Movie day

Bree's sister was in town this week visiting, and provided a babysitter. On Saturday Bree and I finally saw Avatar. We tried a few months ago to see it in 3D. But we never got around to it until this past weekend. Of course by this time the movie is not in 3D anymore, so we had to see it in 2D.

Now Avatar is a very formulaic movie, and at time it seems to be based on effects alone, but I have to say it hits on a wide range of emotions. Heck Bree even cried through most of it. Can Cameron write? Sure if you mean from a technical aspect. Are their holes? Sure, but this movie goes beyond your normal summer blockbuster. It has a lot more than you would think. Beautifully shot, a new level in film making and effects was achieved and a new high mark was set for the box office. This movie will have a ripple effect both good and bad on movies for years to come. Honestly it reminds me a lot of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Now I saw five out of the ten films for best pictures and while I enjoyed some of the others more than this film, I would say this is the best all around film I saw, just above District 9, and yes that includes The Hurt Locker.

On the Derek's rating system it'd give it a 4. Remember this movie is a game changer, much like Star Wars, Jurassic Park and The Matrix. I'm sure your not familiar with the Derek rating system since I'm just making this up now. But 0-4 is the range.

4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.

Later Saturday night Shaun and I went to see Hot Tub Time Machine. I had heard nothing but good reviews going in. The funniest comedy since the Hangover is what I heard. While that sounds good, you have to realize that the Hangover hasn't been out that long. So you have to ask yourself what else could have come out between now and then. Well no matter, it is a pretty funny movie, is it as good as The Hangover? No, but it doesn't try to be. Does it take itself seriously? No, and that's why it works.

The movie does not waste time in transporting the main cast back to 1986, and that's a good thing. The set up takes hardly anytime and you get right into the raw good stuff. Raunchy might be the best word. There are some great one-liners and one good running gag involving the bell hop's, played by Crispin Glover, arm.

On the Derek's rating system it'd give it a 2.5. Check it out.