A couple of really big films came out over the Christmas holidays, and over the course of the last three weeks I have managed to get out to the theater to see both of them. Both films won Golden Globes this past weekend, and I seem to be posting like mad lately, so it made some sense to me to go ahead and do a couple of brief film reviews Double Feature style. I would love to know your thoughts/feelings about these two films. Each in their stead have things that recommend them and each have generated very vocal and understandable reasons not to see them. In the course of their respective reviews I will attempt to touch on them. The order of the poster images and the review order were chosen simply in the order that I saw each film. I watched Sherlock Holmes over the week between Christmas and New Years and watched Avatar this past Thursday evening.
And now, on with the show…
Sherlock Holmes, The Review:
To begin with, Sherlock Holmes is a film that seems to have generated two schools of thought: those who will see it either in the theater or on DVD because they think it looks entertaining, and those who refuse to touch it on the basis of their affection for the creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I wholeheartedly respect those who would choose not to see this because of their impression that Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is not the Holmes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In this they are partially correct and there should be no scorn. I certainly have beloved characters that I would not want to see interpreted on the screen in a manner different than the author presented them. While I have a deep affection for the mythos of Sherlock Holmes, I am not so connected to the original works that I was put off this film. I have only read a handful of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories and have read far more novels in my lifetime featuring Holmes as interpreted by someone else.
I said that detractors were only partially correct, and I feel that this opinion is born out in the film. A lot of the common knowledge of the Sherlock Holmes canon is present in Ritchie’s version of Holmes as portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. The detection and deduction are there, the brilliance is there, the ease of figuring things out in a way that makes Holmes stand head and shoulders above all others in the intellectual realm. The relationship with Dr. Watson is there, as are many of the trappings found in the Sherlock Holmes universe. What makes Sherlock Holmes different, and hence possibly sacrilegious to the faithful, is this is the character seen through the contemporary eye of Guy Ritchie.
Sherlock Holmes was great fun. I have enjoyed most of Ritchie’s films and ever since the re-emergence of Robert Downey, Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, I have been a big fan. RDJ’s performance is superb, as is Jude Law’s. And the two of them together the exact chemistry that you want Holmes and Watson to have. The only disappointment in casting was Rachel McAdams. I am unclear whether this is the result of the writers not giving her enough to do as Irene Alder, the only woman ever to outsmart Sherlock Holmes, or if she just doesn’t yet have the cachet to stand toe-to-toe with Downey, Jr. and Law, but I found her performance lacking. There are a number of more seasoned actresses who would have done a better job with the role. Admittedly this, as everything else, is my personal opinion.
The real star of Sherlock Holmes is London. This is a dark, gritty, and from many accounts more realistic, portrayal of turn of the century London. The city is so incredibly realized that I will be profoundly disappointed if Sherlock Holmes isn’t nominated for an Oscar in set design or some other appropriate category.
Finally, Guy Ritchie has proven with films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch that he knows how to produce a uniquely entertaining movie experience. Sherlock Holmes is his latest triumph in this respect. It is not a cinematic or storytelling masterpiece, but it is a rollicking good time filmed in a way that keeps the audience engaged in the story. I am particularly fond of the manner in which several of the fight scenes were filmed, as we the audience became privy to Holmes’ brilliance put to practical application.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
It doesn’t necessarily need to be seen on the big screen to enjoy the fun.
Where to go from here:
If you are looking to add a literary component to your viewing experience, the obvious place to go would be the oeuvre of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Allow me, if you will, to suggest a few further options. The first four novels of Carol Nelson Douglas’ Irene Adler series (Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Good Morning Irene, Irene at Large, and Irene’s Last Waltz) are great fun and for me are the penultimate word on the character of Irene Adler (which is a complete opposite of that portrayed in this film). Douglas later continued the series and I personally hated the direction she took with her characters. I would also suggest Neil Gaiman’s short story, A Study in Emerald, which is a great take on the Holmes and Lovecraft mythos. Finally, I would recommend the first League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novel, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Kevin O’Neill.
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Avatar, The Review:
The collective cry of the blogging community regarding Avatar is that, if you have any intention of seeing it, you simply must see it in the theater, in a 3D format. It was this hue and cry, coupled with the verbal confirmation of a good friend, that finally decided me on spending the money to go see this.
Let me say this: If you choose to wait for the DVD release to see Avatar and then proceed to say to anyone in the near vicinity that you do not see what all the fuss is about then I am not going to feel the least bit sorry for you when someone, either friend or stranger, slaps you upside the head. 🙂 The attraction of Avatar, if there is one, is the visual presentation as seen in the technological environment that it was made to be seen in. If you are not going to see it at the theater, don’t bother.
The prevailing opinion regarding Avatar is that it is a visual wonder coupled with a weak and cliched story. There are a number of more vocal viewers, some who seem to have their own personal war to wage with writer/director James Cameron, who have gone so far to insist that he stole his story from any number of sources including science fiction writers the world over. Personally I find that a bit petty and ridiculous as there is nothing in the “story” of this film that a group of science fiction fans couldn’t come up with sitting around the room throwing together story ideas culled from their memories of dozens and dozens of novels, short stories, films and television shows. Just because it is familiar doesn’t mean that Cameron didn’t put in his own work. In other words, the story of Avatar, like many stories before it, has been done before. It isn’t new or unique and it is certainly filled with cliches. But like I said to my friend Jeff a few hours before seeing the film, I can produce a laundry list of books, movies, and tv shows that I have a strong attraction to that are arguably cliched, well-worn, and weak in the story-telling department. We all have our guilty pleasures and our films that we turn a blind critical eye to because they reach out and grab hold of us. For many, Avatar is that kind of film.
