Topic: Avatar
So the first teaser is out. Thoughts?
I feel a bit underwhelmed. After the hype created by fans and heavily supported by Cameron himself (who is more than aware of the sensation his return to fictional film making causes) the trailer's here and there is no revolution. Not even something out of the extra-ordinary. Yes, the effects are awesome and I never seen better. But that seems to have become the rule with at least one or two movies every summer of every year. Plus the effects still look like effects (rubbery and plastic-y for skin and surroundings, respectively) and what is worst, the story seems to be very cookie-cutter.
(Minor spoilers:) So humans want to mine the planet Pandora, where they cannot breathe, for minerals. That and to be able to research the planet undetected they use these avatars that look like the native populace and that are controlled through the minds of soldiers. One of them, our hero, is a paraplegic - he gets his legs "back" that way and falls in love with a native. And then he discovers that what the humans are doing is wrong, stirs up the natives, and leads them in a fight against humans to save the planet. (End spoilers.)
Wow, so it's basically Pocahontas in space. With better effects. That is supposed to be the revolution? This has Cameron worked on for 14 years? Now I might be too harsh judging a movie's plot line based on official pamphlets and a short teaser, but Cameron himself admitted to the story being basically Dances with Wolves, because he is "such a big fan of classical story telling."
I am sure it is going to be mind-blowing in 3D. But so was Jurrasic Park. Do I still remember the first time I saw the brontosaurus? Sure I do. Does it make Jurrasic Park a great movie? Hell no. The only reason I re-watch it when it's on TV is for the sentimental value. I fear it is going to be the same with Avatar ...