Avatar
Just saw Avatar, and yes, it is an amazing movie. The visuals were literally jawdropping--yes, my jaw dropped several times--and the creature design was absolutely exquisite. I also loved the story: it's classic, and has many similarities to David Lynch's Dune which is another of my favourites. It's the same kind of story but Avatar's is much more effective.
I have no problem with the "hippyness" because, after all, they're aliens and this is science fiction. The idea of a plant-based planetary sentience isn't new in sci-fi ("In the Company of Others" by Julie Czerneda comes to mind) and it was done pretty well in Avatar. The aliens were sufficiently alien while still being very relatable. I only regret the line where they claimed humans destroyed Earth and left it without a trace of green. The "dying Earth" motif is hackneyed and didn't need to be used here, and just tipped the portrayal of humans a little too close to being an unbelievable caricature; greed was a sufficient motive by itself. Otherwise, this is definitely a masterpiece and you really need to see it on the big screen.
Unfortunately I didn't see it in 3D (sold out) but I want to go again soon and make sure that I do.
I have no problem with the "hippyness" because, after all, they're aliens and this is science fiction. The idea of a plant-based planetary sentience isn't new in sci-fi ("In the Company of Others" by Julie Czerneda comes to mind) and it was done pretty well in Avatar. The aliens were sufficiently alien while still being very relatable. I only regret the line where they claimed humans destroyed Earth and left it without a trace of green. The "dying Earth" motif is hackneyed and didn't need to be used here, and just tipped the portrayal of humans a little too close to being an unbelievable caricature; greed was a sufficient motive by itself. Otherwise, this is definitely a masterpiece and you really need to see it on the big screen.
Unfortunately I didn't see it in 3D (sold out) but I want to go again soon and make sure that I do.