It wasn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad I saw it and by and large I was entertained by it. From a visual standpoint this is an amazing accomplishment and I am joining the chorus of other fanboys and fangirls in imagining what this kind of technological achievement will mean to future films. The sky is indeed the limit. When I first saw the Na’vi, peering through the fronds of Pandoran foliage,
it was breathtaking. There are several equally breathtaking visual moments in the film. Again, see it in 3D. Wow. As for the story, I don’t think it is as terrible as some would make it out to be but it didn’t impress me or grab me enough to be one of those films that I find myself loving despite its faults. I felt like the movie was too long and there were a couple of admittedly brief moments where I got a bit bored. Avatar relies heavily on its visuals and despite everything being beautiful I could have done with fewer shots of the world. Had this been about 30 minutes shorter it is possible that I may have had a much better experience with the story.
Again, I didn’t find it terrible, just average. I thought the casting was really nice. Sigourney Weaver made a name for herself in the sf community, as well as Hollywood in general, with her presence in Alien and the sequels. Any time I see her in a SF film I cannot help but smile. She belongs in this kind of film and I really enjoyed her inclusion. I felt like the character actually had some nice dimension to her. Sam Worthington was very likable in the lead role and I thought Zoe Saldana voiced his love interest very well. I initially thought Giovanni Ribisi was wasted in his part, but after the film was over I was reflecting on this and I decided that he had just the right kind of facial expressions to be the corporate ass that he was meant to be while still showing a small amount of internal conflict and perhaps remorse over the decisions that he made. In the past I haven’t had strong feelings about Michelle Rodriguez one way or the other, but I really enjoyed her in this role. And if you wanted to write a one-dimensional military fat-head, you couldn’t have picked a more perfect person than Stephen Lang to portray him. He did what the role called for him to do in a very convincing and entertaining manner.
I thought the rendering of the Na’vi was great. The advance of this technology since Gollum was on the screen is amazing, truly amazing. All in all, Pandora was an eye-popping, gorgeous place. Avatar could have been much, much better. It is every bit as much of a shame thinking about what could have been had a talented writer been involved as it is a delight to think of how big a step has just been taken in the technology of film making.
Last thoughts on the film: There was a moment when Neytiri lept onto her banshee and flew off that reminded me of Michael Whelan’s cover for Dragonflight and it put a big smile on my face. I also loved the much criticized (in some circles) floating mountains. Artists like Christoper Vacher, for example, have been painting floating islands/mountains for years and I have always been fascinated by the idea despite its scientific impossibility. At least the writers threw in a little pseudo-science to make it sound plausible.
Rating:
Visuals– 5/5 stars
Story– 2.5/5 stars
Overall experience–3/5 stars
Where to go from here:
While I don’t buy into the plagiarism conspiracy, I think it is great that suggested readings have come out of the controversy. Crotchety Old Fan has an ever-growing list here which would be a good place to start. Personally I am very interested in reading Poul Anderson’s short story, Call Me Joe. From personal experience I highly recommend Harry Harrison’s Deathworld trilogy. Even if you do not feel like reading them all, the first is well worth checking out. I would recommend John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War trilogy, because of the ideas about colonialism and conquest that tie in somewhat to the ideas presented in Avatar. Admittedly that one is a stretch, but I have no qualms in recommending Scalzi.
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As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I welcome your thoughts on either film. I tried to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t seen, but want to see either or both of these films. If you want to talk about anything more specific than I did, please writer SPOILER WARNING at the top of your comment.
Thanks everyone!
I really want to go see Sherlock Holmes before it’s out of theatres, but it’s so hard for me to ever get there what with being home with the kids and all. Not to mention the expense. Last year I only managed to get out to the movies twice, for Coraline and Harry Potter #6. Hopefully I will see Holmes soon. I have to admit, though, I’m not in the least bit interested in Avatar.
Amanda: I certainly understand the expense. We always go in the mornings or on a weeknight when the cost is $5 a ticket vs. $10. I only had to pay $8 a ticket to see Avatar in 3D and felt like I got off lucky.
Well, you certainly give a lot to think about in this post!
First, let me say I also posted on Avatar today, the first of three posts I’m doing: Part 1 is about my going to the theater and watching the movie and my reaction. Part 2 will be my thoughts on the sources Cameron may – or may not – have used in putting the project together, and Part 3 will focus on the soundtrack. [end of shameless self-promotion]
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I have not seen the Downey Holmes film, nor will I until it finds it’s way to the top of my Netflix queue. From what I have heard, read and seen, it is the antithesis of the Holmes character as presented by Doyle in the canon (and the better pastiches). Holmes was not an action hero or a James Bond type nor was he fond of using fists when the mind would more then suffice.
However, I will address your suggested reading. Yes, the obvious place to start is the original set of stories and four novels. After that, there are some excellent pastiches written by June Thompson. They are: The Secret Files of Sherlock Holmes, The Secret Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes and The Secret Documents of Sherlock Holmes. These books are a little hard to find but worth the effort. Also not to be forgotten is The Seven-Percent Solution by Nicholas Meyer, which was also made into a pretty fair film.
For something more recent, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie King is worthwhile. It is the beginning of a series which stars Mary Russell as much or more than Holmes, who takes her under his wing as an apprentice after he has retired to the Sussex countryside to raise bees. There are several following books in that series.
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On to Avatar. You trumped much of what I have already written for my Part 2, but I did write it today before I read your post. Really! I’m going to talk about the floating mountain thing there, and will mention Roger Dean.
