Avatar 3D 2009

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After no doubt living like a king off the stupendous profits earned by Titanic (the highest grossing film of all time), James Cameron returns to directing blockbusters with the sci-fi action film Avatar. The story is set in 2154, where humanity has discovered the planet Alpha Centuri B-4, a world of not only unimaginable treasures and resources, but also deadly life forms. Those who attempt to use the resources for their own personal gain risk not only the new planet fittingly dubbed Pandora, but also the future of earth itself and all who inhabit it.

Cameron has developed a new visual technique, a dual lens stereoscopic camera, which is the closest cinematic approximation so far to the human eye and is expected to produce the most convincing 3D experience in movie history. It will be applied to the film’s live action scenes that constitute approximately half the film, the rest will be presented through cutting edge CGI techniques. Sigourney Weaver plays the lead role, re-uniting with Cameron for the first time since Aliens, with Michelle Rodriguez and Giovanni Ribisi other notable names to sign on. Some of the film is shot in New Zealand, and Peter Jackson's Weta Digital company is on board to help with visual effects. More

Click here for Avatar screenings in 2D. Hide

Andrew Hedley Flicks Writer

We’re happy to report that the most hyped film of the year actually lives up to what it promises. Avatar is a pulpy sci-fi adventure, delivering bar-raising visual effects and plenty of thrills. More

It’s fair to say that James Cameron’s return to directing is more of a technical accomplishment than a leap forward in storytelling, but while the strokes of the narrative are fairly broad, the inordinate level of visual detail is nothing short of astonishing.

The early stages of the movie build anticipation (much like in Jurassic Park, we’re only told of dangers lurking beyond the fence) and then – boom – we’re dropped into the wild with the research team. The jungle environment of Pandora is fully immersive, packed with incidental background details like fluttering leaves or tiny bugs. The night-time bioluminescence is breathtakingly beautiful (we urge you to see this in 3-D if you can).

A chance encounter with a particularly fearsome six-limbed beast separates ex-marine Jake Sully (a soulful Sam Worthington) from his fellow humans and leads to his eventual indoctrination with a native clan, replete with nipple-covering necklaces and Xena-ish war cries. State-of-the-art motion capture technology allows for an engaging performance from Zoe Saldana, charismatic as the chief’s daughter, Neytiri.

The film’s lengthy middle section dabbles with hippie mantras and magic trees (aided by James Horner’s score of African harmonies, South American pan flutes and Asian drumming) but the eventual climactic battle scene is a fan-boy’s dream come true. A fleet of gunships and helicopters meet natives riding winged creatures in a psychedelic explosion-fest that will ctrl+alt+delete your eyeballs and overheat your brain.

So the story rarely strays from classic formula, but Avatar is an experience. It’s escapism and adventure. At the dawn of a new decade, this movie is heralding a new wave of blockbuster entertainment, promising to take us to places as yet unseen. Hide

39 %

Want to See it

What say you?

Annie

WOW! its animation is so real! This is one of those one in a life time movies!!
LENNA

put som clothes on cats
Avatar

It is the best movieI have ever seen so far!
Brad

Best movie ever!
Bobby D

Not that great :(
ashy

frickin mintege

AGREE? DISAGREE?...

comment / reply

Visually Brilliant

TB Nobody

I absolutley loved this movie which is surprising as the movies often don't live up to the expectation. The visual effects were awesome and three hours just flew by as I was drawn into the visual extravaganza. I can't remember the last time I was so absorbed in a movie that I completely shut out all the other distractions like popcorn munching, chip paper rustling and annoying chatter. For those of you who wear glasses, change to contacts if you have them to watch the movie. After two hours the weight of the 3D glasses and my own, got a bit painful on the bridge of my nose and I had a small amount of glare from two lenses. The movie did have shades of Dances with Wolves but it wasn't an altogether bad storyline and had fantastic special effects. Definitely worth watching in the cinema rather than waiting for DVD.

I can live with that!

