AVATAR

[Zicka]

District 9 was an ugly mess, and the main actor was annoying as frell.

I liked Avater for the fact this it had a freaking smooth camera. I'm tired of these filmakers who think they are being gritty and realistic by having the cameraman dangle his camera on a rope and constantly jump up and down.

Sure, Avater's story might be a ripoff from Dances with wolves. But what ADHD riddled kid is going to watch that 3 hour long movie? I don't mind retellings of classic stories as long as they are done right.

[Vindr]

District 9 was an ugly mess, and the main actor was annoying as frell.

WHY does nobody like District 9?

[Guest Julius Quasar]

District 9 was an ugly mess, and the main actor was annoying as frell.

I Agree!

WHY does nobody like District 9?

Some people hated the main actor, the bouncy camera effects made some people sick (made me nauseous/motion sick), others say the plot was...patchy, phoned in...

[Vindr]

Wow, maybe I should go to movies to have fun, I guess, not to think about it deeply like an indie film fan, lol.

[Sabre]

I can defend district 9.

First off on the main actor being annoiying. I'm going to guy you are an american living up to the steriotype of "americans can't sympathis with none americans" which is why almost all British games are americanised and use american voice actors and spelling.

If you mean you don't like his cowardess and lack and morals. Then you missed the point. He's not soppesed to be tommy testosteron - war hero - underpants model. He's ment to be a cowardly buracrat.

On the film not being set in America. That's the point. They even say at the start. "Why didn't they stop over the white house or in a global super power?". If you paid attention to the film you will know why they chose afrca.

As for the shaky cam. I hate that too. District 9 is no where near as bad as Transformers. Plus the action is alot better and alot more tense. It's the kind of action where you're thinking "Oh crap, how's he going to get out of this one.". Also, unlike James Bond or Transformers. all of district 9 is shot like a fly on the wall documentry. Again, that's the point. Hence the talking heads that pop up from time to time.

others say the plot was...patchy, phoned in...

You talking about avatar (I agree) or District 9 (disagree)

[Guest Julius Quasar]

If you mean you don't like his cowardice and lack and morals. Then you missed the point. He's not supposed to be Tommy testosterone - war hero - underpants model. He's meant to be a cowardly bureaucrat.

I don't care if the protagonist is not, as you say, "Tommy Testosterone-war hero-underpants model", but it's not cool to have a protagonist who lacks moral fiber, and is a cowardly bureaucrat...you don't want to favor a protagonist who sucks big time.  (At least American audiences don't, AFAIK) is overly flawed...

As for the shaky cam. I hate that too. District 9 is no where near as bad as Transformers. Plus the action is a lot better and a lot more tense. It's the kind of action where you're thinking "Oh crap, how's he going to get out of this one.". Also, unlike James Bond or Transformers. all of district 9 is shot like a fly on the wall documentary. Again, that's the point. Hence the talking heads that pop up from time to time.

I watch the TV show "Cops", with a shaky camera, for an hour, and don't get sick.  Yet I watch "District 9" for 30 minutes, and I had to leave the theater to puke...motion sickness...nausea...

I think Transformers (first one) is much better than D-9, although James Bond, the older ones are excellent, but the newer ones (Casino Royale, and Quantum of Solace) weren't so good...mainly 'cause they starred that sniveling, snot-nosed, no talent hack, English Quimby Daniel Craig....he is the worst James Bond ever.

You talking about avatar (I agree) or District 9 (disagree)

Avatar's plot was loosely derived from Dances with Wolves, therefore unoriginal.

But District 9, the plot was just...poorly patched together...halfway through the movie, I walked out and got my money back.  I have never walked out of a movie until District 9...a friend of mine rented it from Netflix, we watched it at his house.  Halfway through the movie, I got sick, not just from the shaky camera, and walked out of the living room. 

No offense to you D-9 fans, but I don't care for that movie.

But I don't care for Avatar either, 'cause it's got such a preachy, "shame on you human beings for your greed and...." message.  I mean, c'mon...I dunno about the rest of you, but I go to a movie to be entertained, not shamed.