Our reactions to the film are pretty similar, though overall I think I liked it better than you did. I would give the plot a slightly higher rating, 3/5 or 3.5/5, but I don’t like to use rating systems. Sure there are holes in the plot you could drive a truck through, but they are general logic holes, like //[spoiler, maybe] Why not just use bombardment from space? Where are the orbital support vehicles during all this? end spoiler] .//
But that’s not the point. Every complaint I’ve so far read of the film could have been solved in the writing of the screenplay, but the thing would have gotten so bogged down with explanations that the movie, all 5 hours, would have dragged like a Russian translation of Waiting for Godot. (imagine!)
As it is, Avatar is a wonderful film, well worth seeing, and really does, as you say, need to be seen in 3-D, big screen.
Amanda, if it’s all the hype that’s turned you off to Avatar, forget that. This is ground-breaking filmmaking. See it while you can, in 3-D, and decide later if you’re glad you did. I’m guessing you will be.
Richard: As always, love having you put your thoughts in. I read but hadn’t commented on your Part 1 of Avatar, wanted to wait until I wrote here before commenting on yours. You do all the self-promotion you want, I really enjoy your site.
“From what I have heard, read and seen, it is the antithesis of the Holmes character as presented by Doyle in the canon (and the better pastiches). Holmes was not an action hero or a James Bond type nor was he fond of using fists when the mind would more then suffice.”
I totally agree. That is where my ‘partially’ comes in. The sleuthing and possible drug use and the disguises from the Holmes canon are there and the Ritchie part steps in with the action sequences and other vices. Again, I like how he tied in the brilliance of Holmes’ deductive mind in those sequences. It isn’t exactly the way it all appears in the trailers.
My wife is reading the Laurie King books right now and is really enjoying them. Her maiden name was Mary Russell, which adds a dimension of fun to her reading of them.
One thing you’ll find with me is that I’m not a big stickler for plot holes. If I am entertained, quite frankly I don’t care. And while I find some science fascinating, I am the kind of science fiction fan that probably makes other sci fi fans cringe in that I am more concerned about story and less about science. I love Star Trek, the recent film included. I don’t watch Star Trek for good science, I watch it because I have a birthed-in-childhood love of spaceships and outer space and ‘exploring strange new worlds’. I love it for the characters who struck a cord. I can see characters in Avatar striking a similar cord with kids and adults which is why even though I stand by my feelings about the film, they are my own personal feelings, not the law, and I am able to step aside and see how some folks can really love this whole thing as is. And I’m cool with it. Movies should entertain, first and foremost. That is the way I feel about books to. When a book or movie or tv show is entertaining and postulates some believable, reliable science, then more the better. But I don’t absolutely need that to be entertained and nothing about ‘bad science’ influenced my viewpoint of Avatar. Not sure how I got off on that tangent, certainly isn’t directed at you, but there you go. Stepping down from soapbox. 🙂
” Stepping down from the soapbox “… isn’t the whole point of having your own blog is that you never have to step down. Sorry my friend, I just couldn’t resist. 🙂
First off let me say I like your new ” Where to go from here ” addition. I really like it! Great addition to your reviews.
Now onto Holmes. I haven’t seen this one yet and as much as I want to I probably won’t catch it until it comes out on DVD. I have become quite a fan of Downey since Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang as well and I have enjoyed Jude Law for quite some time as well ( really liked him in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow ). I purchased the original Holmes stories by Doyle many years ago but haven’t read them yet and I think now after reading your review I will wait until after I’ve seen the movie to avoid any possible disappointment from preconceived notions. I’m also a big fan of Guy Ritchie films so I imagine I will like Holmes once I see it even if it is quite different from the novels although it sounds like the spirit of the characters is still there and maybe for the film medium, in these times, his style of story telling is the best way to go.
As for Avatar: Carl and I have already traded emails on this one and we have agreed to disagree on this film. We are just too damn polite. 🙂
I for one was blown away by Avatar. I haven’t felt this way about seeing a movie since I saw Star Wars for the first time on my birthday back on May 25th, 1977 at the wee little age of 8. I loved it ( 4.5 out of 5 overall for me ). I was swept up by the characters and world of Pandora . The time I spent in the theater seemed to fly by and I can’t wait to see the movie again.
I will not disagree with Carl that the originality of the story was the weakest link of the movie but I don’t grade it as low as he does because I was engaged in its execution. I think it’s also because I’m a romantic and I like the themes of the film. While they may be one’s I’ve heard multiple times before it’s not one’s my ten and thirteen year old kids have heard over and over again. I also feel they’re important messages that bare repeating because as a society I think we still just don’t get it when it comes to the way we treat other human beings and the environment. It’s an impossible line for a writer to walk. When books and movies have to meld ideas in the form of entertainment its a no win scenario for everyone involved. I think getting people to talk about things while also being entertained is one thing but getting people to take action is a whole different thing which is why stories are told often over and over and over again by generations and generations. It seems only through great suffering to we as a species ever take great action.
Ultimately, I think no matter what you think of Avatar one way or the other Cameron has up’d the ante for the movie storytelling medium. I for one can’t wait to see the benefits for us, the audience, down the road. ( Psst… Mr Jackson and Mr Del Toro if you need to push back The Hobbit another year or two in order to add these kinds of visuals to your future Tolkien movies please do so. I’ll gladly wait and pay the ridiculously high ticket prices I’m sure that will be charged as well. )
I watched Avatar. It’s hard not to love it for its visual. They definitely did great in that department. It has to be. It took Cameron 10 years to work on that movie. I thought the story at the beginning was great. It kinda went downhill near the end, and the ending was soooo cliched (probably rushed too?). But I forgave the weaknesses. 4.5 stars for me.
ps: I’m saving my first 3d experience for Burton’s Alice. Here crossing my fingers that it be awesome.
