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Joan Crawford to James Cameron: "Even I Signed Autographs" (Video)
Commented Dec 26, 2009 at 21:18:23 in Entertainment
“Magical?? I saw 'Ferngully' and 'Battle for Terra.' What does 'Avatar' offer that I haven't seen before?”
LovingHope replied on Dec 27, 2009 at 13:12:33
“This movie is beautiful. The 3-D makes it look amazing. The story is so romantic, the acting is great. The music is wonderful. The special effects are awesome. JimmyD: If you love the movies, then see this one. It's not even about Cameron. You will pay 12 dollars to experience a magical time.”
Nine
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 15:54:49 in Entertainment
“I'm seeing tomorrow at the Castro Theater in SF!”
XCITIZEN replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 23:53:51
“Say hi to that guy on the pipe organ who rises out of the floor!”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 15:35:28 in Entertainment
“Since I'm unable to reply to rsbell:
The 3-D is very good. I thought the 3-D was very good in 'Coraline' as well. Two different movies, two very good uses for 3-D. I thought the 3-D was fantastic in 'Beowulf.' I didn't care much for the film itself but I thought the 3-D was outstanding.
All three of the above are great improvement over the original 3-D techniques. In 'Avatar'? I saw great 3-D and good editing.
Cameron is acting like he invented 3-D. Or even re-invented it.”
The 3-D is very good. I thought the 3-D was very good in 'Coraline' as well. Two different movies, two very good uses for 3-D. I thought the 3-D was fantastic in 'Beowulf.' I didn't care much for the film itself but I thought the 3-D was outstanding.
All three of the above are great improvement over the original 3-D techniques. In 'Avatar'? I saw great 3-D and good editing.
Cameron is acting like he invented 3-D. Or even re-invented it.”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 15:00:13 in Entertainment
“I'm just saying that in Hollywood.
I don't have a problem with that formula... until a director comes along and says how different and unique his story will be.
I don't even have a problem with that. Just don't get yer panties in a bunch when the originality gets questioned.
I, personally, think 'Avatar' is a fun little distraction.
Is is not, however, new or ground breaking.”
I don't have a problem with that formula... until a director comes along and says how different and unique his story will be.
I don't even have a problem with that. Just don't get yer panties in a bunch when the originality gets questioned.
I, personally, think 'Avatar' is a fun little distraction.
Is is not, however, new or ground breaking.”
hp blogger Athena Andreadis, Ph.D. replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 15:05:56
“I think we're in agreement, guys! (guys used generically, not denoting gender... *laughs*)”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 14:37:34 in Entertainment
“I don't see how. The CG was standard by today's standards. The 3-D may have been better edited to give a more inclusive feel but still nothing that amazing.
Tell me rsbell, in YOUR words, how is this game changing?
I'm not trying to provoke, just to understand.”
Tell me rsbell, in YOUR words, how is this game changing?
I'm not trying to provoke, just to understand.”
hp blogger Athena Andreadis, Ph.D. replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 15:56:26
“I think that once there's a certain number of replies the comment system gags. I agree that the 3-D work of Avatar was not as ground-breaking as touted by Cameron. It may have been when he started working on the film, but 10 years is a long time in this domain.”
JimmyD replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 15:35:28
“Since I'm unable to reply to rsbell:
The 3-D is very good. I thought the 3-D was very good in 'Coraline' as well. Two different movies, two very good uses for 3-D. I thought the 3-D was fantastic in 'Beowulf.' I didn't care much for the film itself but I thought the 3-D was outstanding.
All three of the above are great improvement over the original 3-D techniques. In 'Avatar'? I saw great 3-D and good editing.
Cameron is acting like he invented 3-D. Or even re-invented it.”
The 3-D is very good. I thought the 3-D was very good in 'Coraline' as well. Two different movies, two very good uses for 3-D. I thought the 3-D was fantastic in 'Beowulf.' I didn't care much for the film itself but I thought the 3-D was outstanding.