[Sabre]

I don't care if the protagonist is not, as you say, "Tommy Testosterone-war hero-underpants model", but it's not cool to have a protagonist who lacks moral fiber, and is a cowardly bureaucrat...you don't want to favor a protagonist who sucks big time.  (At least American audiences don't, AFAIK)

Well, your living down to expectations. I would try and convince you that a flawed hero is a good thing, but you wouldn't understand unless I phrase it in burger form.

But District 9, the plot was just...poorly patched together...halfway through the movie, I walked out and got my money back.  I have never walked out of a movie until District 9...a friend of mine rented it from Netflix, we watched it at his house.  Halfway through the movie, I got sick, not just from the shaky camera, and walked out of the living room.

What? You walked out half way through? All that build up and you miss the best bit? That's like making a cake and then not eating it.

[Guest Julius Quasar]

Well, your living down to expectations. I would try and convince you that a flawed hero is a good thing, but you wouldn't understand unless I phrase it in burger form.

Having a flawed protagonist is fine, but not one as flawed as the guy in District 9 (by the way, we're pulling this thread off topic)...the protagonist in Avatar was flawed, obviously, but it wasn't in an intolerable way, he simply couldn't walk...but the guy in D-9...personality flaw, morals flaw...he had countless flaws

What? You walked out half way through? All that build up and you miss the best bit? That's like making a cake and then not eating it.

I know how it ended, I was able to watch the last half of it at my friend's house when he rented it.  (I had to take an hour's respite from having watched the first half, and then walk out, then come back later and pop it in the DVD player) but the thing is, D-9 was just...awful!  I'll agree with you that the better part of tat movie was after the halfway point, but still....

At least Avitar was able to copy their plot loosely from a halfway decent plot (Dances with Wolves).  D-9 was just...bad, plotwise.

And Avitar's special effects were much nicer/better than D-9...those slums were nauseating to look at, compared to the beautiful natural landscapes of that planet in Avitar.

[Vindr]

but the guy in D-9...personality flaw, morals flaw...he had countless flaws

Actually, that's what makes him interesting, he has moral flaws, not some solder who cant fight anymore, seriously, I'm pretty sure there's other movies and books that take that line.  At least D-9 had the guts to make you hate the protagonist for the sake of being different.

At least Avitar was able to copy their plot loosely from a halfway decent plot (Dances with Wolves).  D-9 was just...bad, plotwise.

Bonus points to D-9, plot-wise for trying to strive and be original, even though the "OMG I'M TURNING INTO ALIEN HALP, LOL!" scenario isn't exactly the greatest.

And Avitar's special effects were much nicer/better than D-9...those slums were nauseating to look at, compared to the beautiful natural landscapes of that planet in Avitar.

That's what the movie was aiming to do, make you sick at the conditions of their living environments.  It's not about aesthetics.  It's about reality.  FYI people actually live in places like this.  If you don't like it, I'm sure they don't either.  Welcome to reality, it's nice and warm here...

EDIT:

I don't care if the protagonist is not, as you say, "Tommy Testosterone-war hero-underpants model", but it's not cool to have a protagonist who lacks moral fiber, and is a cowardly bureaucrat...you don't want to favor a protagonist who sucks big time.  (At least American audiences don't, AFAIK)

Let's zoom in a bit...

but it's not cool

Made me lol, what are we?  3rd grade?

BTW, I'm an American audience, and I do like the morally flawed protagonist stance.  We need less, perfect life 'Hanna Montana' and action filled Transformers and more things that are different and challenge us, really.  We need to be forced out of our comfort zone and into reality...

[Guest Julius Quasar]

Actually, that's what makes him interesting, he has moral flaws, not some solder who cant fight anymore, seriously, I'm pretty sure there's other movies and books that take that line.  At least D-9 had the guts to make you hate the protagonist for the sake of being different.

well, okay....

Bonus points to D-9, plot-wise for trying to strive and be original, even though the "OMG I'M TURNING INTO ALIEN HALP, LOL!" scenario isn't exactly the greatest.

been done before...