I haven not seen either film yet… I am open to seeing a “different” Holmes but even Laurie R King and her Mary Russell books have not changed Holmes as Doyle portrayed him except to be married (which many won’t read because of that)
I am so so about seeing Avatar. I was all for it until I found it was 3d.. sorry that doesn’t thrill me, and yes I saw some “new 3d” at kennedy space center at the Imax there, and did think it was fantastic, but I don’t really want 3 hours of it.. I am wondering if when it is released on cd if they will have both 3d and “normal” as was done with Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brandon Frasier.? Have you read anything on this??
Anyway I do like Downey’s acting, always have, he’s brilliant. I truly hope he has beat his addictions .
Deslily: I’m not sure, but I have to imagine that they will release it on DVD in 3d and regular versions. They did that with Coraline. I doubt the experience is anything like seeing it in the theater with the expensive equipment, but I don’t know that for a fact. Knowing the kind of fantasy that you like, especially your fondness for Pern, I do really think you would enjoy Avatar.
Downey is brilliant, I agree. And I too hope that his addictions are behind him.
Mee: I’m looking forward to Alice as well. I’m really glad that it is a return to Alice in Wonderland vs. a remake of the original story. Will be fun not exactly knowing what to expect that way. Love the casting and look of it, and I imagine there will be some really fun 3D elements in it.
SPOILER WARNING…the end was a forgone conclusion, but it is always that way with these kind of movies so I don’t fault it. What I did take away from the ending of the film wasn’t so much the happiness they wanted you to take away but the feeling that, if unobtanium was that valuable, that the army would be back in full force in as brief a time as possible to destroy the entire planet. SPOILER ENDED
Jeff: Once in awhile you have to step down and use some of the soap, otherwise you get a bit stinky! 🙂
I’m really glad you and the fam enjoyed this one so much. Especially with the price of movies what they are when there are four of you going. Even at the rate you guys paid you could almost buy the DVD twice for that price, so it is extra wonderful when you actually enjoy the experience. Sky Captain is a perfect example of what you and I were talking about and what I was alluding to in this post, well done! Sky Captain is a film I just LOVE and soooo many people feel it was absolute crap. Thus my ‘judge not lest you be judged’ attitude.
I suspect that Weta will be doing some amazing things with the Hobbit films come release day, especially since they are so far from being completed…or even started…at this point. Not sure I want them to be in 3D simply because I won’t be able to recreate that experience in my house, but if they are I’ll definitely see them that way.
And I agree about the struggles a writer has in trying to put out a message film and walk the fine line. I didn’t feel like this one was too preachy, despite the very black and white portrayals of the major players. Being a lover of trees I hated seeing some of the stuff done to the land in this film.
Looking forward to more discussion on this one.
Your reviews were fabulous. You have made me even more determined to get to the cinema to watch Sherlock Holmes. I am desperate to see Victorian London.
Great reviews, Carl. Still another reason why I need to see Sherlock Holmes. I loved Snatch, and I’m sure this one won’t disappoint.
I blogged about my opinions on Avatar over here if you’re interested.
Take care.
Deslily – I have read several reviews now from people who went and saw Avatar in non-3D and they liked it a lot even without the 3D elements. I personally think you should consider seeing it at the theater in non-3D if possible. I agree with Carl as well in thinking they will make both 3D and non-3D versions to buy when it comes out on DVD. They won’t pass up the opportunity to make as much money as possible. 🙂
I agree with you on The Hobbit. It would be hard recreate that 3D feeling at home. I know I tried with Coraline and it just didn’t work. I will say I’m not as attached to The Hobbit story as I was the LOTR story so if they do go 3D and I can only see it that way at the theater then I’m ok with that. I do feel strongly one or another about it in regards to The Hobbit. I just hope it fun and they get Smaug right. I don’t want to see him look like the mounts the ringwraiths road in LOTR. They weren’t cool enough. I have this picture of Smaug in my mind. Not just the way he looked but also the way he moved and sounded. I hope they nail it and I have a lot of faith they will with Jackson and Del Toro at the helm.
Jeff: I am not as fond of the Hobbit either, but it is possible that Del Toro and Jackson will put together a couple of movies that will make us more fond of it, and if so I want to be able to experience it at home in all its glory. I will agree with you that I hope Smaug is cool and it has to be different from the nazgul (at least I’ve never considered them part of the same species), but I think the nazgul were awesome, personally. Loved them!
Logan: I will check out your Avatar thoughts soon. And if you liked Snatch then I think you’ll enjoy Ritchie’s interpretation of Holmes.
Vivienne: Aw, thanks! You’ll get your fill of Victorian London, the darker side of it, if you end up seeing Sherlock Holmes!
I was very excited about the improvements in visual effects and what it will mean for movies (hopefully more exciting sci-fi flicks). I agree that the plot wasn’t that strong, and the general is a very two-dimensional character, but I would see it in the theater again just for the visuals.
After the movie I started thinking about some of my favorite sci-fi books (like Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series) and imagining them made into movies with the new technology.
