HELP THE CHANNEL GROW: www.patreon.com/rowanjcoleman PS: Sorry about the garbled audio in some places. I had to remove some music to avoid a copyright claim.
Rowan r me and my mom saw this when it came out and I rwmbwrvthia movie blew me away like as big star wars guy avtar is like star wara ojnplanwt and I rembresvthink this move was going to be abut thecser7escavatar lastvairbendwe Rowan will ypundont x men franxhise retrospexticv Ever from zach
So happy to see another person really likes this film, it seems so trendy to hate on the movie. Thanks for the behind the scenes info. Hope you enjoy the sequel 👍
@@killergoose7643 I agree and disagree, this might be true for some people, but others might just not like this genre or type of movie. Titanic is a great movie, but I personally don't like it much because I don't like those kinds of movies.
If you love this film like some of us do, check out "World Tree Center" by Chapo Trap House. It's an enthusiastic and intelligent love-fest by some Avatar fans who really know what they're talking about It's on RUclips.
@@eamonndeane587 search "Why Avatar has the Most Ironic Soundtrack of All Time" by Sideways. (turns out he was talking about the OG soundtrack made befor James Cameron scraped it and replaced it with European stuff (great video thought))
I never hear people talk about it but I agree. Amazing sound track. The disaster song (yall know the one) always gets me and the one with the singular female voice wailing is so beautiful and heartbreaking.
There is a really nice essay by Sideways also here on RUclips about the enormous work and unfortunately wasted potential that went into creating basically a completely new, unheard and truly 'alien' (in the best possible way) type of music, which was then canned for the reason of it being ironically "too unfamiliar and alien". It's really worth watching, but also a bit heartbreaking (especially as a musician) to see how in all this incredible and unprecented work to build a truly believable and realistic lore, the musical aspect was changed in the end to such a generic Hollywood style. I mean no critique here to Horner. He did the best he could which what was given to him and he put so much work into research and compostions that weren't used in the end. It just would have been so incredible to see the music be lifted to the same heights that the rest of the world-building was... This could actually have been a break-through in musical innovation of movie soundtracks like nothing ever before.
It's the same story for a lot of things in many Jim Cameron movies, especially in Avatar 2 onwards since they spent a lot of time trying things out. For the music, I hoped the original tracks get released in some form on its own since it seems like a very intetersting listen! But in terms servicing the movie, it runs the risk of attracting too much attention to itself due to it being so unusual. That's the reason why Jim Cam dropped it.
@@paulstaker8861 I’m shocked by how many people don’t understand that. Unfamiliar and alien sounds like it got pushed too far and didn’t ultimately work for the film. That’s the creative process of blockbuster filmmaking which has a massive financial risk.
I’m glad to see someone with something positive to say about Avatar besides “It looks pretty “. I saw it in theaters in high school twice , and as an artist it had my imagination in a chokehold for the longest time. I still have a soft spot for it.
This film is actually very important for me. This was my introduction to James Cameron and it this ultimately helped spark my love for science fiction. I first saw this film on DVD, unaware of its box office numbers and of how people either hate it or find it overrated. I simply watched it and fell in love with it. When I grew older, I found more to love about it, with it's mythic storytelling, incredible worldbuilding and it's truly epic scope. I personally believe that a film being similar to another isn't really a problem as long as I myself enjoyed it for what it was. Plus the score is truly one of the best I've ever heard. Nice to see someone on RUclips give this film some love.
I agree with every single word of the video. This movie is mainly an experience. I have watched it for the first time in 3d in a big theatre with my wife. When It was over we turned to each other and said: "we have to see this again". We saw Avatar in the same theatre 5 times (in Italy) and had to purchase the tickets as far as two weeks in advance (never happened in my experience). In blu ray 3d I have watched Avatar more than 35 times...until this day. Sincere compliments for your video.
Avatar was released the year my first son was born, he’s seen on at home and can’t wait to be able to take him to see the new film and experience just how breath taking Avatar is. If the sequel only lives up to the visuals of the first it will be amazing.
How is it that RJC only has 100k Subs? Quality content is really hard to find at this level. I remember having to drag my wife to this movie. I had heard so many things about it, now knowing how it was shot, it's even harder to believe it was ever made. This movie is a "feast for the eyes" while watching it, I can't help but remember the first time, being disabled myself, when the man in the wheelchair was "freed" from it. To me, this movie was all about "freedom". Putting aside all of our human issues/problems and just living. I will never forget that moment.
@@humzaibrahim2953 You're right, I don't think he or anyone ever mentioned the Unobtanium to the Na'vi. But I think they already know that what the umans want is underground, they've surely seen the massive strip mines digging up their world. Regardless, the humans made their intentions pretty clear when they bombed Home Tree. They would stop at nothing to get what they want.
@@still_guns i get what youre saying… but imagine if the original movie started off jus with scientists…. But some accident happens n jake is left by himself in his wheelchair/hover chair… n then he survives as a human by foraging n hed use his avatar to interact with the naavi… all is well till the industrialists arrive with the army to take over operations…. If thr first movie was set up in that way then itd make sense
@@humzaibrahim2953 and I was 7 whennthis filmczne out fun fsct dud you know jsmes Cameron was acthuly supposed to mdkevdungekbs zndvdrsgons movie befure the dungrons znd drsgons go, we got in 2000
For the past decade I've felt like the only person on Earth who still loved this movie; it's quite cathartic to see someone celebrate the movie for all the same reasons I do. Excellent video as always!
