DARTH MAUL: FAN-TASTIC

Oh my flipping soul!

And I thought Episode VII was too good to be true.

Was it just me, or did it feel like Darth Maul's awesome, kick-ass appearance in The Phantom Menace was cut in half? 

(Yes... Guilty. Pun intended.)

Isn't it ironic that the only force-wielder in the saga with a double-sided lightsaber ended up getting cut into two pieces? Weird that, although he was clearly evil - bwahaha! - when he disappeared down that shoot everyone was like; awwww... Or is it really that weird, given he was so FREAKING AWESOME! That dude knew how to rock the force, but sadly...

...T'was Obi that killed the Beast. 

Now imagine my hysteria when I came across a post on my Facebook feed from http://therealstanlee.com which lead me to the most amazing fan-made film I've ever seen. 

The film is called DARTH MAUL - APPRENTICE. Straight off the bat the creators made it clear that the film was made 'purely for fun', and it was 'non-profit' feature. What a non-profit feature! I mean these guys literally recreated, not only the Sith himself, but even the Star Wars universe that we fans have come to love and know like the insides of a frozen Tauntaun. (Your welcome).

The locations these guys found just absolutely blew me away. No green screen - well, except for the Sith training facility internal and external shots. But wow! That forest! And how about those Jedi? 

I mean, of course you have to pit the Maul against powerful Jedi, and of course he has to slaughter them. Oh, whoops... SPOILER ALERT! But you might as well chuck in a couple of epic force-pushes and lightsaber fights along the way. Seriously, I think the special effects and fight choreography are better than some of the stuff we see in the actual saga. That girl seems more powerful than Rey! Don'tcha think?

My favourite scenes: when they're randomly letting of force-pulses and gouging into the trees, when Maul is fighting off the two Jedi with green lightsabers and there's that tense moment where he's caught in between them and you're like... I think I'm gonna... I actually don't know what I'm gonna do this is so intense. As far as the costume department goes, those guys absolutely paid tribute to material, and then some. Literally, I saw the one Jedi's mask and I thought 'I want one!'. How the hell did they create such convincing lightsabers. 

But what I liked most of all about this film was that it not only was in every sense STAR WARS, but it was also a very well thought out, well planned, well paced film. The characters all say next to nothing and if we're being honest here, the dialogue is irrelevant. It was those long drawn out moments where characters are just looking at each other. The acting! The eyes and the faint facial ticks were incredible. Do yourself a favour and watch this. Share it. It's absolutely amazing. Very STAR WARS. It leaves you wanting more, which brings me to the following question:

When are you guys gonna make another one?!!

Your fellow force fan,

- Adino

Point Break

Recently I learned how to ride a bike for the first time... and when I say bike, I mean a 200cc off-road motorcycle, not a bicycle. Yeah... I can be badass...

Normally, I never would have done anything like this in my life. I'm not a natural-born daredevil like some of you out there. So this was new territory for me. Suffice it to say that I wasn't expecting too much of a kick from the motorcycle engine. Proves how much I know...

Off I went, careering down the dirt path at what felt like light-speed. What really caught me off guard was the accelerator. I tried to get it under control, but the more low hills I ramped over, and the more tires I narrowly dodged, the more I seemed to increase the speed. I guess I panicked. Before I knew it, I was making a B-line for a row of white tires. Uh oh! I bailed.

Thwack! Right into the dirt. I lay there looking up at the sky for about a minute before sticking my thumb in the air, just to let onlookers know I was still alive. I swayed dizzily to my feet. Back on the bike, back on the path, back in the dirt. This time, the bike crashed into a tree and I broke the handle bar. Back on the bike, back on the path. After a little coaching from my dad, who'd grown up doing this sort of thing, I managed to complete one whole circuit on my own. Hey, I was new to riding, okay. But after my third wipe out, I was done. Better stick to 125cc and the quad bike for the rest of the day, I thought.