I loved the Sherlock Holmes movie, & i’ve been reading Conan Doyle’s Holmes since… well, since i could first read. The Hound of the Baskervilles was one of the earliest “real adult” books i ever read at about the tender age of seven or eight. I’ve got gobs of Holmes variations from Fred Saberhagen’s “A Close Friend of the Family” Dracula meets Holmes, to your afformentioned Irene Adler series and i absolutely ADORE the early Laurie R. King Mary Russell novels. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice is a must read in my book. The London in the movie is gritty and realistic, and Downey’s portrayal of Holme’s had me rolling. He’s a kleptomanic! Jude Law as Watson was in a word Brilliant!
I’m with you in-so-far as if a movie keeps me entertained and interested i’m a happy camper, and Sherlock Holmes delivered.
I saw Avatar in a non-3D theatre, just not affordable for me to drive to Memphis or Little Rock just to find a 3-D theatre, phooey. But, it is definitely a movie that needs to initially be seen on the big screen. There is just no way DVD is going to be able to do the visuals justice. As per your review, i thought it was visually inspiring and gorgeous. The story is standard fare, with some interesting twists thrown into the mix. I enjoyed it as i feel Cameron intended for it to be. A visually thrilling romp that left you leaving the theatre breathless. It’s not a deep movie and all the stuff that people are ranting and raving about, the eco-huggers and the anti-military rants and stuff, phooey. It’s entertainment. I was entertained!
Anyhoo, glad you enjoyed them. I know I did! ^_^
I agree completely with your assessment of Sherlock Holmes, especially with regards to Rachael McAdams – she’s normally a really good actress, so I don’t know what happened to her here. I did thoroughly enjoy the movie, though… one review that I read said she’d have happily paid the $10 to spend two hours watching Holmes and Watson squabbling over a vest, which I completely agree with.
As for Avatar, I actually got to see it in 3D on an IMAX screen, and it totally blew me away. I went into it expecting to totally hate it, and while it was absolutely predictable and heavy-handed, it kept me entertained the whole while… so, coupled with the very low initial expectations means I wound up really liking it.
Firefly: It is hard to know just what the deal was with McAdams. I think they just might not have completed known how to use her in this. She wasn’t horrible, just disappointing.
I was pretty determined not to see Avatar but am really glad I changed my mind and went. I would be kicking myself for not experiencing the technology as it was meant to be experienced.
SG Taylor: This movie could have easily been so much more eco-huggie and anti-military and I found it much less preachy about those things than I initially thought it would be. And that is a good thing. I prefer more subtle and less heavy-handed messages, if a story has to have a message at all. Phooey indeed, it is all about the entertainment for me as well.
Glad you enjoyed Holmes, it is really a fun take on the characters. Again, I respect those who feel Holmes shouldn’t have been messed with. I am just glad, personally, that the movie did for me exactly what I wanted it to do.
Alyce: It will be fascinating to see what films look like in another 10 years. Jeff and I were having an email conversation about adaptations vs. original stories and while we are both in agreement that we would prefer more original content, I find myself really torn about adaptations. In many ways I would prefer that they never be done. There have been novels that I am just in love with and have been disappointed by the film version (Stardust) and others where I haven’t read the novel, loved the movie (LOTR) and that caused me to go read and fall in love with the books. So it is really a two-edged sword. With the new technology there are several novels I would love to see on the screen because now there is the “potential” for it looking right. But in the end I would like to see talented writers do something new, like Avatar only with a top notch story, that would then turn fans on to pick up books that are “like” the movie. Does that make sense?
I heartily agree with you about both movies! Are you going to see The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus? Cause I’d love to hear what you think about that.
I giggled a bit that you mispelled Gollum, cause I’m a goof like that.
I pretty much agree with both reviews. Sherlock Holmes was my first film of this year, and for pure fun and enjoyment it is pretty hard to beat. It does exactly what it says it will in the trailer, and I don’t think you can ask for more than that. Also it looked great. But I am a fan of Ritchie’s; well, fan might be the wrong word. I like loads of his films, but mainly because they are stylish rather than because they have any real depth. Sometimes you are just looking for a bit of flash. Although I think that the two main actors managed to raise it a bit higher than Ritchie’s usual fare.
As for Avatar. Well, on the one hand it looked great. On the other I didn’t care about any of the characters. The plot was fairly meh. And, as you say, it was a tad long. I’d still recommend it to people, just with that proviso. It isn’t a good film, but it is a great visual experience.
Avatar – part 2: the sources is now up.
I’m just hoping 3-D doesn’t become “the new wave” and they try to put everything into it. Sure, UP was great in 3-D and Avatar was even better, but most films do NOT need, nor will benefit from, the technology.
In re: Alyce’s comment about the Pern books becoming 3-D films, there are few projects I would like more to see, provided they were done right, solid screenplay (not by Todd McCaffrey!) and top animators for the creatures. Plus it would have to be a film that takes itself seriously. I don’t think Anne McCaffrey will sell the rights to anyone, but after she’s gone, I expect her son will.
I realized while reading the comments here and on other blogs that I’m spoiled. No, not that way, I mean I have three IMAX and another 6 or 7 “regular” 3-D theaters within a 35 minute drive. I’m in southern California and there are a lot of people, so a lot of theaters. Regardless, I cannot suggest strongly enough to find an IMAX or at least a 3-D if at all possible to see Avatar.
Richard: I’m with you in not wanting to see a ton of films go 3D, but the number has been growing steadily over the past few years and I suspect we are in for many more. I just hope it burns itself out.
Great second post, I suggest everyone go read it. In it you said:
“The whole issue of cribbing and being unoriginal is really a non-issue, or should be. Sure, go ahead and read the books and stories that are being pointed at, because for the most part they are darned good stuff. Just get over worrying about where Cameron got the ideas, and look at what he did with them.”
