Avatar: The Perfect Step into the Future

James Cameron is known in the filming industry for his work on Titanic, The Terminator series, and of course Avatar. The last one is his latest production which took over five years to make. Not film, but make. This is due to the fact that it is about 60% CGI and 40% acting. There have been numerous attempts throughout cinematic history to effectively incorporate visual effects in every scene in a movie. Avatar takes that to a whole new level with the scenes themselves being entirely computer generated to unbelievable photorealistic effects. The plot itself is creative although it takes several themes and ideas from other movies and literary works but manages to cover them in an imaginative and innovative way. With that said, will the reader enjoy it? Let’s see.
The story takes place on a far moon in a distant space sector where an Earth corporation has a major operation to harvest vital material for building machines and the industry as a whole. This however, comes in conflict with the natives which are much more primitive than humans but much more in tune with their planet. The main character is entrusted with the task to get closer to the natives with the help of an “Avatar” – a hybrid of human DNA and the natives controlled by the protagonist with his mind. The planet itself is full of dangerous animals and plants which seem to want to do nothing else but eat people. The effects are stunning and the viewer has the feeling he or she is transported to the very planet of the action. The protagonist eventually discovers it would be wrong to destroy the natural habitat of the indigenous people for resources.
The film also places certain ethical points for consideration. What do we truly call home? Do we hurt others to make profit if we would not be punished? How far does the human conscience spread? The movie does not give the answers but leaves the viewer to find them out on his or her own. However, there are some negative sides as well. Many of the characters seem shallow and unwilling to change even in the slightest. Some seem more ruthless then they should and others too forgiving. There are a few plot points that take away from the realism but then again, a movie cannot be without them. In general Avatar is a great movie in terms of motifs, themes, and social and ethical problems as well as entertaining for those who want to enjoy a picture without having to worry about complex problems.

2012: A Movie About Disasters or a "Disaster" Movie

Roland Emmerich is mostly known for creating so-called “disaster movies” or films that show either a near-apocalyptic world scenario or another major catastrophe that strikes humanity. Emmerich himself has stated he likes the idea of disaster movies because they put ordinary people in extraordinary situations and reveal their character. The logic behind such an idea might be true but Emmerich’s movies often show little to no character development whatsoever. The most recent and highly anticipated movie is of course 2012. So does this movie do a good job of depicting a fairly accurate doomsday plot? The answer is…there is no one answer.
The movie opens in the year 2009 when a scientists discovers that an ancient Mayan prophecy about the end of the world might actually have some credibility to it as apparently the Sun has begun emitting deadlier particles which will result in the destabilization of the Earth’s mantle and crust respectively. Disregarding the scientific fallacies behind this discovery the average viewer could consider this a fairly plausible exposition for the rest of the film. The plot goes on to reveal how the leaders of the world begin a massive plan to evacuate as many people as they can. Both useful ones and such that have enough money to pay for a way out are selected. The story continues to show the protagonist who takes his kids camping to Yellowstone National Park where he meets an apparently crazy radio host who keeps talking about the end of the world and how the government is hiding it all. Naturally, few believe him but that changes relatively soon as doomsday is indeed close at hand. As the world around them begins to fall apart the main characters flee to China where the government of every major nation has built a ship to float on the upcoming tidal waves. As the catastrophe escalates the viewer becomes a witness to dazzling visual effects and suspense. Indeed, the scope and depth of the devastation is shown in a perfect manner and the destruction reaches epic proportions at its pinnacle. With that said, the character development and realization remains low as they seem to take the news rather well for average people. Of course, there are numerous subplots of betrayal, affairs, and twists which seem to ultimately arrive to a happy ending.
Yes, a lot of people die, and yes the movie is praised mainly for its visual effects rather than thorough story and scientifically based facts but it still is pleasant entertainment for the whole family.

A Perfect Powder Day

Snow. Cold. Slopes. These would be the perfect words to describe the winter vacation. As I woke up early in the morning all I could think about was the mountain waiting for me, begging me to visit and see the ski conditions for myself. The day before was a horrible one: people pushing, shouting, arguing, and getting more and more impatient with the ever growing queues. But today was going to be different. Of course I am talking about Bansko and the glorious days of the winter break of 2009-2010. The thing that made this day so special was that it was the first of the New Year. And because it was the 1st there were not going to be any people on the slopes as they were all going to sleep in, tired from last night.
By far the most difficult thing you can do after New Year’s Eve is to try to get up from bed. However, I had to do it as I had promised I would go skiing that day and it was the only chance we had to have the mountain all to ourselves. So I stumbled across the dark room, knocking half the furniture down and tried to find my jacket and ski boots. It was an incredible adventure for another story. Finally when I managed to pull myself together I met up with my friends and due to the fact that the gondola was going to open later today we drove all the way up to the tracks. We waited a little longer and the lifts opened for business. It was incredible. I have been going to that resort for all my life and I had never seen it empty. It was as though the slopes were trimmed and taken care of just for us. As a whole there were maybe fifteen people for the during the morning hours. We were able to enjoy perfect conditions, undisturbed, untroubled and uncontrolled. It had been snowing for the past two days so there was some new snow for us to explore. The feeling of being the first to go through the so-called powder is one of a kind. It is truly unbelievable and it makes skiing and snowboarding the more worthwhile.
By the end of the day we were exhausted since we didn’t get any sleep last night and had been skiing the whole day. It was the most incredible day of the entire vacation and one the best days of my life so far. We turned in pretty early for a goodnight sleep and to recharge our batteries for the next day which was going to be a little less magical but reminding us of this one nevertheless.