It can't be stated enough how the original movie revolutionized the industry of motion capture. Even the mere name itself seemed to be changed to "performance capture" after 2009, because it was officially no longer only physical movements but now included the true emotion and precision acting down to the smallest scale. We can thank this movie for dumping money into that technology which has been used (and continues) for making AMAZING visual effect performances in movies, video games, animation, just about all ways to tell a story.
Thank you for making this video. I was cynical about Avatar 2, but this really made me appreciate these movies way more, and I really enjoyed Avatar 2 as a result.
Not sure how many time I've watched this movie, but it is many times! Always felt it was such an amazing world, and despite them being so alien, you could really feel and connect with them. The two things I always remember so vividly from the movie was how she thanked her Earth Mother before killing an animal for food, showing a true respect for the nature they lived in. In then contrast to that, having Jake saying to her how humanity had killed there Earth Mother, no longer caring about nature. Anyway, fantastic movie!
it’s so weird to me to hear others say jake is weird in this movie and has to relearn the same lesson. When jakes journey in the first was falling in love with the Navi and only stops the humans because of his advantage of being on the inside. He’s not a war hero or a colonel quarich in part 2 he’s protecting his family. This is his journey of learning to be a father and protect the people. The Navi people are about peace and balance. He isn’t a nuckle head that dives into trouble like before,he has a lot more to loose.
For my money this is a great take -- Avatar's emotional sincerity, and Cameron's obsessive pursuit of having what's onscreen mean something (not just look nice) are two things that I think far too little credit has been given to. Though in the sense of actions speaking louder than words, this film's success says that those things did resonate very strongly. It's just such a unique movie that it's hard to talk about in the same way as almost anything else.
Got a slight eye twitch of irritation when Cameron talks about the way the Na'Vi do archery - the world over people have completely different ways of using bows, and the Na'Vi way is practiced in parts of Asia 😭
I've never understood the hate this movie gets, I think online nitpickers just made it trendy to trash it. I was enamoured with this movie when I first saw it, I rewatched it recently wondering if it still held up and it absolutely does. Really glad to see someone else who was moved by the movie in the same way, so many folks seem to forget that's the point of art and that poking holes in the plot doesn't invalidate someone else's enjoyment of it. I 100% agree with your take as usual, I think the only time I've ever disagreed with you was your enterprise ranking :P
I love this movie, always have. It really captures and instills such a sense of wonder. I had the blu ray, 3d blu ray and extended edition. The only thing that made me sad was they never released any novels. I just wanted more from this world.
I love this channel. I've seen every retrospective at least 15 times and enjoy it every time again. And here's another great addition to the collection. Thanks for uploading!
After watching Avatar in 2009 I never thought I would see anything as good again. I didn't until last weekend when I watched Way of Water. Absolutely mind blowing jaw-dropping experience - and not even in IMAX 3D either.
Thank you for saying what I've been quietly thinking about this movie for years - yeah the plot is simple and the dialog is often cheesy, yeah it's CGI'd to hell and back, but I can't help but love the experience, how it feels makes me feel when watch it, and that's after having seen it 8-10 times. I hope the sequel does that feeling justice, if nothing else.
Thanks Rowan, I loved hearing you talk about this. I actually like it more now. I'm off to Iona in a couple of weeks. I'll be sure to clock your wee cinema on my way past.
I've never been a fan of Avatar. I never thought the story, dialogue, acting or even the SFX were convincing. However, I absolutely adore your passion for this film and it makes me want to revisit the film all these years later to see if I find something different this time around. Another great retrospective!
"Your not in Kansas anymore! You are on Pandora!" What a beatifull review, so many about this film I didn't know. I'm going to see Avatar way of water for third time in 3D, I rewatch first one 2 times, and I want to say Avatar is real! I watched it back in 2009 when I was in my 10-12th, maybe this is great reason of my obssesion of Sci-fi movies. Avatar is a film after which you have no doubts about its goodness, you want to know more about Pandora, about the process of filming, editing, music creation, acting in this masterpiece. Thanks to Cameron and his team for bringing us back to this wonderful world of Pandora. And this is exactly the film that will take you into depression, because it is incredibly realistic and plunges you into a new world and you literally live there and it's why hard to come back to reality . I hope there will be 4th, 5th Avtar and we will continue to learn about Pandora and its inhabitants. Thank you for the review, it was incredible.
Dude, you really are a treat. You should talk about stargate sg1 again, and maybe even everything that followed ;) . You have both professional level depth in your videos while also bring the personal touch full of sincerity. Even if you had a bunch of critiques of my fav show, SG-1, I would bet money it would be well founded, kind through out, AND I would learn stuff about production and what not that I would never have heard of before! Seriously, the longer I took to write the comment the more I want to see you do SG-1 like you do all the others! PS, weird to see bits of what I love in the first stargate series review. They started to show through so many years ago!
I loved/love the film because of what is was and what wasn’t. It was heartfelt and it wasn’t another action movie. Mostly it wasn’t product. Thanks mate.
Amazing retrospective once again. Back in the day this movie really inspired me, especially Jake Sully‘s attitude of simply trying and not thinking too much about it. I actually was a pretty overweight guy at the time and lost 40 pounds after that…. Though I did actually regain a lot of it and ultimately would have to loose that again. Which I did. I seem to be a bit Marlon Brando that way. Anyway, it made me fall in love with nature and recently I talked to a biology student and skimmed the works of German biologist Wohlleben and they say that The idea of all the plants on Pandora being connected and communicating with each other is actually reflective of recent scientific discoveries in real life forests. Similarly we know how intelligent whales are which is one of the topics in Avatar 2 actually. And I wholeheartedly agree, Avatar is the sole original work in an industry that seems to have grown cynical. The last cinematic saga with that degree of originality and that much the passion project (and really the only one I can think of) is Star Wars.
