I’ve been waiting to see this for a while. Well, I guess after more than 10 years since the last one I should definitely be used to waiting. But in the case of this film, the only format I thought it would be worth seeing it on was IMAX 3D. And the BFI IMAX in Waterloo completely sold out for the first 2 weeks of release within hours of going on sale. The earliest date I could get decent seats for was the 5th Jan.
I’m glad I waited though, because this film – more than any I’ve ever seen – makes incredible use of the IMAX 3D format. It’s got the most astounding computer-generated visuals I’ve ever seen in a film. The original AVATAR – now more than 10 years old – still looks very beautiful. But this knocks it into a cocked hat. The level of detail in the environments and perfection of the performance capture on the characters means that the CG characters might actually look more “real” than the filmed human actors! Combined with this is Cameron’s absolute mastery of 3D at display here and the clever mixing of 48fps and 24 fps on shots – to maximise the immersion and sense of emotional connection. You absolutely feel like you’re there. It’s a mind-blowing experience.
Is it a good film-film? Not really. It’s 3 hours long, and the first 2 of those is mostly pretty humdrum in terms of plot development and action. The script is messy and unfocused, with an over-stuffed array of characters diluting the simple-but-effective hero’s journey formula of the first film. And it’s stuffed to the gills with mawkishly cack-handed new-agey nonsense. Somewhat hilarious that it has such an anti-tech message when you consider the sheer amount of technology and engineering needed to bring it to the screen. But then the last hour of it finally kicks into gear – and from that point on, it’s absolutely non-stop, jaw-dropping insane action. James Cameron doing what he does best. It almost makes up for the less-than-stellar first 2 acts.
So, overall…. It’s weird film to recommend. You absolutely have to see it in 3D, on the biggest screen you can, preferably IMAX. With that setup, you’ll have an experience that’s just… Wow! There’s never been anything quite like this before. It’s a gigantic technological and experiential milestone. But conversely, if you just watch it at home on a TV (in 2D) you would be fully justified in thinking it’s a pile of hot garbage.
It’s both a heap of crap and one of the most amazing cinema experiences I think I’ve ever had. It’s a very impressive rollercoaster, albeit one that takes its sweet time to get to the top of the drop.
But you know I’ll be back for the next one. Even if I slightly hate myself on one level for doing so!