You summed it all up perfectly there Richard. Amen!
Great post. I am excited about the ‘controversy’ merely because it gives all of us who are sci fi fans and love our books a chance to say loudly to anyone who will listen, “Hey, if you liked Avatar, read this!”. That may be, in my opinion, the greatest thing to come out of Avatar aside from the great technical advancements of movie making.
Fence: Couldn’t agree with you more. Ritchie’s films aren’t deep, but they are fun in a uniquely stylized way and I tend to find them as enjoyable to re-watch as I did the first time I saw them. It is odd, but understandable, how Avatar has become the film that even people who were unimpressed by the story are telling everyone, “go see this!”.
Janet: I was pretty sure I was mispelling ‘Gollum’ when I did it but was too lazy to go look. I’ll correct it now though, look for your research check in the mail. 😉
I would like to see The Imaginarium. I’ve read mixed reviews, but those mixed reviews actually have me even more curious than I was just from the trailer.
I absolutely loved Avatar. I thought it was exactly what I expected, with amazing visuals, action, adventure and an engaging though not exactly original story. Most people that came out disappointed were obviosly expecting far too much. Look at Cameron’s backlist and you’ll find a series of excellent action adventure (mostly science fiction) films with good characterisation and great, often ground breaking effects. What Cameron is not the best at (with the exception perhaps of Terminator!) is his storytelling, and Avatar is certainly no different. But you are spot on about seeing it at the cinema. I’ve seen it twice already because I know it won’t be the same on the small screen!
Oh and Sherlock Holmes was really fun. Silly but entertaining and RDJ is awesome as always! I liked Mark Strong too. Suitably creepy bad guy.
I so want to see both of these (which my son has, several times). I overheard a man at church saying that Sherlock was the best mystery film he’s seen. Ever. Wow! I wonder if I’ll share that opinion, since I’m not overly taken with Robert Downey, Jr. However, when almost all of the eight year olds in one’s class have seen Avatar, you know it’s time to get your butt to it!
First of all, I’ve been wondering where this review has been. I kept thinking, how is it possible that Carl from Stainless steel droppings hasn’t seen this yet :-). That said, I’m going to have to agree to disagree with you on this one.
When going to see a movie, the bottom line for me is whether or not I was entertained. I can say that Avatar entertained me for the entirity of its 2 hours and 40 minute span. I went in to it with an open mind and without any baggage from any other reviews/blogs I’d read beforehand. As everyone has said before, it’s a pretty simple story that’s been done to death before – whether it was a rehash of A man called horse/Pocahontas/Ferngully/Dances with Wolves, I could have cared less. I enjoyed it for what it was. I find it somewhat sad that so many people seem only to want to tear down Cameron and this movie. Was it the greatest movie I’ve ever seen? No, I don’t think so, but it was good – and I think you at least have to give the man some kudos for it.
For me the movie definitely had some pro’s and con’s.
The con’s – and these are very nitpicky.
1. Sigourney Weaver. Carl, I’ll have to disagree. Her inclusion in this just made me groan. First of all I thought her acting was particularly sub-par and secondly, is Sigourney really the only actress in Hollywood who can do sci-fi? I’d have much rather seen someone else (preferably a no-name) get a crack of the whip in this role.
2. I thought the Avatar’s of the human characters looked particularly cartoon-ey. In hindsight I think it was because I had a human point of reference (the actors’ faces) but it bothered me a little bit. In contrast, the native Na’vi looked much more natural. Neytiri blew me away – her movements and hair were superb.
3. I agree some sequences were too long. The flying sequence with the Banshees (since you mention it) is a case in point.
4. Rear view mirrors on mech-walkers. Seriously? I know this was foreshadowing for one of the final scenes – but please, credit your audience with some intelligence. They have all these head up, finger touch displays for everything, but they’re still using mirrors to see behind them? Come on.
The Pro’s:
1. Visually stunning
2. The attention to detail was just mind-blowing. Life-like hair, heat wash from jet engines, shadows – all that stuff we just take for granted all still has to be computer generated. Amazing.
3. As mentioned above, Neytiri was fabulous.
4. The mere fact that you could look at any frame in that film and say “None of that really exists” is mind blowing.
5. Visually stunning. (Did I mention that already).
I’ve read a lot of blogs/reviews since seeing the movie that have complained about the underlying racism in the film and the use of minority actors to voice the Na’vi. Honestly, I didn’t go in to the movie looking for racism and I didn’t come away from it feeling like I’d been bombarded with a racism message, whether intentional or not. I think for those that do, then it possibly says more about them than the movie.
Is it a racist movie? I’d answer no and yes. No, because I don’t think it’s a commentary on, or juxtaposition of, racism in today’s society, but yes because, well, it’s about two races of people at war. It’s race-ism in it’s very purist form.
In closing, all I’ll say is this, I knew I was totally sucked in to this movie when, in one of the closing scenes, Neytiri is with Sam Worthington’s human character. It shocked me to see them together and see the size difference between them because I’d fallen hook, line and sinker for Pandora and the Na’vi world. I had definitely been along for the ride.
Stuart: I don’t mind us agreeing to disagree because, as I said, I completely respect people loving this one because there is a lot about it that is entertaining. I wasn’t pushed over that edge but I can easily see why others were and I don’t fault anyone for that.
I think any ill will towards Cameron is pretty petty myself. He spent a lot of time putting this thing together and in many parts of its execution that shows. I think he deserves the kudos.
