Avatar

So it's been a week since James Cameron's Avatar came out in theaters and I finally just got a ticket to see it in the true IMAX 3D experience. This show has been sold out in every theater since it's release and rightfully so, James Cameron has been working on this film for longer than I'd care to remember. Was the wait worth it or was it just another flop?

The movie open's and creates a back story that isn't to original but yet created a completely new environment that just screams beauty. We learn that sometime in the 2100's Earth's population has found a new planet where everything is hostile, from the animal and beasts to the plants and indigenous people. The human's are there for one reason and one reason only, to mine a rare mineral that seems to thrive under the surface of the beautiful planet of Pandora.

Sam Worthington plays Jake Sully, a marine drop out who is only chosen to come because his brother was killed right before shipping off and since he has the same DNA, he's able to drive his brother's avatar. Jake is a handicapped marine who's stuck in a wheel chair but doesn't like to be told what he is and is not capable of.

Jake is introduced to the mercenaries of Pandora, since the pay is better most of the human army is mercenaries. Then in complete contrast to the brute force of the mercenaries is the scientific team consisting of Grace (Sigourney Weaver) and Norm (Joel Moore). This group is only in it to find out the fascinating details behind this incredible planet.

On his first day out in the field he gets attacked by some animals and gets completely lost in the jungle. He then must fight the odds and survive a night alone in this new world that only wants to destroy him. Strangely, one of the indigenous people, the Na'vi, saves his life. After this Jake begins to see the wonders of this beautiful world.

Now this movie is suppose to be completely epic, and NEEDS to be seen in 3D. As many of you know, I don't like this gimmick partly because... well, that's all it is, a gimmick. This movie didn't change my mind about the 3D but at the same time, for once, it did enhance the experience. This film didn't use corny 3D tactics like throwing anything at you, but instead, they use the 3D to show the depth of the scenery. During this entire movie I really felt like I could move to another part of the theater and find myself seeing everything from a different point of view.

Everything about this movie was brilliantly done and you can tell that this is easily Cameron's baby. This is the movie that he's been dreaming of making for years. From the individual styling of each character to the smallest details of the Na'vi people this movie was just done completely brilliant, even the animals had their own personalities.

To sum up this masterpiece, this was what should have been a summer blockbuster but instead it came out in the winter. If they continue to make films using these characters this could be just as great as the original Star Wars saga. Topping out at a 9 out of 10 this movie had very few flaws and couldn't have been done better.

Sherlock Holmes

Guy Richie has yet to make a movie that I do not thoroughly enjoy. With that said, I have to marvel at yet another one of his movies with one of my new favorite actors, Robert Downey Jr. It has been years since I've read Sherlock Holmes but I believe it's safe to say that Guy Richie did for Sherlock Holmes what J.J. Abrhams did for Star Trek.

Robert Downey Jr. does an immaculate at portraying the opium smoking Sherlock Holmes and while they never actually say that he's smoking opium it's easily apparent that he is out of his mind half the time. When Richie shows us how Holmes goes through his mental process he does it in such a spectacular way. Holmes clearly see's the entire fight through while planning out every action and reaction and explaining the ramifications of his movies.

Jude Law plays Dr. John Watson, Holmes' assistant and physician. Both actors did such a surpurb job at playing such classic characters that you begin to forget they are just actors and not actually best friends who solve crimes together.

Without giving to much of the plot away, Watson is trying to move out of 221 Baker St. and in with his girlfriend Mary, but can't seem to pull himself away from the charismatic Holmes. With a touch of super natural in the mix it brings together one hell of a murder mystery. In right fashion when the story comes to a close, Sherlock explains everything and lays out every little detail that you never even picked up on until now.

Through and through, I've tried to find something that I could say would have been better but I'm at a loss for words here. Even the musical score fit the moods and scenes brilliantly. I don't know how it could have been done better and frankly I don't really think it could have, it lead perfectly into a possible sequel or more without even coming off hokey once. The film was a perfect match of action, comedy, and drama. Without a doubt in my mind one of better films of the year. Sherlock Holmes easily gets a 9 out of 10.

Apologies

So as of late, I have run into a bit of financial issues. Thusly, I have not had the time or resources to see or review any new films. Though, I am excited to finally be seeing Avatar when it comes out. Just wanted to send the apology to anyone out there who does read this. Changes are coming to updates and everything, so be excited!

Another tid bit of information I wanted to send out your way, just downloaded the new browser Google Chrome, and it is crazy fast. Sure, it's got it's bugs with videos and netflix instant view isn't supported yet, but what can you expect? It's still in it's Beta testing. Runs a lot cleaner and faster than firefox and new add-ons are added daily, so check it out... Just a few thoughts