That's what the movie was aiming to do, make you sick at the conditions of their living environments.  It's not about aesthetics.  It's about reality.  FYI people actually live in places like this.  If you don't like it, I'm sure they don't either.  Welcome to reality, it's nice and warm here...

Made me lol, what are we?  3rd grade?

BTW, I'm an American audience, and I do like the morally flawed protagonist stance.  We need less, perfect life 'Hanna Montana' and action filled Transformers and more things that are different and challenge us, really.  We need to be forced out of our comfort zone and into reality...

I'm well aware of that.  I know people live that way, I've known for years.  I am in touch with reality, there's no need to go to that tone, I have done nothing to hurt you.  I'm sorry if I made you or others mad by saying I don't like D-9, but that doesn't give you the right to talk to me like that.

FYI to you, many people don't watch movies to see reality, reality is too boring or depressing, plus, they can see it for free...

and maybe I'm not being 100% fair, okay, saying "not cool" was a poor way to put it...and at least if the protagonist can overcome his flaws, or at least learn something from his mistakes/experience (without the movie getting too preachy) it's not as bad...

[Vindr]

FYI to you, many people don't watch movies to see reality, reality is too boring or depressing, plus, they can see it for free...

I know, and I said that before...

Wow, maybe I should go to movies to have fun, I guess, not to think about it deeply like an indie film fan, lol.

Besides, don't be sorry, defend yourself at least.

I guess I try to act smart to have a false sense of dignity.  BUT sometimes we get so caught up in the FAKE world (I.E. see all Avatar fanfiction and the forums, particularly the thread that has people moping and contemplating suicide about how they can't be on Pandora) enough so that they take in the messages which usually conclude like this:  Work for nothing, get everything.  Besides being complete and utter crap, this is also another reason why I dislike the Disney Channel and other kids movies that show live actors.

I don't think EVERY movie should bash us into reality, but it's good to have a little contrast, which is why I too like Avatar, it's a good up-lifter, but District 9 is maybe made to bring us back down to earth again.

[Guest Julius Quasar]

I know, and I said that before...

Besides, don't be sorry, defend yourself at least.

I guess I try to act smart to have a false sense of dignity.  BUT sometimes we get so caught up in the FAKE world (I.E. see all Avatar fanfiction and the forums, particularly the thread that has people moping and contemplating suicide about how they can't be on Pandora) enough so that they take in the messages which usually conclude like this:  Work for nothing, get everything.

I don't think EVERY movie should bash us into reality, but it's good to have a little contrast, which is why I too like Avatar, it's a good up-lifter, but District 9 is maybe made to bring us back down to earth again.

Oh, okay.

I just don't want you to think I'm a jerk, or for us to get into a fight/flamewar and become enemies here, I don't want to fight with you...I am sorry for the antagonistic language/way I presented my facts.  my saying "it sucks" was out of line and ad hominem 

and I see some parts of D9 that were pretty good/original, like the spaceship not stopping in the US/Washington D.C....and to be honest, the way those aliens were treated, by the humans does seem like something we'd do to stranded aliens here.  if that were to happen...

when you think about it...with E.T., it seemed feasible that the Federal Government wanted to capture E.T., but it also seemed a bit silly that a bunch of kids on bikes outwitted the FBI like that...

Avatar had it's silliness in it too.  But I think that, although James Cameron did great with some parts of Avitar, he left other parts flawed...

[Vindr]

my saying "it sucks" was out of line and ad hominem 

No, saying that to me is fine, I've say worse, lol.

[Guest Julius Quasar]

No, saying that to me is fine, I've say worse, lol.

yeah, but I was being short sighted though, and your post:

I know, and I said that before...

Besides, don't be sorry, defend yourself at least.

I guess I try to act smart to have a false sense of dignity.  BUT sometimes we get so caught up in the FAKE world (I.E. see all Avatar fanfiction and the forums, particularly the thread that has people moping and contemplating suicide about how they can't be on Pandora) enough so that they take in the messages which usually conclude like this:  Work for nothing, get everything.  Besides being complete and utter crap, this is also another reason why I dislike the Disney Channel and other kids movies that show live actors.

