

Ryan Jewell

the movie was not orginial and this is a bad script with bad characters and it looks neat not great

Nov 4 - 01:25 AM

Kaitlyn robertson

I have never posted a comment on a movie before, but this review prompted me to. I loved this movie, it stirred everything in me that makes me human, the awe of discovering new things, the urge to protect the underdog, good vs. evil, romance, sticking up for what is right. This movie is easily my favorite so far this year. I loved every minute of it, i left the theater asking my friends when we were going back for round 2. That is why i go to movies, for that feeling. So i don't know why Ms. Stephanie Zacharek feels the need to put down this wonderfully written and created film, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will be going back for more.

Dec 18 - 10:50 PM

Ryan Jewell

LOL wonderfully writen trust me watch it a second time it sucks

Nov 4 - 01:26 AM

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