Dan with a J Nobody

I'm glad that Cameron didn't do 3D gimmicks and he was also smart with never cluttering the foreground unintentionally and often filling the background with a depth of activity. Often it was like looking through a world through a thin-as-paper curtain as some vertical shading or artifacts are apparent through most of the film - I wonder if in the future the actual texture of the screen will change to address this. The best part of the special effects for me were the close-ups as it was pretty near photorealistic.

The exposition of the first quarter is a little clunky, but as soon as the ball starts to roll you just plummet and soar with each following sequence. Weaver doesn't step out of her previously trekked Gorillas In the Mist / Aliens character realm and there is not much demanded of the other actors except for stamina. There also isn't any mystery or surprise turns and anyone who's seen a trailer pretty much gets the story as a whole.

Amongst the Na'vi we see no crime, no fat or ugly tribespeople, no mental or physical otherness only a uniform lithe blue beautiful nakedness that marries seemlessly with the eco-bio-logical new ageiness of the world they inhabit. It's not that deep, but I am easily a sap for that sort of thing.

Best movie ever

Sam Nobody

I loved everything about the movie. It is 3hrs long and I wasn't bored once. This is 'THE' movie if you love
sc-fi, fantasy, love stories, war movies and great special effects. My perfect movie.

Can't stop thinking about it.

Mandy Nobody

Went and saw it last night - can't stop thinking about it. Like the hype said, it is a totally convincing well-realised world. I've always been a fan of science fiction so I was totally blown away by it, but I would think that even non-fans of that "genre" would be real humbugs if they didn't get totally sucked into the story that has been created. Okay, so not the most revolutionary or new story idea, but it is a message that needs to be hammered into our "civilised" psyches anyway - might is not right, our way is not the only way. And pokes a timely finger at the "Goddamn Americans" and their self-justifying self-righteous self-belief system. And its just a beautiful, beautiful film. With a good mix of sly humour. And adrenalin rush action. Its got it all! I want to go there. Since I can't, I'll definitely be seeing the movie again. This time, in 3D. We came out saying "Thats the best movie we've ever seen" - maybe not the best movie ever, but certainly the best movie experience. This had the same impact on me as seeing Star Wars when I was 12. A total rush.

Good but not great

Sherilyn Nobody

There is no doubt that visually this is a stunning movie but there has to be more to a movie than just good looks and what it lacked was depth in the story. Still certainly not to be missed but many other movies have evoked stronger emotions in me than this one did.

DUMB DUMB DUMB

kaihau Nobody

The worst movie ive ever seen poor graphics, I want my money back

Excellent, Awesome

Henare Nobody

Loved it from start to finish would see it again and again 3d is so real {SSAK}}

Our planet just isn good enough

Ashon Nobody

I dont think i ever have or ever will be as effected like this by a movie ever.I came into the cinema as a bit of a sceptic but by 5 minutes into the film i was blown away , say what you will about story but the visuals are just amazing and i love pandora, hell give me the chance and boom id go live on there . i prefer that place to earth as it is any day and i didnt even see it in 3d, tommorow im going to go see it again this time in 3d i just cant wait.

Brilliant

Josh Nobody

Avatar is amazing! Escapism at its best. The graphics are phenomenal, illustrating the new world in such detail it is beautiful.

One leaves the cinema feeling disappointed at the boring reality that is Earth.
Brilliant film.

Flawed

Hoss A-Lister

This is one movie that truly needs to be seen in 3D. The world that Cameron has created is beautiful and breathtaking. But in the end this is a ‘good’ movie, not a ‘great’ one. It is possible that I expected too much due to the hype, but James Cameron created the hype. The story is predictable yes, but I can live with that. What annoyed me were the parts that shouted: “please turn off your brains, this part is for the 7 year olds in the audience, the movie will resume shortly”. I wanted to be absorbed into the movie but I kept getting jolted out of it. Without giving anything away these scenes nearly all involved a maniacal military Colonel. If James Cameron had put as much effort into the story, and believable characters, as he had the visuals, then he may well have revolutionized cinema as he proudly proclaimed. Still, I recommend you see it and judge for yourself. You won’t feel cheated but you won’t be surprised either.

You got to see this.

