Avatar Is…

Just got back from a screening of Avatar, 3-D glasses and all. This is just going to be a quickie take on it, since there are so many reviews yet to come – but the thing to know right up front about Avatar is that the years of work put into it, the money it cost to make, is all up there on screen. The other thing to know? The Na’Vi do not look weird at all; in fact, they’re big, beautiful amazon things. There is never a moment where you see the effects working; it never looks fake, not for a moment, and you are pulled right into the two worlds.

My take on it is that it is one of the best films I’ve seen this year. It is great in a way that no other film can be: years of dedication, out of Jim Cameron’s imagination — in that way, it’s unique. I sat there for two and a half hours completely enthralled. I never knew what was coming next (how often can you say that?). I saw things I could never have imagined seeing on film ever. Yeah, it has its cheesy moments, but it is far less cheesy than Titanic.

I was moved by the story, caught up in the drama of it, surprised by where it took me. It is unlike any cinematic experience I’ve ever had. And it will blow your fucking mind.

For me, it has been kind of an odd year for film – a lot of good movies, not a lot of great ones. Avatar is a great one.¬† But on to the Oscar talk – just forget anyone competing for Visual Effects. That race is over. Both sound categories, maybe editing, all go to Avatar. Art direction is possible – we could be looking at an ROTK-like sweep of the techs. They would be crazy not to nominate Jim Cameron for Best Director. Best Original Screenplay nomination, seems to be in the bag, or hopefully is, if anyone is paying attention. And of course, a Best Pic nod seems a certainty.¬† You’re looking at potentially eight nominations, but then you also have James Horner’s score, so perhaps you’re looking at nine or ten nominations. Only a biased and out of touch voting body would ignore this film.

Meanwhile, Muggle alert:

Our pal Jordan sends us this link via the Drudge Report where Sam Rubin says, without a shred of doubt:

I can report that this is another rare example where the quality of the movie does indeed exceed the hype and “Avatar” will most certainly be among the 10 ‘Best Picture’ nominees for the Oscars; and James Cameron will also be a Best Director nominee. I think it is also possible that actress Zoe Saldana, who has the most challenging of roles in the film, may rack up an additional acting nomination as well.