I don't think EVERY movie should bash us into reality, but it's good to have a little contrast, which is why I too like Avatar, it's a good up-lifter, but District 9 is maybe made to bring us back down to earth again.

was/is actually a good eye opener for me, along with the other posts you made.  now that doesn't change my opinion on D-9, I still don't care for it, but I really oughtta try to back up my reasons better.

back OT,

I can't believe Avatar is more liked than Titanic xP

Titanic and Avatar are both James Cameron creations, but Titanic is better than Avatar, IMO.

Avatar was good, but not as good as Titanic. 

Now, I did like certain elements of Avatar, besides the effects, like how the guy improves each more as he progresses (not just as a Navii), and how some of the people choose to stay on Pandora, rather than go home, and how even though the guy could've just given up and left, he didn't.

[Vindr]

I can't believe Avatar is more liked than Titanic xP

Anyone have current gross statistics?  I've been wondering when it beats out Titanic.

People like it better because we have a culture where the mainstream "Song of the Year" changes every three months, and it's always a Pop song or Rap song.  Believe it, they would think that anything new is always better.

[Kursed]

Anyone have current gross statistics?  I've been wondering when it beats out Titanic.

People like it better because we have a culture where the mainstream "Song of the Year" changes every three months, and it's always a Pop song or Rap song.  Believe it, they would think that anything new is always better.

did anyone notice the Native Navi have only 3 fingers and the Avatar navi (The human controlled ones) have four fingers?

[Vindr]

How does my quote have to do with your question?

EDIT: Well Ripley said something about grown from human DNA, added with the motor control crap, I'm sure there's a logical reason that some fan made or looked up in the guide book they published.

[Asper Sarnoff]

did anyone notice the Native Navi have only 3 fingers and the Avatar navi (The human controlled ones) have four fingers?

This is indeed because they where also some human DNA in their genetic structure, but they had 5 fingers including the thumbs, where the Na'vi had four. They also had smaller eyes and not as flat a nose.

Some known differences between the Avatars and Na'vi is that the Na'vi have four digits (three fingers and a thumb) on their hands and feet, whereas the Avatars, due to the influence of human DNA, have five. They also have eyebrows, which the Na'vi lack. Avatars display slightly more human-like body structures than the Na'vi. This is especially apparent when comparing the build of Jake Sully to that of the male Na'vi of the Omaticaya Clan; Jake's body structure is sturdier than those of the more willowy Na'vi. Additionally, the eyes of an Avatar are usually smaller and more human-like in contrast to the large, lemur-like eyes of the Na'vi. The nose of the Avatar is also different; it has a more pronounced central ridge, much like the human nose. The Na'vi nose, however, is much flatter and cat-like.

From: http://james-camerons-avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Avatar_Wiki

[Guest Julius Quasar]

Anyone have current gross statistics?  I've been wondering when it beats out Titanic.

People like it better because we have a culture where the mainstream "Song of the Year" changes every three months, and it's always a Pop song or Rap song.  Believe it, they would think that anything new is always better.

Ah, I see, thanks.

This is indeed because they where also some human DNA in their genetic structure, but they had 5 fingers including the thumbs, where the Na'vi had four. They also had smaller eyes and not as flat a nose.

From: http://james-camerons-avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Avatar_Wiki

cool...

[Asper Sarnoff]

Tought I'd fling out that Cameron did already consider making two sequels if this became a big hit, which it already has become. From what little I have found around the internet, an Avatar 2 is 95 % sure.

Also, even if we might agree that sequels tend to be utterly terrible compared to the first movies, such as Transformer 2, which didn't have to good a starting point, remember it's Cameron we're talking about here, which have made two of the strongest sequels ever, namely Terminator 2 and Aliens.

P.S. I'm seriously considering an Avatar themed roleplay when I come to an end with my current. PM me if you're interested in hearing more.