With all the falls and bruises came an epiphany. It's like I heard a voice in my head whisper,

"What makes a man is not how many times he falls, but how many times he decides to get up again."

Shortly after this, my sister and I went to go see the movie 'Point Break'. Wicked cool movie! But boy am I glad I didn't see it before attempting motorcycle riding... Never would have set foot on the track.

In the first scene of the film, the main character Johnny Utah and his friend Jeff are attempting to ride their motorcycles across this stretch of desert called the Spine. The run ends with a long jump onto a solitary rock column. Jeff is having second thoughts, but Utah is determined. If they make this run, they'll be the first ever to do it! Utah digs the challenge. They take off, and there's this really cool run sequence across the Spine. Cinematography to rival the Hobbit Trilogy.

Then the jump.

Utah goes first. I'm on the edge of my seat, literally, gulping down dread... I know exactly what they're building up to. After years of watching movies - I. Just. Know...

Utah makes it, turns the bike around in a sweep of dust and exhilaration, grinning as Jeff proceeds to make the jump. He sails a perfect arch through the air, passes the edge of the column, over Utah's head - but... he's overshot it. Bending around, the back wheel of his motorbike suddenly dips over the edge. Grinding and chiseling into the stone, his wheels are screaming to not fall over the edge. Jeff is yelling too. Utah grabs the handlebar and puts his back into trying to pull Jeff to safety. But it's just too heavy.

Utah watches as his friend falls, bike and body, to the sand below. Over his head, the chopping blades of a helicopter are ready to lift him from the column, but he stands there - shaken. He bends back and lets out a furious yell. If only he hadn't pushed his luck, their luck. Now Jeff is dead.

Cut to several years later, and now Utah's an FBI candidate.

The rest of the movie's pretty killer... (too soon?)

I give it a 9/10. Definitely worth your while, especially if your into extreme sports which, I'm not, but I still loved it. What I took away from the film can really be some up in the quote that first appears in the trailer to 'Point Break':

"There are some who do not fear death

for they are more afraid of not really living."

- Ancient Proverb

For me that's just a fantastic mantra to have for life. Which would you rather have; a life that is safe and secluded, or one where you are not afraid to push the limits and because of this you live a fuller, more complete life? The answer feels automatic, but in practice it's a whole other bike ride. 

I know which life I'd rather live, and I challenge you to do the same. Live to your limit, your 'point break'. Otherwise, how will you know you're living at all? 

Anyway, that's me. Cheers guys!

Around the World in 80 Words - or more...

So I was checking the stats on my blog today, as one does when one has a blog. But I'd never really delved into it in detail. Anyway, I was suddenly curious to know how many of you out there are actually reading this - and what I saw really caught me by surprise. Apparently I have readers all over the world!

I would like to take a minute to say hi - and thanks for reading! To all you film fanatics and possibly fellow bloggers out there, I really appreciate you taking the time out to read my stuff. Greetings to those of you in Russia, Germany, the UK, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Singapore, and my own home South Africa. You guys rock! It's nice to know that my words aren't being typed into an abyss. 

This one's for you. Today, I'll be reviewing an older film - or rather a remake of a much older film, and a story that's even older than that! "80 Days Around the World" (the one from 2004 with Jackie Chan!). Let's kick some blogs shall we? But first, the trailer:

Now, I was going to try write this review in 80 words. But... yeah... 