I am actually familiar with the Oban Screen 2, but what is far more familiar is the mobile cinema that travels the islands, talk about a non-ideal viewing experience
You hit the nail on the head. While I have some issues with the film, it's so goddamn sincere that I can't help but like it. Not love, but like. It's why some people hate it these days. They need their snarky, snippy, self-aware shit because they can't understand someone wearing their hearts on their sleeves.
Thanks so much for this retrospective, Rowan. James Cameron is an absolute genius, from effective storytelling, to creating compelling characters, to ground breaking visuals.
I watched Avatar three times in the movies, that's how much I loved it back in 2009. I remember thinking how it was the best film ever. Even wrote a passage about how much I loved it in my diary (I was 12 back then).
Brilliant work as always, and for one my favourite movies no less. Though you're point about the magic of this movie is seeing in theatres makes me a little sad because I never did, I first watched it on DVD at my dads place in like 2011. It still blew me away; like I said it's one my favourite movies, but I do wish I could see it in theatres ones day.
Potential spoilers: I think I know how Jake Sully will die…probably at the end of Avatar 3. In the shooting script of Avatar, Tsu'tey (Jake’s rival) has his queue cut off by Wainfleet [page 136], and Tsu'tey (dying and holding his queue) says to Jake, “I can never ride again, or bond with my woman -- or hear the voice of Eywa. I can not lead the People. You will lead them, Jakesully.” [Page 148] prior to Jake putting him down. The scene is partially in the extended cut of Avatar, but the severing of the queue is left out. I think that James Cameron is saving this scene for Jake’s death. I think Quaritch will cut off Jake’s queue and leave him for dead, and Lo'ak will similarly have to put his father down and become the new leader of the tribe.
Mainly because he wasnt actually evil. He was a mercenary tasked with protecting scientists from savage alien cat monkeys that never even heard of geneva, much less their conventions. Hes the good guy in the story of everyone except that communist traitor sully
Nice to hear you give top props to Lang. I hear a lot of people ripping on his first performance in favor of his second??. It is in a way like comparing apples and oranges (or Peaches and Guava?). The _further_ you get from what is familiar, the _less_ uncanny valley there is, AND the _more_ FORGIVING we are to the _perceived quality_ of performances. For the same reason: Because we do not have a life time of experience judging the performance 9 Foot Blue Alien, as we do with fellow Humans. With something so far outside the uncanny valley it is FAR easier to be forgiving and lend a performance ones own 'view', whereas a Human performance is locked in and locked down and there is very room for 'filtering' or interpreting. It is what it is. There are way too many people today who have no preference beyond what is popular. (which I find disgusting, I decide what is cool or fun or enriching or edifying for myself!)... This world, having peaked on or about June 18th 1984., (I was watching MTV ...) has quickly become a sad silly state of affairs ... only a huge -manufactured- disaster could -purge- redirect population back to balance. -Comsume!- The Georgia Guidestones made good sense...
truly the grandest undertaking in film ever made. it is incredible that cameron is not resting on his laurels but instead blesses us with more sequels. in my opinion Avatar was The perfect blockbuster
"Gradest undertaking in film ever made." This kinda attitude is half the reason I dislike the film. It just objectively isn't. The original was a big deal due to the special effects at the time. The acting was fine. The story was unoriginal.
Avatar is right in the same category as Marvel films. Fun popcorn flicks. Yet Cameron acts like he's making Schendlers list or something. So full of himself.
@@christoperwallace6197 marvel films have no soul. Marvel movies come off of a conveyor belt made by a committee of people. Avatar is the vision of a single legendary director whose first goal is to make a movie with a heartfelt message, something that will touch even the coldest of hearts. The only good marvel movies that had similar heart were the first 3 spider man movies (spider-man 3 is a bit worse than the other 2). If you cant see the difference between something unique like avatar and a commercial slop like marvel capeshit universe you are truly lost and have bad taste in movies I am sorry to say.
Wow epic summary. I think this film helped to elevate the awareness and perception of shamanism, indigenous culture and the interconnectivity of nature. Good central theme and reversing the role of the alien invasion. Not easy to make humans the villain in a battle against aliens.
Your material is excellent Mr. Coleman. I am glad to see you expand to other material after Star Trek. Keep up the excellent research. Live long and prosper.
What shocked me the bad guy is Ike Clanton from Tombstone, "Law don't go around here savvy"! Glad to see him working now he has a few others movies to his name as well.
Very well done. You covered everything. I would love to see a 3D movie, but I use bifocals, and I must angle my head slightly down for the screen and look slightly upwards. When I do that the 3D glasses slip off. 🤣🤣🤣 That being said, I watched it normally and loved it. It is a common story much like Dances with Wolves, but it adds so much. I love the idea of plugging your brain into Pandora and its biosphere.
I didn't enjoy it at the IMAX in Glasgow , however watching it in 2d in Kilmarnock Odeon just was breathtaking. I got to see the 3d at it's best format but I got to enjoy the movie without the gimmicks and just be engrossed in the universe with the 2d option
I saw this movie 3x in imax 3d and kept my glasses the third time and was bad and just would walk in and watch it maybe 5 more times because it was so amazing
Well, I still can't get over the poor plot, the subpar dialogue, the - let's say - critical themes and motifs, also, to finish with, the abundant ethno kitsch. I'm however still in awe of the masterful visuals of this movie. You are right to point out that the passion that went into the making of "Avatar" can be seen, and felt, and that this trumps its partly quite dire weaknesses.