I’ve been fortunate in that the only reviews I’ve read, and there have been quite a few, are only as negative as mine is, no more, which I think is a pretty respectful position. I’m sure there are worse ones out there, but the majority of what I see is praising visuals and some degree of opinion of the story being from weak to very enjoyable.
Can’t agree with you on SW. I love her in these films and I think it was great to see her again. I thought the Na’vi looked less cartoony on the big screen than I thought they looked in the trailers, with the exception of Weaver. I understand why hers needed to look like her, made it easier to know who her character was in the story, but that was a bit off-putting to me.
Visually, no arguments there.
Racism? Only of the human vs. alien kind, in my opinion. People wanting to read a negative racism into this one are just looking to argue in my opinion and are just to sensitive. That probably means jack coming from a white male, but I don’t care, I think it is ridiculous.
I also don’t care that this was a rehash of a million stories. I like many rehashes. I just didn’t think this rehash was particularly well done which is why I was not as entertained by it.
Bellezza: The movie snob in me wants to say that I doubt that man had seen many mystery films, because it certainly isn’t nearly that, but it is great fun. And yes, as a teacher you definitely need to be in the know and be the cool teacher, so get out and see Avatar!!!
Mariel: I did like Mark Strong in this, felt he lent weight to the creepiness of his role. “Most people that came out disappointed were obviously expecting far too much.” I’m not sure I would go quite that far because I think criticism of the story is pretty legitimate and doesn’t have anything to do with expectations, but I know that isn’t probably exactly what you are saying. I would agree that anyone coming out of it ranting and raving about racism, stolen ideas, etc. had expectations that were either too high or way off base.
Thanks Jeff .. I sure hope so. I thought the “at home” version of Journey to the Center of the Earth ” and “WallE” that I had sucked in 3d.
Awww.. You guys .. I loved the Hobbit, but then it was the book that got me into fantasy. You guys just like the big wars! lol
Deslily: Don’t get me wrong, I still have an affection for the Hobbit, but for me it pales in comparison to the LOTR trilogy. I certainly hope that it turns out to be a movie that begs to be watched over and over again like the LOTR films, but I’m really worried about whether or not lightning can strike twice.
And hey, the battles in the LOTR films are really cool, but I just like those characters more than I like Bilbo. I’ve got my heart wide open though for Jackson and Del Toro to make me connect emotionally to Bilbo like I did the other hobbits and non-hobbits in LOTR.
deslily: Hello! It’s funny you mention The Hobbit because it was the book that hooked me onto fantasy reading as well. I was assigned to read it for a class in the 7th grade and I loved it. From there I went to read the LOTR trilogy and onto many other fantasy books from their on out. So The Hobbit was my gateway book so in that since I love it but over time it hasn’t held up as my favorite because right after it I was blown away by reading the LOTR. There was just so much more depth in LOTR that it eclipsed The Hobbit in my mind. I think I like the big wars as well. 🙂
I have high hopes for The Hobbit movie and can’t wait to experience it with my kids. They were to young to see the LOTR movies at the theater when they came out so it will be nice to share The Hobbit with them when it finally comes out. I did read it out loud to them two years ago so they are familiar with the story and liked it. In fact they were disappointed with the ending. They were like ” That’s it? We want to hear more! “
Carl, absolutely 🙂 Plus when a film gets that much hype for so long before being released, people are bound to form their own ideas and opinions of the film, before having the chance to see it. And that can easily lead to disappointment. I know it did for me with Watchmen. I am glad though that so many people are recognizing Avatar for what it is, a visual ground-breaking film that will hopefully pave the way for such film-making in the future. Exciting time to be working in this kind of film industry!
Mariel: I ran into my first real vitriolic, Cameron-hating comments on some websites today and all I could do was laugh. Some people get so blinded by their prejudices about things that just don’t matter (and I suspect they are often wrong about) that they can’t appreciate any of the aspects of his work that deserve to be appreciated. I want so bad to shake those people and say, “For gosh sakes, its just a movie!!!”.
well of course i adore what Peter Jackson does to movies.. but I am not a del toro fan while pans labyrinth was “his and his alone” I don’t care for his influence in Hellboy II at all..it seems everything has to have multiple eyes etc.. too much .. I didn’t like it but bought the film because I like Perlman and love dotrice …but didn’t like what he did. I hope I don’t see things I didn’t see in my mind when I read the Hobbit on the screen!… but do wish they’d get on with it and get it made before McKellen is too old to act! lol
You and me both, Deslily. McKellen HAS to be Gandalf!!!
Ditto with Deslily, McKellen HAS to be Gandolf!!!! ^_^
I was kind of hoping they would go younger for McKellen for The Hobbit movies maybe someone like Will Ferell or Will Smith. Any thoughts?
Jeff: Good plan! 😉 I hear they were thinking about Jason Statham, but he wouldn’t do it because there weren’t enough scenes of Gandalf with his shirt off.
SGist: indeed!!!
I hear Josh Harnett is available! 🙂
Will Ferell, Will Smith Jason Statham, John Harnett…
‘YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!’
LOL !!! 🙂
Carl – have seen both of these, good to see your thoughts on them and I really must write up my reviews!
Bride: Please do, I’d love to come over and see what you thought of them.
Jeff: You laugh now, but I know you’d like to see Harnett and Statham in the shirts vs. skins version of The Hobbit!
Deslily: I think I hear Tolkien turning over in his grave.
Haha! Did you hear about the “Avatar Blues”? People who loved it so much, that the world outside the cinema seemed pointless and depressing to them. That’s enjoying a film to the extreme! Me thinks a healthy balance is required!