All three of the above are great improvement over the original 3-D techniques. In 'Avatar'? I saw great 3-D and good editing.
Cameron is acting like he invented 3-D. Or even re-invented it.”
rsbell replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 15:07:24
“No offense taken.
I suspect the creation of the 3-d hardware and workflow by Cameron and his crew will be a real watershed moment in filmmaking.
From the wikipedia article for Panavision (but referring to cinemascope):
"In the 1950s, the motion picture industry was threatened by the advent of television—TV kept moviegoers at home, reducing box office revenues. Film studios sought to lure audiences to theaters with attractions that television could not provide."
The equipment and shear computing power required for Avatar will be out of reach of small independent filmmakers, and so the big studios can stay a huge step ahead of the independent filmmaker making films on her Mac Pro that are essentially indistinguishable from the big studio films.
I thankfully noticed a marked lack of gratuitous 3-d pyrotechnics in Avatar (no characters throwing anything at the audience, etc.). I think this was intentional on Cameron's part as I believe he is positioning his 3-d system as the default mode of filmmaking in Hollywood. While I don't think we NEED Sex and the City 2 to be in 3-d, I think Avatar shows that any movie can be more immersive when shot in 3-d (story aside).
I think that's the point: Avatar (and the 3-d process) is to movies that came before it as color was to black and white films.”
I suspect the creation of the 3-d hardware and workflow by Cameron and his crew will be a real watershed moment in filmmaking.
From the wikipedia article for Panavision (but referring to cinemascope):
"In the 1950s, the motion picture industry was threatened by the advent of television—TV kept moviegoers at home, reducing box office revenues. Film studios sought to lure audiences to theaters with attractions that television could not provide."
The equipment and shear computing power required for Avatar will be out of reach of small independent filmmakers, and so the big studios can stay a huge step ahead of the independent filmmaker making films on her Mac Pro that are essentially indistinguishable from the big studio films.
I thankfully noticed a marked lack of gratuitous 3-d pyrotechnics in Avatar (no characters throwing anything at the audience, etc.). I think this was intentional on Cameron's part as I believe he is positioning his 3-d system as the default mode of filmmaking in Hollywood. While I don't think we NEED Sex and the City 2 to be in 3-d, I think Avatar shows that any movie can be more immersive when shot in 3-d (story aside).
I think that's the point: Avatar (and the 3-d process) is to movies that came before it as color was to black and white films.”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 14:27:49 in Entertainment
“James Cameron DOES raise rather good points... none of them are new or original. Rent 'Battle For Terra.' Not very good but very similar in themes.”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 14:13:35 in Entertainment
“What the studio did with 'Star Trek' was brilliant.
Let's go back in time... there fore wiping out the entire known history of 'Trek' in one little movie.
It wasn't a prequel... it involved changing time-lines.
Lt Savik? Probably never born now that Vulcan was blown up.
Khan? Who knows if he's alive in this new time-line?
Now the studio can produce ANY story because the future is a blank slate.”
Let's go back in time... there fore wiping out the entire known history of 'Trek' in one little movie.
It wasn't a prequel... it involved changing time-lines.
Lt Savik? Probably never born now that Vulcan was blown up.
Khan? Who knows if he's alive in this new time-line?
Now the studio can produce ANY story because the future is a blank slate.”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 14:10:41 in Entertainment
“And since Cameron has been taking this up as if it were the film to end all films... yes... this is open to extreme criticism.
Cameron has been pounding this into the media:
This will be original. Ground breaking. GAME CHANGING.
None of this is true.
Maybe if he had enough faith in his audience to discover things for themselves
Cameron has been pounding this into the media:
This will be original. Ground breaking. GAME CHANGING.
None of this is true.
Maybe if he had enough faith in his audience to discover things for themselves
rsbell replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 14:16:40
“It IS game changing-for filmmakers.”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 14:08:26 in Entertainment
“I'm curious what you thought of 'Moon.'
I may disagree with some of what you have to say (maybe taking things a wee too far...) but I adore that fact you have strong opinions and are open to dialogs with your readers.