You don't think that the sequel is that big a leap forward until you see footage from the original then clips from the sequel again. I hope Avatar 2 does well enough for us to see the other planned sequels.
Wow ! Excellent, Fun review. You inspired me to see it again on Disney+ But I may re watch it on my BlueRay, I may have the extended cut, and tho I only have 3.1 HiFi sound, it may sound better than my 5.1 soundbar. In 2009 I think I saw it on the 2nd week, but it was in Imax and 3D. I returned many times and got the BlueRay when it became avail. The world visuals and sound were amazing and the story was entertaining.
I must agree with you about the need for more new IPs. However the biggest problem is as you said it's not really a great viewing outside of Big IMax theatres. If Avatar and Avatar 2 could be worked into a VR movie experience, that would solve it's problem. It's not impossible, but it can't be "A VR experience" that's not what Avatar is. Something like a cross between a VR Movie theatre and Ultra wide screen 3D movie, everything important happens in a proper frame we're just in the world around the camera.
Nice timing with the review circa 2009. I think overall as a movie critic you prefer to side with optimism in order to judge films. And I think this may be driven by the fact that their are many RUclipsrs who are ultra critical when they watch films, which come off negatively sometimes. And so there has to be a balance to the force and I’m glad I found your channel. Maybe one day you and the ‘others’ may join up for a chat, and yes by that I mean the Critical Drinker et al.
Great review Rowan. I loved this film when it came out, and though it's probably coming up for 10 yrs or more ago when I last watched it, I'm really looking forward to a rewatch on Sunday before way of water on Monday. I understand some of the criticisms of it but i hate the bandwagon mentality most of the internet seems to have about it.
Great video. Watching the detail and the effort put into creating the world and the aliens of Pandora is just fascinating and you present it really well. Honestly though, I've never really got the love for Avatar. Beautiful movie, wonderful CGI, but not much of a story (with no memorable lines or characters how could it be anything else?). On the other hand, this video made me really excited for the hopeful future adaptation of The Stormlight Archive! The Shattered Plains, high storms, and even the spren all seem much more doable after watching this great video. Plus, it's always great to nice you reminisce about small town Scotland
It was groundbreaking visually but that's about it. Nobody remembers the characters or quote it or reference it. Watched it on the big screen, even in 3d I think. Never felt like a rewatch.
A film I wish I had seen in a decent cinema or in 3D, I love the vision, I can ignore the shallow plot, it is a work of fantastical beauty and as you say the acting etc. is so good the simple plot isn't a problem, not for me anyway! Great tribute/review!
I’ve personally never been that keen on 3D, mainly because it kinda hurts my eyes after about an hour or so. However this movie is for me one of two exceptions (the other being Gravity). Watching it in 3D made it all the more immersive with the added depth being utilised to bring the environment to life, unlike the ‘projectiles at the camera’ style of most other attempts. Still looks good without it though which I think has helped it to hold up so well.
HELP THE CHANNEL GROW: www.patreon.com/rowanjcoleman
PS: Sorry about the garbled audio in some places. I had to remove some music to avoid a copyright claim.
Rowan r me and my mom saw this when it came out and I rwmbwrvthia movie blew me away like as big star wars guy avtar is like star wara ojnplanwt and I rembresvthink this move was going to be abut thecser7escavatar lastvairbendwe Rowan will ypundont x men franxhise retrospexticv Ever from zach
Rowan, great video, thanks a lot.
You must see this analysis: youtu be/m4c8avw6qo8 and youtu be/8ehCOX0sQ00
@@zacharyjochumsen9677
Eh, what?!
It's always nice to see someone loving and understanding Avatar the way I do 🖤
So happy to see another person really likes this film, it seems so trendy to hate on the movie. Thanks for the behind the scenes info. Hope you enjoy the sequel 👍
It's basically trendy to hate on late Cameron. No idea why.
I love this movie, amazing environments, cool and realistic vehicles, decent story/plot.
HOWEVER, JAKE IS A TRAITOR
HUMANITY FIRSTN
It was less of a trendy backlash and more that the dopamine rush of the first viewing wore off and people started thinking critically about it.
@@killergoose7643 Didn't you just watch a critical review of the film?
@@killergoose7643 I agree and disagree, this might be true for some people, but others might just not like this genre or type of movie. Titanic is a great movie, but I personally don't like it much because I don't like those kinds of movies.
It’s always nice to see someone actually genuinely liking this movie. It’s like it’s become a sport shitting on Avatar.
If you love this film like some of us do, check out "World Tree Center" by Chapo Trap House. It's an enthusiastic and intelligent love-fest by some Avatar fans who really know what they're talking about
It's on RUclips.
James Horner's Musical Score for this Breathtaking. It's definitely one of my All Time Favourite film soundtracks.
Their is a 30minute youtube video out there explaing why it's so good if your interested in checking it out.
@aaronstanley6914 I'd highly appreciate a link if you could give me one please.
@@eamonndeane587 ruclips.net/video/tL5sX8VmvB8/видео.html
@@eamonndeane587 search "Why Avatar has the Most Ironic Soundtrack of All Time" by Sideways. (turns out he was talking about the OG soundtrack made befor James Cameron scraped it and replaced it with European stuff (great video thought))
I never hear people talk about it but I agree. Amazing sound track. The disaster song (yall know the one) always gets me and the one with the singular female voice wailing is so beautiful and heartbreaking.