Mariel: Yes I did. Part of me laughs and thinks, that is just too much, and the other part of me wonders just how sad life has to be that a digitally rendered world on the screen is more appealing to one’s day to day existence here on good ol’ Earth.
So you already know how I felt about Holmes; I loved it. My roots go deep with this character, but I’m not so much a purist that I can’t appreciate Ritchie’s turn with Holmes. And, really, even if I had complaints, they would have been quickly silenced by the amazing chemistry between RDJ and Law. While a fan of Downey Jr., I can’t say the same of Law (though Repo Men now intrigues me, perhaps more than it would have pre-Holmes and Law’s awesome portrayal of Watson.) But he was wonderful in this.
Completely, one hundred percent agree with your thoughts on Ritchie’s London. It was spectacular. The city vied for my attention at every turn and managed at times to steal it away from the actors.
I have to say that I did enjoy McAdams’ Adler, but can see where you’re coming from. Since she was so firmly in my mind for that character after the announcement that she was cast in the role, I could think of no one else to play her part. To the same end, though, while I liked Mark Strong and thought he was suitably menacing, Lord Blackwood’s characterization was shallow; the story would have benefited from deepening his character, I think, and there was room for it within the plot already.
But enough of me rambling! Loved reading your thoughts on both films!
Chelle: I agree with you, more could have been done with Strong’s character. It was pretty one note, and because he was so menacing and mysterious it would have been nice to see this played up even more. I certainly didn’t hate McAdams, but she did seem like the weak link to me.
I’ve seen stuff that I’ve really enjoyed Law in and other stuff where he wasn’t my favorite, but like you said, the two of them together were awesome.
As always a fun read on this blog. Thanks Carl.
I saw Sherlock Holmes. I have read all of the Doyle stories, watched various TV adaptions, several movies (eek Young Sherlock Holmes was pretty bad), read Neil Gaiman’s short story, and many other (good and bad) Holmes based stories (Holmes in America … what can I say). I loved this movie. London was such a character (as you noted) and the acting was great. It was well done.
Avatar. I loved it too. I took my whole family to an iMAX theatre and was enthralled. I think the story was fine, and I know my kids (all teenagers) thought it was excellent – even to proclaiming it the best movie they had ever seen. [I wouldn’t go that far but I liked the characters a lot].
I think movie experiences will change, I have seen some 3D stuff before but this lived and breathed.
Anyway, thanks for listening.
Ian: Thanks! I agree with you, I think movie experiences will change as well. And when the quality of storytelling catches up with the quality of the technology we are in for some amazing movies!
I remember thinking fondly of Young Sherlock Holmes, but I saw it when I was a kid and don’t remember it at all now, so I might not be as enamored of it now as I was then. I’m sure there have been many awful Holmes works written. For the most part I try to stay away from other people’s interpretations of characters, and I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve enjoyed those few of Holmes that I have read.
Carl,
I don’t want to beat a dead horse – but I will.
I’d like to make two (maybe three) points:
First – when you have a film director with great credentials who has a known and court-proven track record of plagiarizing, I think it is completely legitimate to question the sources and origins of any movie he produces.
Second – it has recently come to the attention of some that there is a much larger and more smoking gun than either Deathworld or Call Me Joe: Arkady and Boris Strugatsky’s The World of Noon series. Check out this link, from the mouth of one of the brother’s himself: http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/9460/. Noon’s world in named Pandora and the indigenous species are called the Nave.
I for one am heavily leaning in the direction of the followng possibility: the last time Cameron got successfully sued, he’d stolen two different stories from the same author. This time around he tried confusing the issue by stealing stories from multiple authors. I’m sorry, but I just don’t think the theft issue can be ignored any longer.
Third: my REAL issue with this is not “oh, some SF author I really like got trumped by big-name Hollywood type again” – it is this two-parter. First – failure to gain acknowledgment from the wider audience enjoyed by film diminishes and damages SF literature – to the detriment of the publishers, the authors and the potential readers themselves and second, film is always watered down, least-common denominator stuff and gives that wider audience a (usually) very poor impression of the genre.
Finally, so far as the film itself goes, I’m sticking by my impressions. The CGI was nothing new – better than before – yes, but nothing was put up on that screen, in #D or otherwise, that wowed and overwhelmed audiences the way that Star Wars did in ’77. Back then, folks who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to see a ‘sci fi’ film voluntarily sat through two, three or more showings in a row.
The real ‘Avatar Blues’ are being had by authors who have been shamelessly eclipsed and buried under Hollywood dreck.
COF: While I found the visuals a little more impressive than you did, you certainly won’t find me comparing it in any way to Star Wars. Despite its roaring success I still don’t think there is enough of a story there to make Avatar the kind of beloved film that Star Wars continues to be today, with kids of parents who grew up with it watching it for the first time and falling in love with it like their folks did.
As for the stealing thing, again I haven’t done any kind of research on it. The Russian thing, if true, certainly points to a more legitimate argument for theft. The Poul Anderson and Deathworld complaints are just a little too vague for me to be reasons to get upset about. Now if he is conscious of his “inspirations” for lack of a better word, I agree that he should share those, not so much because of being transparent but instead to encourage readers young and old to go out and try out these books. That, as you eloquently point out, is one of the real crimes.
Thanks for coming over to share your thoughts. I don’t necessarily disagree with you on any of your points, at least not significantly, probably more in minor ways. But that is just a ‘what are you passionate about at the moment’ thing for me, and the story of this film was unimpressive enough to me that I’ve all but forgotten about it and am looking forward to other films in 2010 that I hope will be a more satisfying experience for me.
yea nice Work