I'll be reading more of you in the future!”
I may disagree with some of what you have to say (maybe taking things a wee too far...) but I adore that fact you have strong opinions and are open to dialogs with your readers.
I'll be reading more of you in the future!”
hp blogger Athena Andreadis, Ph.D. replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 14:14:25
“Glad you enjoyed the give-and-take, Jimmy! You must understand, though, I've been thinking of these issues for years -- as a research biologist who's also a space exploration enthusiasm, as an SF writer and reader, when I wrote The Biology of Star Trek, when I gave talks to such places as NASA and the Mars Society in the wake of the book.
Unfortunately, Moon came and went so fast I didn't get a chance to catch it. I'll have to get the DVD and opine thereafter!”
Unfortunately, Moon came and went so fast I didn't get a chance to catch it. I'll have to get the DVD and opine thereafter!”
Cameron's Avatar: Jar Jar Binks Meets Pocahontas
Commented Dec 24, 2009 at 13:57:35 in Entertainment
“Oooo... SNAP!
I agree with both of you.
I am one of those who can completely enjoy a spectacle flick yet call it what it is.
My big problem with 'Avatar' is not the movie but with all the pre-release hype that came from James Cameron. I don't want to be told by the creator how awesome something is. He spent years telling anyone who would listen how incredible this was going to be. How original it was going to be. How it was going to change the future of film making. All of that before the fist trailer came out... which was not very impressive.
'Avatar' is a wonderful movie but it is far from original. 'Dances With Wolves,' 'Ferngully,' and the recent 'Battle For Terra' are the movies that instantly come to mind (for me).
The themes are old: White Man Bad. Be Good To The Environment. Oh! The Locals Might Not Be As Evil As Fearless Leader Told Us.
IMO Mr Cameron and the studio should have done the following:
Told James to shut up.
Released ONE teaser trailer that showed NOTHING expect for the release date.
(That alone would have generated a global FRENZY!)
Then opened it to critics a few days before Dec 18th.
This would have been the biggest opening of a movie EVER.
Instead they leaked little bits here and there. And now, by opening day, so much has been seen that it's not new or interesting.
Just sayin'...”
I agree with both of you.
I am one of those who can completely enjoy a spectacle flick yet call it what it is.
My big problem with 'Avatar' is not the movie but with all the pre-release hype that came from James Cameron. I don't want to be told by the creator how awesome something is. He spent years telling anyone who would listen how incredible this was going to be. How original it was going to be. How it was going to change the future of film making. All of that before the fist trailer came out... which was not very impressive.
'Avatar' is a wonderful movie but it is far from original. 'Dances With Wolves,' 'Ferngully,' and the recent 'Battle For Terra' are the movies that instantly come to mind (for me).
The themes are old: White Man Bad. Be Good To The Environment. Oh! The Locals Might Not Be As Evil As Fearless Leader Told Us.
IMO Mr Cameron and the studio should have done the following:
Told James to shut up.
Released ONE teaser trailer that showed NOTHING expect for the release date.
(That alone would have generated a global FRENZY!)
Then opened it to critics a few days before Dec 18th.
This would have been the biggest opening of a movie EVER.
Instead they leaked little bits here and there. And now, by opening day, so much has been seen that it's not new or interesting.
Just sayin'...”
NHBill replied on Dec 24, 2009 at 16:28:29
“With the exception of a blizzard ravaged East Coast Avatar did have one of the biggest openings ever ...worldwi
Your marketing strategy in today's mobile internet media would have failed. The marketing of the film would have made P.T. Barnum (America's original advertising genius) proud.
Most seem to be buying into the "game-changing" hype.
Thankfully this post is offering an opposing view.
I must say that that Peter Jackson's Gollum was the motion capture game-changer.”
Your marketing strategy in today's mobile internet media would have failed. The marketing of the film would have made P.T. Barnum (America's original advertising genius) proud.
Most seem to be buying into the "game-changing" hype.