There is a really nice essay by Sideways also here on RUclips about the enormous work and unfortunately wasted potential that went into creating basically a completely new, unheard and truly 'alien' (in the best possible way) type of music, which was then canned for the reason of it being ironically "too unfamiliar and alien". It's really worth watching, but also a bit heartbreaking (especially as a musician) to see how in all this incredible and unprecented work to build a truly believable and realistic lore, the musical aspect was changed in the end to such a generic Hollywood style. I mean no critique here to Horner. He did the best he could which what was given to him and he put so much work into research and compostions that weren't used in the end. It just would have been so incredible to see the music be lifted to the same heights that the rest of the world-building was...
This could actually have been a break-through in musical innovation of movie soundtracks like nothing ever before.
It's the same story for a lot of things in many Jim Cameron movies, especially in Avatar 2 onwards since they spent a lot of time trying things out.
For the music, I hoped the original tracks get released in some form on its own since it seems like a very intetersting listen!
But in terms servicing the movie, it runs the risk of attracting too much attention to itself due to it being so unusual. That's the reason why Jim Cam dropped it.
@@paulstaker8861 I’m shocked by how many people don’t understand that. Unfamiliar and alien sounds like it got pushed too far and didn’t ultimately work for the film. That’s the creative process of blockbuster filmmaking which has a massive financial risk.
I’m glad to see someone with something positive to say about Avatar besides “It looks pretty “. I saw it in theaters in high school twice , and as an artist it had my imagination in a chokehold for the longest time. I still have a soft spot for it.
This film is actually very important for me. This was my introduction to James Cameron and it this ultimately helped spark my love for science fiction.
I first saw this film on DVD, unaware of its box office numbers and of how people either hate it or find it overrated. I simply watched it and fell in love with it.
When I grew older, I found more to love about it, with it's mythic storytelling, incredible worldbuilding and it's truly epic scope. I personally believe that a film being similar to another isn't really a problem as long as I myself enjoyed it for what it was.
Plus the score is truly one of the best I've ever heard.
Nice to see someone on RUclips give this film some love.
Just saw Way of the Water and it was great. I am totally ready for the next 17 of these films.
I agree with every single word of the video. This movie is mainly an experience. I have watched it for the first time in 3d in a big theatre with my wife. When It was over we turned to each other and said: "we have to see this again". We saw Avatar in the same theatre 5 times (in Italy) and had to purchase the tickets as far as two weeks in advance (never happened in my experience). In blu ray 3d I have watched Avatar more than 35 times...until this day. Sincere compliments for your video.
Thank you for loving this movie. I feel like I’ve been defending this movie for 10 years. So nice to hear someone else have a positive voice for it.
so you like xenophobia and racism ?
@@AmirDarkOneSon, are you a white person? Because our history is BUILT on xenophobia and racism.
Saw The Way of Water today. I think you will like it. The underwater sequences alone are worth the price of admission
Avatar was released the year my first son was born, he’s seen on at home and can’t wait to be able to take him to see the new film and experience just how breath taking Avatar is. If the sequel only lives up to the visuals of the first it will be amazing.
How is it that RJC only has 100k Subs? Quality content is really hard to find at this level. I remember having to drag my wife to this movie. I had heard so many things about it, now knowing how it was shot, it's even harder to believe it was ever made. This movie is a "feast for the eyes" while watching it, I can't help but remember the first time, being disabled myself, when the man in the wheelchair was "freed" from it. To me, this movie was all about "freedom". Putting aside all of our human issues/problems and just living. I will never forget that moment.
I agree that he should have more but 100K is still really impressive. Especially for a channel that focuses on such a tight niche
James Cameron is the master of 3D cinematography and Avatar is the purest and simplest example of his craft
My dad rates this as one of his favourite movies of all time. It's one of mine too, despite its flaws.
the only flaw is jake never once mentions the ore that the humans needed lol or if an exchange can happen….
@@humzaibrahim2953 You're right, I don't think he or anyone ever mentioned the Unobtanium to the Na'vi. But I think they already know that what the umans want is underground, they've surely seen the massive strip mines digging up their world.
Regardless, the humans made their intentions pretty clear when they bombed Home Tree. They would stop at nothing to get what they want.
@@still_guns i get what youre saying… but imagine if the original movie started off jus with scientists…. But some accident happens n jake is left by himself in his wheelchair/hover chair… n then he survives as a human by foraging n hed use his avatar to interact with the naavi… all is well till the industrialists arrive with the army to take over operations…. If thr first movie was set up in that way then itd make sense
@@humzaibrahim2953 and I was 7 whennthis filmczne out fun fsct dud you know jsmes Cameron was acthuly supposed to mdkevdungekbs zndvdrsgons movie befure the dungrons znd drsgons go, we got in 2000
I’ve never been too fascinated by the Avatar franchise, but I know your retrospective will teach me more about film history!
For the past decade I've felt like the only person on Earth who still loved this movie; it's quite cathartic to see someone celebrate the movie for all the same reasons I do. Excellent video as always!
One thing I always found with Rowan's documenties - it's quality and always packed with unknown info.
It can't be stated enough how the original movie revolutionized the industry of motion capture. Even the mere name itself seemed to be changed to "performance capture" after 2009, because it was officially no longer only physical movements but now included the true emotion and precision acting down to the smallest scale. We can thank this movie for dumping money into that technology which has been used (and continues) for making AMAZING visual effect performances in movies, video games, animation, just about all ways to tell a story.
Thank you for making this video. I was cynical about Avatar 2, but this really made me appreciate these movies way more, and I really enjoyed Avatar 2 as a result.
I enjoyed way of water way more than I thought I would! It really brought the emotions with it
Not sure how many time I've watched this movie, but it is many times! Always felt it was such an amazing world, and despite them being so alien, you could really feel and connect with them.
