A Defining Film
With all the buzz certain films get, it’s easy to pass on the ever-present hype and say, hey, I’ll just check it out on my big screen HD when it’s out on Blue Ray. Avatar, however, is not one of these falsely hyped overblown Christmas blockbusters. It’s a must see – I would even say, NEED to see. It will forever change the way we as film lovers look at the film experience, all while being completely and utterly captivating in both scope and story.
Offered in innovative 3D – the film’s director James Cameron has used pioneering 3D cameras in all shots of the film – Avatar follows the story of an ex-Marine who travels to the distant planet of Pandora to assist the other humans there in the mining of a rare and very precious metal set to make them million. In a desultory effort to be diplomatic, they have allowed scientists on the planet, not only to gain knowledge about their surroundings, but also to learn the ways of the native species, called the Na’vi. The scientists have developed the ability to put the brain of a human into an alien body, which they call Avatars. Soon, the greed and overwhelming entitlement of the human race acts as a catalyst in the attempted take-over of the planet, and hostilities between these two species comes to a head. With a love story between Na’vi and human, action, and a not so secret political and environmental directorial subtext, it’s a modern day ‘Dances with Wolves’, but oh so much cooler.
You will literally be taken to another world for three hours as the enigmatic, sweeping shots are so beautiful and so flawlessly executed that you can’t help the escape – you are taken to Pandora and don’t want to come back. Each shot takes its time, but is perfectly paced, so you finally feel like not just character development, but also setting development, becomes wonderfully apparent. With sweeping landscapes and an entirely new language created for the film, Cameron spared no expense – lucky us. The 3D element only adds to the escape, as well, as you actually do feel like you are flying, running, and in fact, among the indigenous group. With color, music, and sensory overload at every turn, it just keeps getting better and better with each passing scene – what film have you seen recently can boast that? With Cameron working on this project for the past 15 years, though, it’s hardly surprising.
Get ready to experience where movies are headed for in the future, as Avatar indeed shows us what we were previously missing in the theater experience. With big screen HD televisions becoming more and more ubiquitous in the modern household, this finally gives us a reason to go to the theater. This film is epic and, like Cameron’s film Titanic, will define a period in filmmaking, I have no doubt whatsoever. I cannot rave enough, and in fact, would go see it again in a heartbeat (probably will). Go… just go – you will certainly not regret this slide into another world.
Peace and love Xo
could get used to that. To add to the fun, they offer up Happy Hour Bingo, and if you win, you get a free food certificate! Not bad in the posh surrounding that envelope it.
breakfast cost about $6, but it’s also delicious and fresh. That’s the perks of small, hole-in-the-wall, family-owned establishments in a packed city. It looks like a dive from the exterior and the inside isn’t that much better, however, it’s clean and tidy, which gives you a good vibe straight away. It boasts only a handful of tables and about five bar type stools, but the wait is never too long. The only way I discovered this favorite spot is that it was closest to my house after a late night of partying and I wanted eggs on the double. Plus at $5 for what I wanted, I was sold. Thank God the place was packed, as that’s always a great “insta-recommendation”, I say. The eggs are the fluffiest I have ever had, and everything comes hot off the grill. While the family who runs the small venue isn’t chatty, they are fast, efficient, and quietly friendly – perfect for a weekend breakfast. I have converted several friends to this place, and you Richmond dwellers won’t regret making this your spot. It’s cash only so come prepared, but for two people, including tip, you only need a $20, so the “cash prep” we experience in most local haunts isn’t required in most cases. Enjoy this spot, and with the price tag, enjoy it often – perhaps you’ll start doing brunch daily. Now there’s an idea.