Caving seems like a cool thing in theory, but in practice I'm sure it's not all that cool (except for those special few that do it professionally). The element of surprise and the vast unknown is terrifying enough above ground and I'm not sure I would want to put myself out there somewhere in the deep blue sea, especially if it has never been "explored" before.
Sanctum is an adventure thriller that will keep you entertained (so long as you go in armed with a bottle of pain killers). The setting and sets are beautiful and amazing but the cinematography is a little less than desirable. With the framing of several scenes giving the 3D a bit of an amature feel by leaving large blobs covering entire corners which throws off the coposition and eventually has your eyes screaming in pain because they couldn't quite tell what they should be focusing on. Keep in mind this IS NOT a James Cameron film. He neither directed nor wrote any aspect of this film. He is nothing more than one of the many executive producers and a BIG NAME to bring in the crowds. Sanctum was actually co-written by first time writers John Garvin and Andrew Wight (who are actual divers which adds to the diving element of the story) and it was directed by Australian director Alister Grierson (Kokoda).
If you are seriously looking to check out Sanctum I highly recommend that you avoid the 3D screenings like the pleague. Not only is there nothing that truly deems 3D as a necessity (sorry to disappoint but nothing comes flying at you, there are no explosions and nothing comes straight at the screen). The story will be just as good (if not better because you can follow it) in 2D. You will still be able to see the almost unrecognizable cast (mostly Austrailian talent and obscure actors that might soon have larger roles after this film) going through the stressful situation that is forced upon them as their one way out because unaccessible and they must go in search for a new way out through an unknown path. The sets created are amazing and you will enjoy them for what they are, but there is no need to pay the extra money to see a little extra depth in what we already know is a HUGE cave.
For all of the pain that the 3D created for me, I will say that the film itself had some very good elements to it as well. The adventure of cave diving and the stress it puts on those participating in the extreme sport is definitely felt by the audience. The cast does a great job of making you feel what they are going through (I only wish that Mr Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) had not been casted as Carl because he was the weakest of all the characters). Sanctum even gives you a few chair squirming scenes that left me turning my eyes away from the screen. I would say tht if you are looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat, Sanctum will give you that. It is a film to see in theater as it has some amazing visuals of the world beneth the surface, but if you are looking to beat the weather or just enjoy a movie look for theaters not showing it in 3D.
I give Sanctum a 3.5 out of 5... but Sanctum 3D a 1 out of 5. If only the world would get off its 3D kick, then we could all be happy. **Here's hoping**
The long awaited James Cameron film Avatar hit theaters this past weekend. While opening weekend raked in an estimated $77 million in domestic ticket sales and an additional $159 million in ticket sales in 106 countries overseas -- excluding Japan and China who are still to come. This weekend Avatar did reach the #9 spot for All Time Worldwide Opening Records and the #2 spot for Top December Opening Weekend Records. However, some reports have come in saying that the blizzard that hit the east coast caused ticket sales to take a hit, but my Saturday experience at the theater proved otherwise.
I remember being bombarded by phone calls last week with several people asking me if it was worth going to see Avatar in theaters. I had heard mixed reviews regarding the film, with people commenting that it will be strictly eye candy with no substance in storyline and I felt compelled to share what I had heard. Even as I received a handful of calls on opening day from my father asking if it was something that he would understand, I still felt the need to share the mixed feelings I had quickly developed over the weeks leading up to its release. I was surprised that later in the day I had a voicemail waiting for me, practically screaming at me, that I had to go see the film this weekend. My father, who is of the older movie go-er generation, does not see eye to eye with me when it comes to movies as he is interested in the more intellectual and "family fun" style of films where as I enjoy blood, guts and insane amounts of action. To hear that he thought the movie was "awesome" and actually ended up using the word about a dozen times in a conversation that followed, I felt compelled to go out this opening weekend to see if it was really as good as he though. So Saturday morning, making plans with my movie date for the evening, I purchased tickets online to avoid at least one line and then ventured out into the first blizzard of the season.
Arriving at the theater 45 minutes before showtime, I stood in line feeling like a complete film geek, excited just to see what the film would look like since I had little expectations for there being a good storyline. My date for the evening seemed less than excited, standing in line in a bit of a stooper and neutral to everything that was going on. After finding seats in what was a much smaller screen that I was expecting the trailer began to roll. Unfortunately none of the trailers really stuck out, but once advised to put on our 3D glasses I sat in aw and awaiting what was about to happen.
With a running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, I never once felt a lull or dramatic drop in the pace of the film. It held and captivated my attention for the entire screening and watching in 'RealD' you truly do get an experience unlike any other. I have watched plenty of other 3D shows and films with the classic red and blue glasses that give you such a horrible headache you seriously wonder why you ever bother to watch anything in 3D, but the translucent RealD glasses give you the 3rd dimension without the pain. From the opening scene straight through to the end, I fought the urge to reach out and "touch" the beautiful world of Pandora that James Cameron introduced us to. The world of Pandora is a beautiful place both in theory, vision and story, and no matter how fantastic the fantasy level became everything remained grounded in reality. From the space crafts the humans use travel in to the alien planet, to the military vehicles and weapons, to the plants, creatures and people of Pandora each element hints are reality. Nothing strayed too far from the line of what "could be".
As for the story, I was surprised by the level of depth it held. It was not your basic sci-fi/fantasy story, and it left me considering what under lying statements Mr. Cameron was making about our current standing globally. The story was thought provoking and left me thinking about social and political commentary that could be picked up and hinted at in some aspect or another. The film is visually out of this world, and the story will hold your attention for the entire running time. By the time you are ready to walk out of the theater, you will not feel like you have been sitting through a 3 hr film, unless you just downed a large coke.
If you are an Aliens fan, see if you catch the homage James Camera slips in. See if you can find the "Titanic moment". This film is a must see over the winter break. Even if you do not enjoy the story, I guarentee that you will not be disappointed by the visual effects. Although, as my movie date said, the Na'vi's skin may be a little distracting. But all in all the film is worth the sitting time. You will love Sam Worthington's performance, both in flesh and CGI. You will enjoy the grace and beauty of Zoe Saldana as her dance background adds to the Na'vi. Her movements are truly those of a trained ballerina and it made watching her leaping through the trees and during battle that much more amazing. The Na'vi, in their looks, movements, beliefs, and soul truly are amazing characters. Even the wonderful Sigourney Weaver will amaze you with the heart and soul of her character. Michelle Rodriguez players her typical "badass" self. She is just as much a fighter as she is in every other role she has played and it's fun to watch her keeping up with the "big boys" when it comes to a gun fight. Stephen Lang is that guy you will recognize but may not recall his name at the end of the film, but his performance as Colonel Miles Quaritch is everything you could ever want. And Joel Moore just makes you love him even more with each character he plays in his blooming career.
So if you want a film that will pull you right into the story and picture, go check out Avatar.