The two things I always remember so vividly from the movie was how she thanked her Earth Mother before killing an animal for food, showing a true respect for the nature they lived in. In then contrast to that, having Jake saying to her how humanity had killed there Earth Mother, no longer caring about nature.
Anyway, fantastic movie!
Thanks for recommending the extended edition, picked it up today. T2 & Aliens extended are amazing films also.
it’s so weird to me to hear others say jake is weird in this movie and has to relearn the same lesson. When jakes journey in the first was falling in love with the Navi and only stops the humans because of his advantage of being on the inside. He’s not a war hero or a colonel quarich in part 2 he’s protecting his family. This is his journey of learning to be a father and protect the people. The Navi people are about peace and balance. He isn’t a nuckle head that dives into trouble like before,he has a lot more to loose.
We'll put. I think you nailed it
This is my favorite movie of all time. It is gorgeous. The message of the connection between creatures and their environment speaks to my heart.
For my money this is a great take -- Avatar's emotional sincerity, and Cameron's obsessive pursuit of having what's onscreen mean something (not just look nice) are two things that I think far too little credit has been given to. Though in the sense of actions speaking louder than words, this film's success says that those things did resonate very strongly. It's just such a unique movie that it's hard to talk about in the same way as almost anything else.
Got a slight eye twitch of irritation when Cameron talks about the way the Na'Vi do archery - the world over people have completely different ways of using bows, and the Na'Vi way is practiced in parts of Asia 😭
I've never understood the hate this movie gets, I think online nitpickers just made it trendy to trash it. I was enamoured with this movie when I first saw it, I rewatched it recently wondering if it still held up and it absolutely does. Really glad to see someone else who was moved by the movie in the same way, so many folks seem to forget that's the point of art and that poking holes in the plot doesn't invalidate someone else's enjoyment of it.
I 100% agree with your take as usual, I think the only time I've ever disagreed with you was your enterprise ranking :P
I love this movie, always have. It really captures and instills such a sense of wonder. I had the blu ray, 3d blu ray and extended edition. The only thing that made me sad was they never released any novels. I just wanted more from this world.
I love this channel. I've seen every retrospective at least 15 times and enjoy it every time again. And here's another great addition to the collection. Thanks for uploading!
so seconded it becomes minuted
I second your second, Johnny.
Nice to see someone who loves this movie as much as I do for very much the same reasons.
Honestly, I absolutely loved dances with wolves in space! Avatar was a fantastic movie!
To me, the final battle from Avatar is the second best action sequence in all of film, beaten only by the Canyon chase from Rango
You need to watch more action sequences.
After watching Avatar in 2009 I never thought I would see anything as good again. I didn't until last weekend when I watched Way of Water. Absolutely mind blowing jaw-dropping experience - and not even in IMAX 3D either.
You need to watch more films. Unless you meant the special effects and action, then I can see your point.
Thank you for saying what I've been quietly thinking about this movie for years - yeah the plot is simple and the dialog is often cheesy, yeah it's CGI'd to hell and back, but I can't help but love the experience, how it feels makes me feel when watch it, and that's after having seen it 8-10 times. I hope the sequel does that feeling justice, if nothing else.
Thanks Rowan, I loved hearing you talk about this. I actually like it more now. I'm off to Iona in a couple of weeks. I'll be sure to clock your wee cinema on my way past.
Very honest review on Avatar. Thank you.
I've never been a fan of Avatar. I never thought the story, dialogue, acting or even the SFX were convincing. However, I absolutely adore your passion for this film and it makes me want to revisit the film all these years later to see if I find something different this time around. Another great retrospective!
"Your not in Kansas anymore! You are on Pandora!" What a beatifull review, so many about this film I didn't know. I'm going to see Avatar way of water for third time in 3D, I rewatch first one 2 times, and I want to say Avatar is real! I watched it back in 2009 when I was in my 10-12th, maybe this is great reason of my obssesion of Sci-fi movies. Avatar is a film after which you have no doubts about its goodness, you want to know more about Pandora, about the process of filming, editing, music creation, acting in this masterpiece. Thanks to Cameron and his team for bringing us back to this wonderful world of Pandora. And this is exactly the film that will take you into depression, because it is incredibly realistic and plunges you into a new world and you literally live there and it's why hard to come back to reality . I hope there will be 4th, 5th Avtar and we will continue to learn about Pandora and its inhabitants. Thank you for the review, it was incredible.
I need 12 more of this
Dude, you really are a treat. You should talk about stargate sg1 again, and maybe even everything that followed ;) .
You have both professional level depth in your videos while also bring the personal touch full of sincerity. Even if you had a bunch of critiques of my fav show, SG-1, I would bet money it would be well founded, kind through out, AND I would learn stuff about production and what not that I would never have heard of before! Seriously, the longer I took to write the comment the more I want to see you do SG-1 like you do all the others!
PS, weird to see bits of what I love in the first stargate series review. They started to show through so many years ago!
For me the story is not new at all, but it did absolutely blow me away and I,m looking forward to The Way Of Water.
Can't wait for avatar 2 retrospective in 10 years
I loved/love the film because of what is was and what wasn’t. It was heartfelt and it wasn’t another action movie. Mostly it wasn’t product. Thanks mate.
Star Wars Retrospectives would be EXTREMELY fun to see.
Amazing retrospective once again.
Back in the day this movie really inspired me, especially Jake Sully‘s attitude of simply trying and not thinking too much about it. I actually was a pretty overweight guy at the time and lost 40 pounds after that…. Though I did actually regain a lot of it and ultimately would have to loose that again. Which I did. I seem to be a bit Marlon Brando that way.
