Thursday 22 December 2022
(watched, at the theater 📽️)
This movie is weird 🤔
It feels like it should be part of a TV show. Story-wise, it doesn't contain that much, and is definitely designed as a component of a franchise. Doesn't have a narrative arc solid enough to stand on its own.
Uneven structure. The beginning is very fast-paced and looks like they had 5 hours of stuff they needed to compress in 30 minutes. Then there is a long section about summer camp by the sea where nothing happens.
Almost only Na'vis. Teenage Na'vis, children Na'vis, babies Na'vis, crowds of Na'vis, bad guys Na'vis. Gotta get used to this surreal dreamy ass shit.
Doubled down on the hippie Pandora-is-alive stuff. The 1st movie was like "nature is cool", now we are remote-controlling algae and whatnots.
Jake and Neytiri relegated to side-characters as the children take the spotlight.
What works 👏
The visuals are GORGEOUS. Better than Avatar 1. You are paying to see an attraction. 3D is like fine culinary work.
Action scenes. James Cameron knows his craft, and seems to be playing with infinite budget.
The "Sullys stick together" narrative theme works fairly well.
Big fish is best bro forever.
Kiri and Tuk so cute and endearing.
Definitely going to see Avatar 3. The universe has potential.
What doesn't work 🤨
The human Tarzan kid acting like he belongs. Ridiculous costume and stance.
Please stop hissing.
You can assess how unimportant a character is by how late in the movie you get to catch and remember his/her name (if at all).
Jake Sully making his children call him "Sir" and being all serious. Didn't smoke enough Pandora grass to chill down.
Boomer James Cameron "back in my days if we had a problem we sorted it out like grown men", trying to make a scene where kids are throwing punhes at each other comical.
Kiri is played (and voiced) by Sigourney Weaver, who doesn't really have a teenager's voice.
This movie is weird 🤔
What works 👏
What doesn't work 🤨