| Greed V. Deed | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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James Cameron is back! This is quality entertainment. After gloating over his less than impressive 3D camera setups for Ghosts of the Abyss, (click here for that interview) I had some serious concerns regarding Cameron's opinion of quality. The fact is, "Ghosts" was the anomaly, I'm happy to report that Cameron can still deliver big, powerful, universal cinema. (T2 remains one my favorite films of all time.) Avatar focuses rather narrowly on a conflict between an indigenous people inhabiting a planet off in space and corporate opportunists from our humble planet. In a rather personal, dramatic, and spectacularly visual way it exposes a greed far too common here on Earth. The disciplined, consistently energized pace outshines even the juicy special effects, which seamlessly integrate live action and cgi. Despite the 2.5 hour run time, there is never a dull moment. There's not even a slow moment. This production has fine tuned its focused tale to unwind perfectly. Cameron doesn't waste time with setting, we're trusted to figure out this new world on the go -- this trust pays off. There are a few imperfections in the magic. A cigarette in an oxygen-limited environment? And from a scientist no less. (I'm doubting that). Technology that enables bio-telepathy, but weapons are still bullets and dynamite? (Quite unlikely.) That said, if you're looking for a picture with action, splendid visuals, romance, and even relevance -- go see Avatar in IMAX 3D. Note: I watched this film on the new IMAX screen at Alhambra, CA's Renaissance 14 (quite possibly the most petite IMAX screen I'd ever seen). |
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Grade..........................A (3.5/4) |
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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