Anyway, it made me fall in love with nature and recently I talked to a biology student and skimmed the works of German biologist Wohlleben and they say that The idea of all the plants on Pandora being connected and communicating with each other is actually reflective of recent scientific discoveries in real life forests. Similarly we know how intelligent whales are which is one of the topics in Avatar 2 actually.
And I wholeheartedly agree, Avatar is the sole original work in an industry that seems to have grown cynical. The last cinematic saga with that degree of originality and that much the passion project (and really the only one I can think of) is Star Wars.
I am actually familiar with the Oban Screen 2, but what is far more familiar is the mobile cinema that travels the islands, talk about a non-ideal viewing experience
You hit the nail on the head. While I have some issues with the film, it's so goddamn sincere that I can't help but like it. Not love, but like. It's why some people hate it these days. They need their snarky, snippy, self-aware shit because they can't understand someone wearing their hearts on their sleeves.
Thanks so much for this retrospective, Rowan. James Cameron is an absolute genius, from effective storytelling, to creating compelling characters, to ground breaking visuals.
I watched Avatar three times in the movies, that's how much I loved it back in 2009. I remember thinking how it was the best film ever. Even wrote a passage about how much I loved it in my diary (I was 12 back then).
Brilliant work as always, and for one my favourite movies no less.
Though you're point about the magic of this movie is seeing in theatres makes me a little sad because I never did, I first watched it on DVD at my dads place in like 2011. It still blew me away; like I said it's one my favourite movies, but I do wish I could see it in theatres ones day.
Potential spoilers:
I think I know how Jake Sully will die…probably at the end of Avatar 3. In the shooting script of Avatar, Tsu'tey (Jake’s rival) has his queue cut off by Wainfleet [page 136], and Tsu'tey (dying and holding his queue) says to Jake, “I can never ride again, or bond with my woman -- or hear the voice of Eywa. I can not lead the People. You will lead them, Jakesully.” [Page 148] prior to Jake putting him down. The scene is partially in the extended cut of Avatar, but the severing of the queue is left out. I think that James Cameron is saving this scene for Jake’s death. I think Quaritch will cut off Jake’s queue and leave him for dead, and Lo'ak will similarly have to put his father down and become the new leader of the tribe.
I didn't want to see Quaritch lose. Knew it was coming, but he was too fun to kill off.
Mainly because he wasnt actually evil. He was a mercenary tasked with protecting scientists from savage alien cat monkeys that never even heard of geneva, much less their conventions. Hes the good guy in the story of everyone except that communist traitor sully
Nice to hear you give top props to Lang. I hear a lot of people ripping on his first performance in favor of his second??. It is in a way like comparing apples and oranges (or Peaches and Guava?). The _further_ you get from what is familiar, the _less_ uncanny valley there is, AND the _more_ FORGIVING we are to the _perceived quality_ of performances. For the same reason: Because we do not have a life time of experience judging the performance 9 Foot Blue Alien, as we do with fellow Humans. With something so far outside the uncanny valley it is FAR easier to be forgiving and lend a performance ones own 'view', whereas a Human performance is locked in and locked down and there is very room for 'filtering' or interpreting. It is what it is. There are way too many people today who have no preference beyond what is popular. (which I find disgusting, I decide what is cool or fun or enriching or edifying for myself!)... This world, having peaked on or about June 18th 1984., (I was watching MTV ...) has quickly become a sad silly state of affairs ... only a huge -manufactured- disaster could -purge- redirect population back to balance. -Comsume!- The Georgia Guidestones made good sense...
The Language is one of the coolest parts of the entire project
I ❤️ Avatar, Avatar 2 and more 😍😍😍
Thanks Rowan 👏👏😃👍
Merry Christmas and happy New year 🎄🎄🎆🎆🎉🎉
truly the grandest undertaking in film ever made. it is incredible that cameron is not resting on his laurels but instead blesses us with more sequels. in my opinion Avatar was The perfect blockbuster
"Gradest undertaking in film ever made." This kinda attitude is half the reason I dislike the film. It just objectively isn't. The original was a big deal due to the special effects at the time. The acting was fine. The story was unoriginal.
Avatar is right in the same category as Marvel films. Fun popcorn flicks. Yet Cameron acts like he's making Schendlers list or something. So full of himself.
@@christoperwallace6197 marvel films have no soul. Marvel movies come off of a conveyor belt made by a committee of people.
Avatar is the vision of a single legendary director whose first goal is to make a movie with a heartfelt message, something that will touch even the coldest of hearts.
The only good marvel movies that had similar heart were the first 3 spider man movies (spider-man 3 is a bit worse than the other 2).
If you cant see the difference between something unique like avatar and a commercial slop like marvel capeshit universe you are truly lost and have bad taste in movies I am sorry to say.
@@Chunklechuck ye I know jsmes Cameron called msrvel acshit show series
Wow epic summary. I think this film helped to elevate the awareness and perception of shamanism, indigenous culture and the interconnectivity of nature. Good central theme and reversing the role of the alien invasion. Not easy to make humans the villain in a battle against aliens.
This movie displays a level of “visual epistemology” that is unmatched.
Dude that haka would have made me cry. I love those.
Love your work mate. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!
You made a great and informative film as always rjc! Thank you
That was excellent! Couldn’t have expressed it any better myself! Very well done! Thank you! 🌟
The sign of a great content creator is the ability to make me care about a movie that I didn't like.
Well done.