Corey Nobody

This is the BEST movie iv'e ever seen i loved the graphics and loved how he didn't make it with every thing in 3d,and like the other guy said as soon as i finished watching it i thought of the damn trigger happy americans and how they think it's their way or the high way. Also to the guy who hated it your just an attention seeker.

Matrix redeux !!

steve Nobody

Wake up america, once again... I think there is a message here? What could it be ?

Dis Da Mean Movie

Peter Nobody

Fan bl...y tastic movie.
Hey kaihau... you say its "the worst movie i've ever seen". Um HELLO. Who in their right mind would stay and watch the whole movie if they didn't like it. Maybe you didn't watch it in 3D.

Best movie ever seen 3D is amasing felt like it was at the tip of my nose

chris Nobody

Best movie iv ever seen james camron you did a wonderful job be prowd of this film

Wonderful visual experience

Alan Vallis Nobody

Even in 2D this was stunning, but like many others who are no longer adolescent I wonder why the writers of movies like this, where money is thrown around like confetti, don't take a little more trouble to make them less cliche and more credible.

A couple of examples:

1. We need the great white hero to figure out how to ride the mega-dragon because the blueskins from the boonies haven't managed to figure it out in a few million years.

2. A hint on how you get mountains to float would be nice. :)

It was an outstanding experience nevertheless and I'd love to see it in 3D. anyone know where there's a list of theatres in NZ showing it in 3D?

AWESOMERERERERERER

Schevonne Spies Nobody

This was the best movue ever i love it and the girl dat sed the movie is dumb is realy a perfectionist becoz if she havnt noticed this is the 3rd best movie iin the world bt i say that it shud be first coz titanic isnt that great i love it ive already watched it twice yay good movie lolz

I have raved about this movie

LIsa Nobody

I am not a sci-fi fan but I absolutely loved Avatar. Great story and effects, although 3D not the best I've seen. I also saw it in 2D and enjoyed it just as much. I recommend this movie to all!!!

Boring earthlings

This movie makes humans appear boring. Humans shouldn't even star in the movie, it should be only avatars. The humans were boring me. I think in the sequel James should have the blue skins go up against a more stronger avatar race, not boring earthlings.
To all of those who say "it wasn't what i expected". Grow up, this movie is revolutionary and new, you couldn't have expected anything dumbwits

avatar

guy Nobody

cool as bro! but i did think that the story could use some work, of course avatar wasn't about the story, was it kids? no no no, it was about meanege battle scenes and heaps cool fantasy worlds bro! there were times when the question came up: wheres the blood? ...so even tho there wasn't any heaps amazing plot twists it was still an excellent flickydicky!

One small leap for motion pictures

Marty Nobody

3D sat in hibernation for a few decades since Gorilla At Large and has now been unleashed in a gloriously spectacular testament to James Cameron's blockbuster-building greatness.

The landscapes and action pieces are breathtaking and the 3D helps put you inside the movie, but the amazingly realistic alien Na'Vi are the special effect scene-stealers. The textures of their skin are even infinitely detailed.

The story holds together reasonably well, although the humans-are-bad-aliens-are-good premise is trotted out with mild token explanations of warmongering and corporate greed, which are as painfully simplistic as a horde of Copenhagen protesters. This is the only noticeable detraction from a solid piece of entertainment though.

The movie is aided by a brilliant lead actor performance from Sam Worthington - the next Aussie with a big future in major action movies no doubt. To take centre stage in a Cameron movie with Sigourney in it is no mean feat.

Review

dude Nobody

the 3d effects made the movie awesome a movie i'll watch again

AP Nobody

I could be called an 'oldie', but this was the best entertainment I've had in years! Great imagination, visually breathtaking, interesting storyline, pure escapism, edge-of-your-seat stuff. Anyone who wants to be transported to another world and escape this one for three hours should see this film.

Not bad

Pollyanna Nobody

Not brilliant either. Flimsy storyline, will be hugely adored by sci-fi, fairytale and techno viewers

whoa!

shewhoshallnotbenamed Nobody

amazing graphics an awesome plot a new planet theres only one word to describe this......WHOA

Can not wait to watch it again!

