I’m not really sure how I feel about “Avatar” winning for Best Picture (Drama) at the 2010 Golden Globes. There’s no doubt it’s a fantastic movie – I saw it twice – but Best Picture? And in the drama category? What about “The Hurt Locker”? Or “Up in the Air”? Those seem like better candidates for this win, for some reason.
Here’s the cast of “Avatar” following the 67thAnnual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010. From left are Sam Worthington, director James Cameron, Zoe Saldana, producer John Landau and Sigourney Weaver (I love …read more

As soon as I walked out of the theater after seeing “Avatar,” I started thinking this franchise could go anywhere. And they basically set things up to do just that, with most of the humans returning to their ravaged earth and the Pandorans taking back control of their planet.
And based on the impressive box office numbers at this writing – it’s grossed $745 million worldwide — I’m guessing it’ll have no problem recouping at least double its $400 million (or more) budget.
Director James Cameron didn’t waste any time jumping on the sequel bandwagon. In a Q&A hosted …read more

“Avatar” is one of the best movies of 2009 (read my review here), and much of the movie used the technique of “performance capture” in the filming.
What it boils down to is that real people are wired up so that their avatar in the movie is doing exactly what they’re doing. And all of that lush vegetation on Pandora? The actors had to make believe that was there.
Check out this video from ReelzChannel that explains how it all works, with commentary from Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and James Cameron.

If you haven’t seen “Avatar” yet, definitely consider seeing it. It’s a visual delight of special effects, mixed in with a heartfelt story. Read my review here – and if you’re brave enough, go join the discussion about my piece on the environmental and political messages over at Moviefone.
Here’s a pic of Zoe Saldana at the premiere last week. She plays the lovely and sensual Na’vi character who falls in love with Sam Worthington’s Jake Sully. Between this film and “Star Trek,” Saldana has had a great year.

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Movie: Avatar * Trailer * Official Site
In Theaters: Dec. 18, 2009

Runtime: 163 minutes
Director: James Cameron

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking
Gecko Rating:

“Avatar” isn’t a movie you go see. It’s a move you absorb and sink into and let surround you. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I admit the plot is a little predictable. You can see things coming long before they happen, but the 3D special effects more than make up for it.
The story takes place in the year 2154 and revolves around a paraplegic Marine …read more

Action! Romance! Technology! James Cameron says “Avatar” is his most challenging movie to date, and that’s saying a lot. Remember he’s got “Titanic” and “Terminator” to his credit. Here’s a behind the scenes look at “Avatar,” along with Steve Carell and Paul Rudd’s upcoming film, “Dinner for Schmucks.” More clips after the jump…

I just cannot wait to see “Avatar” on Friday. I was a little leery when I saw the first trailer earlier this year, but now I’m majorly excited about it. Watch the second trailer here.
Here’s a little clip of Sigourney Weaver talking about her role in the film, what it’s like to shoot a 3D movie, and working with James Cameron again (he directed and wrote “Aliens”).

Warner Bros. Pictures has released a teaser trailer for director Louis Leterrier’s “Clash of the Titans,” opening in theaters March 26, 2010. As I read that description below, all I can think is how much fun it must be for the guys working on this movie, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. It looks like a blast!
If you know your mythology, you’re ahead of the game on this one. Sam Worthington plays Perseus; born of a god but raised as a man, he’s helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), a vengeful god …read more

“The Tourist” is set for a 2011 release date, but it’s still collecting cast members at this point.
The latest word is that Johnny Depp is in talks to sign, replacing Sam Worthington, who replaced Tom Cruise. If it’s a go, Depp will play an American tourist who’s used by an Interpol agent to flush out a criminal with whom she once had an affair.
The agent will be played by Angelina Jolie, which would make for an awesome pairing with Depp. I’m trying to think if they’ve ever done a movie, and nothing comes to mind. If not, …read more

The second trailer for "Avatar" is out, and it looks pretty cool, especially the gorgeous scenery. I wasn’t all that excited about this movie up to this point, but now that I’ve seen a bit more, I’m looking forward to it.
According to the official “Avatar” site, the story begins on the distant moon Pandora, where “a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization.” The cast includes Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Zoe Saldana and CCH Pounder to name a few. It opens in theaters Dec. 18, …read more