Im bummed we don't agree on this film, but he likes Ds9, so I'll overlook it haha
all your retrospectives are great but this was on another level
Your material is excellent Mr. Coleman. I am glad to see you expand to other material after Star Trek. Keep up the excellent research. Live long and prosper.
Imagine if James Cameron directed a Horizon: Zero Dawn movie.
And Rowan was there to document the whole production!
I would love to see that, he has a kack for these kind of movies
Excellent work!
Just watched this for a second time. Excellent work here.
Please tell us what you think of Way of Water once you've seen it!
It amazes me how much wire work has become a part of big budget film and video game development.
A bautiful review, THANK YOU!
What shocked me the bad guy is Ike Clanton from Tombstone, "Law don't go around here savvy"! Glad to see him working now he has a few others movies to his name as well.
Very well done. You covered everything. I would love to see a 3D movie, but I use bifocals, and I must angle my head slightly down for the screen and look slightly upwards. When I do that the 3D glasses slip off. 🤣🤣🤣 That being said, I watched it normally and loved it. It is a common story much like Dances with Wolves, but it adds so much. I love the idea of plugging your brain into Pandora and its biosphere.
I watch this just for the productions history and how it forced avatar the last airbender to changes its original title
Truely stunning and breathtaking, a masterpiece of cinema.
I didn't enjoy it at the IMAX in Glasgow , however watching it in 2d in Kilmarnock Odeon just was breathtaking. I got to see the 3d at it's best format but I got to enjoy the movie without the gimmicks and just be engrossed in the universe with the 2d option
I saw this movie 3x in imax 3d and kept my glasses the third time and was bad and just would walk in and watch it maybe 5 more times because it was so amazing
Well, dang, now you're making me want to see this film.
Well, I still can't get over the poor plot, the subpar dialogue, the - let's say - critical themes and motifs, also, to finish with, the abundant ethno kitsch. I'm however still in awe of the masterful visuals of this movie. You are right to point out that the passion that went into the making of "Avatar" can be seen, and felt, and that this trumps its partly quite dire weaknesses.
You don't think that the sequel is that big a leap forward until you see footage from the original then clips from the sequel again.
I hope Avatar 2 does well enough for us to see the other planned sequels.
:) Something tells me it did well.
I expect and look foward to the new zealand stunt team doing their chant on every major motion picture.
To me Stephen Lang will always be Joe Tegra from Band of the Hand.
I only watch the special extended version on the 3 disk bluray. Such a great set.
It's concerning that I fancy Zoe Saldana more as a blue alien with a tail.
You saying Aliens is better than Alien broke my heart. Also, Terminator 1 is vastly better than 2 imo but thats contentious.
love your videos, this helped me apricate the movie more
Wow ! Excellent, Fun review. You inspired me to see it again on Disney+ But I may re watch it on my BlueRay, I may have the extended cut, and tho I only have 3.1 HiFi sound, it may sound better than my 5.1 soundbar. In 2009 I think I saw it on the 2nd week, but it was in Imax and 3D. I returned many times and got the BlueRay when it became avail. The world visuals and sound were amazing and the story was entertaining.
Didn't care much for this movie but sigorney weaver looked fit as fuck when she was the blue avatar!
I must agree with you about the need for more new IPs. However the biggest problem is as you said it's not really a great viewing outside of Big IMax theatres. If Avatar and Avatar 2 could be worked into a VR movie experience, that would solve it's problem. It's not impossible, but it can't be "A VR experience" that's not what Avatar is. Something like a cross between a VR Movie theatre and Ultra wide screen 3D movie, everything important happens in a proper frame we're just in the world around the camera.
Hoping to see your take on the second one!
Nice timing with the review circa 2009.
I think overall as a movie critic you prefer to side with optimism in order to judge films.
And I think this may be driven by the fact that their are many RUclipsrs who are ultra critical when they watch films, which come off negatively sometimes.
And so there has to be a balance to the force and I’m glad I found your channel.
Maybe one day you and the ‘others’ may join up for a chat, and yes by that I mean the Critical Drinker et al.
Great review Rowan. I loved this film when it came out, and though it's probably coming up for 10 yrs or more ago when I last watched it, I'm really looking forward to a rewatch on Sunday before way of water on Monday. I understand some of the criticisms of it but i hate the bandwagon mentality most of the internet seems to have about it.
Great video. Watching the detail and the effort put into creating the world and the aliens of Pandora is just fascinating and you present it really well.
Honestly though, I've never really got the love for Avatar. Beautiful movie, wonderful CGI, but not much of a story (with no memorable lines or characters how could it be anything else?). On the other hand, this video made me really excited for the hopeful future adaptation of The Stormlight Archive! The Shattered Plains, high storms, and even the spren all seem much more doable after watching this great video.
Plus, it's always great to nice you reminisce about small town Scotland
It was groundbreaking visually but that's about it. Nobody remembers the characters or quote it or reference it. Watched it on the big screen, even in 3d I think. Never felt like a rewatch.
A film I wish I had seen in a decent cinema or in 3D, I love the vision, I can ignore the shallow plot, it is a work of fantastical beauty and as you say the acting etc. is so good the simple plot isn't a problem, not for me anyway! Great tribute/review!
No way, walked past that cinema in oban last year. Wondered what it looked like inside 😄
I’ve personally never been that keen on 3D, mainly because it kinda hurts my eyes after about an hour or so. However this movie is for me one of two exceptions (the other being Gravity). Watching it in 3D made it all the more immersive with the added depth being utilised to bring the environment to life, unlike the ‘projectiles at the camera’ style of most other attempts. Still looks good without it though which I think has helped it to hold up so well.