Charmaine Nobody

Avatar definatly lived up to the hype. I am not a big sci-fi fan and really only wanted to watch it as it was in 3D but within minutes I was wrapped up in the story line and on the edge of my seat for the whole thing (nearly 3 hours I should add). Alot of my friends have seen this as well and every single one was blown away. Even if you are not a big sci-fi fan this movie is worth watching. Brilliant visual affects, action, drama, romance its got it all. Do not wait for dvd, this movie is to good to miss in cinema, especially 3D.

OMG!!! the best

AS9H Nobody

omg!!! best movie eva.
loved it could never get a better movie.
avatar is great movie 4 everyone and i just LOVED it.
one complant: there needed to be more popping of 3D
but other then that it was the shiz!!!

Movie Reviewer Nobody

This time round Cameron delivers a movie that is above average. I must admit, when I first heard of the film I wasn't at all excited. From first announcement to release date, there have been behind the scenes clips, trailers etc. None of which really made enthusiastic about the movie. Now, when the movie was first released I went to see it in a normal theatre. I wasn't surprised by the fact that I didn't find anything that made this movie different. Then I found out it was also released in 3D, so I thought I better check it out. Much better. But at the end of the day I think the only reason Avatar is receiving good reviews is because it is being reviewed by people who have seen it in 3D. So unless you see this movie in 3D then there's really nothing special here at all. The 3 star rating is due to the fact that 3D was an option, had there been none, I would give this movie a 2.

This is Padora...This is Perfect...

Rhodry Williams Nobody

From the moment I saw the trailer of Avatar, they'd got me. Ships, beasties, hot alien babes and all the rest, not to mention a state of the art real life animation, brought to life with 3D. This movie is an absolute masterpiece! It has you emotionally captivated, you're right there with them in "Pandora" and you don't want to leave. Every moment is bliss, excitement, awe... And as you look to your left, to your right in front and behind. The story is all the same, every single person is in it, in Pandora. Wishing they were on "Massive Red Banshee Beast" or in a "Rip-You-A-New-One Shooting And Flying Machine! Warning!: you will be in Avatar land for atleast a day or two, do not expect to sleep early, or to have any dreams that are not of Avatar. And yes, Pandora is better than Earth! Enjoy perfection that is Avata. As MANY times as possible...

I liked Titanic better.

Andria-Govender Nobody

Maybe it's just that I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi movies but if it weren't for the amazing special effects I don't think I would've liked this movie at all.

this movie is the best

Drew Nobody

i cant get it out of my head it is the best movie ever, better than other 3D films. You got to see this movie its GREAT!!!!!!!

Not Overly Impressed!!

Helen Nobody

Saw the film last night and to start with it was way too long and it started to drag a bit. The special effects were pretty good - but the storyline was the usual theme. Not a film I would usually choose to see and for me not one I would go and see again. Also very expensive tickets!

Cathy D Nobody

Brilliant movie. Great storyline. Great effects. Amazing 3D. Must see.

EPIC BLOCKBUSTER

jude Nobody

This will be remembered for years to come, as groundbreaking as Jaws and Titanic... I knew it was 3D and as I am one of those rare people that can't see 3D I had taken no notice of the hype, then my partner decided we were going as he heard that people like me would be able to see the new 3D. He was right, and there was I, over 40 years old, and ducking those little white floaty things, not only were the effects brilliant but the storyline was moving, covering love story, action, heart-warming, humour, all the genres, I would go again and again if it wasn't so expensive. Incredible doesn't begin to describe it.

Great movie

Ian Nobody

As a heavy smoker, my going to the flicks is a rarity. So for me to actually be annoyed when an interval appears says much about this movie. I wanted more film than nicotine and would have been very happy to have had another hours worth. Thanks James.

Shiiiiiiittte!!!

chris rattue Nobody

Watching a disabled marine dream of being a tree hugging hippie hero, surrounded by 400 roy orbison look a likes, is not my idea of a fun night out!!!

A little overrated........

Victoria Palmer Nobody

I enjoyed the movie, the special effects/CGI were extremely well done but it wasn't as exciting as I had expected, the story overall was lacking and the characters were cheesy........a shame because a bit more work on the story would have made it a must see.