Thankfully this post is offering an opposing view.
I must say that that Peter Jackson's Gollum was the motion capture game-changer.”
FBI Involved With Michael Jackson Case Over Terrorist Fears
Commented Dec 22, 2009 at 16:54:29 in Entertainment
“Slow news day?”
sexyrexy replied on Dec 23, 2009 at 13:45:12
“NO! BUT THE media is trying to downplay these findings as it proves HOW WRONG THEY WERE ABoUT MICHAEL JACKSON!
how's that?!”
how's that?!”
Huff Post Review: Avatar: The 3D IMAX Experience
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 21:32:57 in Entertainment
“Sorry, but the way Cameron has been going on and on and on and on about "game changing" and "Totally original".
I expected something way more original and less CG looking. It's fantastic CG, but it's hardly ground breaking and I never felt it was real.
For this viewer, the director way over sold it. I'll give it a B-
I feel a strong script is far more important than an onslaught of visuals.
But that's just one viewers opinion.
Let the hate mail begin.”
I expected something way more original and less CG looking. It's fantastic CG, but it's hardly ground breaking and I never felt it was real.
For this viewer, the director way over sold it. I'll give it a B-
I feel a strong script is far more important than an onslaught of visuals.
But that's just one viewers opinion.
Let the hate mail begin.”
'A Single Man' Draws From Tom Ford's Relationship, Family Suicide
Commented Dec 09, 2009 at 18:14:02 in Entertainment
“I know of Tom Ford but I don't know much about Tom Ford. Maybe I'll lose my Gay Card over it. Who can say.
I did see 'A Single Man' at a screening last week and thought it was near brilliant. For a feature debut, it is brilliant. Everything: the script, the actors, the sets, the wardrobe, the hair & make-up... brilliant. I found this so much more satisfying than 'Brokeback Mountain,' which I have expressed lack of enthusiasm for since it opened.
I don't want to say much, because I think people need to see this with fresh eyes, but, in my personal opinion I didn't see the character of Kelly as bi-curious. I'm interested in seeing how others see him.
He's hungry and he's focused. And Nicholas Hoult looks smashing in a soft pink angora sweater.
I'm hoping everyone sees film. Despite the solemn tone, it's quite beautiful and, in a way, life affirming.
Mr Ford? (I know you'll be reading my comment because you are a gay man who cares what people think...) Thank you for this film. I'll see it a couple of times in the theater and definitely but it on DVD.”
I did see 'A Single Man' at a screening last week and thought it was near brilliant. For a feature debut, it is brilliant. Everything: the script, the actors, the sets, the wardrobe, the hair & make-up... brilliant. I found this so much more satisfying than 'Brokeback Mountain,' which I have expressed lack of enthusiasm for since it opened.
I don't want to say much, because I think people need to see this with fresh eyes, but, in my personal opinion I didn't see the character of Kelly as bi-curious. I'm interested in seeing how others see him.
He's hungry and he's focused. And Nicholas Hoult looks smashing in a soft pink angora sweater.
I'm hoping everyone sees film. Despite the solemn tone, it's quite beautiful and, in a way, life affirming.
Mr Ford? (I know you'll be reading my comment because you are a gay man who cares what people think...) Thank you for this film. I'll see it a couple of times in the theater and definitely but it on DVD.”
Return of Angry Amish replied on Dec 09, 2009 at 20:47:35
“We gay men who feel little affection for "Broke Back Mountain" should form a support group.”
Kate Hudson Sings In 'Nine': How Does She Rate Vs. Other Singing Actresses? (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 18, 2009 at 18:46:39 in Entertainment
“You do know that is is based on '8 1/2', yes?”
sexyrexy replied on Nov 18, 2009 at 23:10:09
“ha.. I have my own version.
some tableau looks very satyricon to me.”
some tableau looks very satyricon to me.”
Kate Hudson Sings In 'Nine': How Does She Rate Vs. Other Singing Actresses? (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 18, 2009 at 18:37:07 in Entertainment
“Well... to be fair, this is a trailer. So much of the footage seen in this is from other parts of the movie. Fast, MTV cutting is my fear (based on 'Chicago') but I'll wait to see it before making judgment.”
