Movies
This past week I've seen two movies: Sherlock Holmes and Avatar, and while I found Holmes enjoyable the main thing I have to say about Avatar is "Go See It!"
Holmes - As I said, I found the movie enjoyable, if not particularly rave worthy. There are the requisite homages and references to classic Holmes, but this man bored savant turned brash brawler is intentionally "not your father's Holmes". There were some clear anachronisms, an anvillicious sequel setup, and for me an over use of digital scenery. But there are worse ways to spend an afternoon.
Avatar (3D regular sized screen)- I read a couple reviews before seeing this one and they all complained about the plot and/or the dialogue. And I'll agree to a certain extent. The plot is a fairly straight forward retelling of the classic 'boy meets girl' story and the dialogue isn't anything new but you have never seen this story told this way before. To me the film was simply stunningly gorgeous. I will dream of Pandora and if I ever get the chance to see it in true IMAX (the Dome, not just a jumbo screen) I will.
I don't usually watch 3D movies. First the old school (blue/red) tech never really worked for me and second it often feels like an after thought. Here there seemed to be some issues with the polarization at certain distances from the camera or when things moved fast in low light. But for the most part the effect was well integrated as was the digital work.
Speaking of digital work - during the climactic battle sequence I couldn't help thinking "THIS is what George Lucas was trying to do". Then I was watching the credits and of course ILM did some of the effects, so I amused myself with that.
Also speaking of digital - after watching "Sherlock Holmes" I was complaining about how the over use of digital background annoyed me to distraction. In "Avatar" it didn't bother me at all. Now part of it was probably the technologies, but I do think a lot of it was the fact that I am willing to accept in 'real' locations vs. fantasy locations. Anyone else have these issues?
Also, GO PSU!
Holmes - As I said, I found the movie enjoyable, if not particularly rave worthy. There are the requisite homages and references to classic Holmes, but this man bored savant turned brash brawler is intentionally "not your father's Holmes". There were some clear anachronisms, an anvillicious sequel setup, and for me an over use of digital scenery. But there are worse ways to spend an afternoon.
Avatar (3D regular sized screen)- I read a couple reviews before seeing this one and they all complained about the plot and/or the dialogue. And I'll agree to a certain extent. The plot is a fairly straight forward retelling of the classic 'boy meets girl' story and the dialogue isn't anything new but you have never seen this story told this way before. To me the film was simply stunningly gorgeous. I will dream of Pandora and if I ever get the chance to see it in true IMAX (the Dome, not just a jumbo screen) I will.
I don't usually watch 3D movies. First the old school (blue/red) tech never really worked for me and second it often feels like an after thought. Here there seemed to be some issues with the polarization at certain distances from the camera or when things moved fast in low light. But for the most part the effect was well integrated as was the digital work.
Speaking of digital work - during the climactic battle sequence I couldn't help thinking "THIS is what George Lucas was trying to do". Then I was watching the credits and of course ILM did some of the effects, so I amused myself with that.
Also speaking of digital - after watching "Sherlock Holmes" I was complaining about how the over use of digital background annoyed me to distraction. In "Avatar" it didn't bother me at all. Now part of it was probably the technologies, but I do think a lot of it was the fact that I am willing to accept in 'real' locations vs. fantasy locations. Anyone else have these issues?
Also, GO PSU!