Much better than I thought it would be...

Terry Nobody

I didn't want to go and see this movie. I hate movies with all the hype, I hate movies like Alien, I hate Sigourney Weaver, and I hate 'blockbusters'. BUT I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed this 3D film, excellent special effects of course. It's American so you can't expect huge depth to the storyline such as something directed by Rolf Schubel. Although a couple of scenes in Avatar are a bit corny, unfortunately that is the American way; despite that, shock, horror, probe, I really really enjoyed it!!!

It's ok!

Hannah Nobody

I thought this movie was ok! But it look to long and I could of watch another movie with same storyline. I got bit bored!

5 star movie, but only at the right venue

Nev Nobody

I saw this movie in 3D at Sylvia Park and absolutely loved it - my favourite movie ever. It was beautiful, thrilling and inspirational. The detail was amazing and the fantastical flora and fauna were stunning. We left the cinema feeling enchanted and elated and I knew if I had the opportunity I would see it again.
I have just returned from seeing it at the Imax Queen Street cinema with my 16 year old son - what a huge disappointment. This venue just can’t do this movie justice. A lot of the 3D effects were depreciated to a blurry confusion and the magic was lost. I strongly recommend this movie but please choose carefully where you see it.

Experience is great, story is ripped-off

Len Nobody

As awhole this was one POWERFUL experience, I guess the 1970-1980's Starwars for our generation? A visual feast, if you can handle the crap story that has been blended from many hits - extracting the best of each to make a Frankenstein blockbuster - really Dances with Wolves meets Pochohontas or something. But who's really here for the story, this is must-see escapism at it's best, just overlook things like 'unobtainium' - are you kidding me, script people?
Seen it 3 times already, gonna see it plenty more I'm sure, can't wait for the completed trilogy

The best frickin movie ever!!!

Maaia Nobody

Omg I frickin loved this movie, it had everything, action, drama, romance and just blew me away with the special effects. One of the best things about this movie is that it actually made you feel like you were there (in the movie) and in doing so, felt real. Definitly a 5 star movie and one I would absoulutely watch again and hope to get on DVD in 3D soon. Unbelievable, thank you James Cameron. I see now why it won so many awards. By the way, I thought the storyline was great, completely original. Luv this movie!!!!!
:) The actors were also fantastic in their roles.

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
Mayte

Yeah, that's the tikect, sir or ma'am
Mayte

Yeah, that's the tikect, sir or ma'am

awesuuum

Paige Nobody

that movie was so good and i nearly cried because of it but its pretty good for 6 years or something lol.

A for Awesome

Dave Nobody

Awesome movie love it and would watch it again

AGREE? DISAGREE?...
ashy

yea u go girl!!!

terry your wrong!!!

abcd!!! Nobody

terry that's sooooo not fair alien was the shiz sigourney weaver is the shiz and avatar waas the shiz.
DON'T YOU EVER DISS SIGOURNEY WEAVER EVER AGAIN!!!
i will sue you!!! and i mean it, i love sigourney weaver's acting and quite frankly it's just sad that you dissed her!!! i am soo upset i'm crying right now.
i am sooo disapointed youd put her down like that
i'm soo ashamed of you!!!
let me just point out i'm 12 years old, look what youve done, now i will be depressed for life, but hay guess what there is a sigourney weaver film coming out and i will be seeing it if you like it then you will side with me and i wont put this sort of stuff on da web but if you go and diss her and tell me she's not da shiz i will SUE YOU go hide under a rock if you disagree thx for letting me have my oppinion said flicks.co.nz your da shiz quite frankly terry f.y.i you AIN'T from a diss apointed shiz loving sigourneyweaver fan who aint a fan of yours terry xx

A Great Moive

Sarah29 Flicks Superstar

Avatar really is a great entertaining spectacle of a movie and the animation and graphics are exceptional

Not everyone is turning Blue

RebookeJJ A-Lister

Alot of ppl have mixed feelings on this movie but something, that stood out for me mainly was, the amazing Graphics, purely i think if there is another Avatar Movie it would be better, due to advice given from ppls coments all around.

Out now on dvd/blu-ray

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