Kate Hudson Sings In 'Nine': How Does She Rate Vs. Other Singing Actresses? (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 18, 2009 at 18:35:06 in Entertainment
“I am so looking forward to this film! BUT! This new song sounds like something Madonna would lip sync to.
PLUS: It opens in limited release (NY & LA) on Dec 18th and nation wide on Christmas Day... NOT Nov 25th.
:)”
PLUS: It opens in limited release (NY & LA) on Dec 18th and nation wide on Christmas Day... NOT Nov 25th.
:)”
Sarah Palin Oprah Interview (VIDEO): Talks About Couric, Levi, McCain Campaign
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 17:38:05 in Media
“["(Johnston's) quite busy with his media tours and he hasn't seen the baby for a while," Palin said.]
Hasn't she, herself, said that she hasn't seen her own baby in several weeks due to her publicity tour? And wasn't there something recently about how Levi was restricted to his visitation time?? Just sayin'...”
Hasn't she, herself, said that she hasn't seen her own baby in several weeks due to her publicity tour? And wasn't there something recently about how Levi was restricted to his visitation time?? Just sayin'...”
If Carrie Prejean Can't Handle Larry King, it's Time to Start Debating Toddlers
Commented Nov 12, 2009 at 17:58:55 in Entertainment
“Palin-Prejean in 2012. At least it would be disturbingly funny.
What would Timmy Turner and pals do?”
What would Timmy Turner and pals do?”
Carrie Prejean: The Bible Allows Breast Implants, My Hairdresser Is Gay
Commented Nov 12, 2009 at 17:41:09 in Entertainment
“It's probably already been covered here...
SIN OF PRIDE?”
SIN OF PRIDE?”
My Review of Sarah Palin's New Book Going Rogue Without Actually Having Read It
Commented Nov 11, 2009 at 16:02:16 in Comedy
“I can't wait to not read it too!”
patriciacaldwell replied on Nov 11, 2009 at 17:06:00
“Check out Dave's Things Better Than Reading SP's Book. They'll make you even happier you didn't.”
Freesia2 replied on Nov 11, 2009 at 16:19:44
“I'm already not ordering my copy. I didn't want to not stand in line, so I thought I'd not put off not getting a copy.
Terrific line by the way by Beth. "It was the first time she learned the value of impressing a group of desperate, horny, old men -- a skill that would later catapult her to the top of the Republican Party." I think that is actually why she's around to not write (and she didn't write) a book for us to not read.”
Terrific line by the way by Beth. "It was the first time she learned the value of impressing a group of desperate, horny, old men -- a skill that would later catapult her to the top of the Republican Party." I think that is actually why she's around to not write (and she didn't write) a book for us to not read.”
Antichrist Might Be God-Awful, But That Doesn't Make It Misogynistic
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 19:11:14 in Entertainment
“But I also meant to say... your article made me laugh. I think that was your intent... kind of? :)”
Antichrist Might Be God-Awful, But That Doesn't Make It Misogynistic
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 19:08:45 in Entertainment
“I'm not going to say I saw a great film, but I did see an interesting one... for the first half... the second half? not so much
. And I'm guessing you saw a different film than you write about based on how much you wrote and the context of which you wrote it.
You seem to have taken more time than you see fit on this thing. Just sayin...”
. And I'm guessing you saw a different film than you write about based on how much you wrote and the context of which you wrote it.
You seem to have taken more time than you see fit on this thing. Just sayin...”
Why We Are Subjected to Beatlemania, Again
Commented Sep 13, 2009 at 16:08:37 in Entertainment
“And THAT, dear Tamara, is why we're being subjected to Beatlemania again!
:)”
:)”
Why We Are Subjected to Beatlemania, Again
Commented Sep 13, 2009 at 13:18:33 in Entertainment
“Right on! :)”
1 - 25 of 53
