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Reviews
Avatar (2009)
Immersive, Beautiful, and Fantastic
Avatar is a must see. Be sure to see it in 3D if you can.
The 3D element does require that you look where the camera is focused. This took some time to get used to, but once I got beyond the temptation to try to take everything in, particularly the out of focus elements, and submitted to allowing the film's focus direct my gaze I was completely taken in.
Usually I have something more to say in the way of plot, character, setting, cast, etc.. However, I found the movie so immersive that such mundane and unfeeling analysis was driven completely from my mind. I was drawn in and I am now a fan.
I've never seen a 3d movie before, but after this entirely positive experience I might be inclined to see others in 3d too (X-men, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and a few others would be an entirely different experience in 3D.
On the whole I have to say that this movie is in a category all it's own. I'm sure that there will be those who are not thrilled by it, but in my opinion even those who are not typically fond of Fantasy will be pleased by the experience.
I don't choose see movies in the theater often, but this movie I just might see twice, something that has happened only once before (The Fellowship of the Ring).
Moreover, this movie may be enough reason for me to invest in blu-ray, it is that special.
Thank you Mr Cameron, Avatar is an experience I will not soon forget.
The Last Man (2000)
Excellent off beat comedy
This film is a dead ringer. Had all the actors performed as well as the main character, I would vote this a film of the year.
Such expert use of thematic elements and excellent story telling is a rarity in comedy films. I can't recall ever laughing so hard at a scenes without dialog or having seen humour set up so completely with juxtaposition and other thematic/story telling elements. The writer/director must have had a liberal arts education. I won't be surprised if this film is remade in Hollywood, it's that exceptional.
The 2 audio commentaries add to the aura of this already excellent film, with intelligent and funny behind the scenes dialog.
The Four Feathers (2002)
A magnificent story, and a bittersweet depiction of humanity.
At a time when military status was synonymous with prestige, one young man learns to forgo his pride and reject the egocentric notions of his native land. Though viewed to be a coward when he abandons his country's quest for dominance in the Sudan, he shows us where true courage lies when he refuses to abandon his friends. The tale which ensues seeks to redefine the integrity behind such ideals as duty, loyalty, honor, and love.
This film reaches many levels. The score blends in well, eliciting emotion without reminding you that you are just watching a film. The characters are well developed, and every scene serves a purpose. And, with the exception of the opening scene, (it is quite obvious the actors are not really playing rugby, they are simply shuffling their feet around and getting knocked up a bit) the film was also shot very well. The largest aspect of what makes a good movie, the acting, was also quite good. Had the actors actually lived out the story, they could hardly be expected to act it out better on screen.
If you fancy a tale in which the heroes are not rewarded with glory, fame, or riches. And where meaning is more important than deeds, then this movie is a must.