Just for the fun of it, I'll try. Starting now:

Big budget. Big laughs. Low earnings. The 2004 action-adventure comedy failed to impress. However it still stands as one of those fun, imaginative ones that sparked the eye for adventure in me as a boy. One of those where you wanted to run, grab a toy sword and become Jackie Chan. So what if it was a critical flop? Bad movie? No. I think we expect too much of our movies sometimes. All the right ingredients - perhaps the audience had the wrong taste buds (Darn! Almost made it!). Message: Don't be afraid to dream. Aim high. As Dr. Suess said, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Did you know this was also Arnold Schwarzenegger last movie before he took a break from acting to become a governor? He later returned in 2010's "The Expendables". Don't know if that's a reflection on this movie... For more information on this fun flick see the wiki link below:

Rock on world-wide readers!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Around_the_World_in_80_Days_(2004_film)

  

The Secret Life of Dreams

Although many of you may not actually know this, the original 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' was released in 1947 as a Technicolor comedy film, loosely based off of a short story by James Thurber. It starred Danny Kaye as Walter, who in this version works as an editor at the Pierce Publishing company, and Virginia Mayo stars as 'the girl of his dreams'.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Walter_Mitty_(1947_film)

Now if you've seen it - congratulations! That's an old film, and I'll be honest with you... I haven't even seen it. I did however see the 2013 remake directed by and starring Ben Stiller. In this version, Walter is a 'negative assets manager' for Life magazine. His hardworking and committed, but has a tendency to become 'spaced out' or to daydream. It's such a habit with him, that his colleagues at Life Magazine tease him with the song "Space Oddity" by David Bowing, chanting 'ground control to major Tom... ground control to major Tom...'

The remake is vastly different from the original, and although its origins are haunted by countless directors and producers (including Spielberg) taking on and then leaving the project, and although it only received a mediocre review amongst critics, it will stand as one of my personal favourites for many years. I give it a  10/10. Definitely worth the watch!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Walter_Mitty_(2013_film)

What makes this film so fantastically brilliant is its simple, yet
heartfelt message: Nothing can stand in the way of a dream that is being lived. If you're reading this, and you feel like you can relate to Walter, someone who has so many things that he wants to do, so many things he wants to be but all he lacks is the courage - look no further. Can you see you're reflection in your computer monitor right now? On you're phone? If not, find a mirror. What do you see? The vessel of all you're dreams. But it is also a vehicle, like a shuttle.

Great, now I'm starting to sing "Space Oddity" in my head. But how apt a song it is. It's not just about a spaceman and his shuttle, it's about adventure and the courage to pursue your dreams, and about the whole world cheering you on as you do. I know this is a short blog post, but seriously... give this movie a watch and then go out into the world and pursue your own dreams. Find your own 'launch song' and shoot for the moon. Mine at the moment is 'The Fighter' by Gym Class Heroes.

A couple last words of encouragement:

Hahaha! Just kidding :)

Thanks for Reading,

Adino

Labyrinth vs. Maze

In 2014, Wes Ball released his directorial debut film 'The Maze Runner', based on the sci-fi action thriller novel by James Dashner of the same name. The story was original, fast-paced, and gripping. It follows the story of 16-year-old Thomas, who wakes up inside a giant maze with no memory of who he is or where he comes from, and he's surrounded by Gladers. These boys have survived by staying inside the Glade and avoiding the terrible, mechanical beasts inside the maze called Grievers. The Grievers carry a deadly venom in their stings for which there is no cure. Only the Runners, those brave and fast enough to survive, are allowed into the network of the maze. I bet you can see where this is going?

It's an epic, escapist fantasy. The big question is: will the Gladers finally escape the maze, and is Thomas the one who's going to lead them to freedom? If you're interested in reading more about 'The Maze Runner', go to this wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maze_Runner_(film)

Some of you may have already seen the sequel; 'Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials'. For those of you who have not, I won't spoil it for you by going into any further detail. But rewind to 1986 and you will find a similar flick but with some major differences. 'Labyrinth' was released by TriStar Pictures and was directed by the late Jim Henson, creator of the muppets.

The film stars Jennifer Connelly as the heroine Sarah, and David Bowie (who died tragically this year) plays the maniacally eccentric Jareth, King of the Goblins who abducts Sarah's infant brother Toby and takes him to the centre of his magical Labyrinth. Sarah has 13 hours to solve the Labyrinth before Toby is turned into a goblin forever. Like many of his other films, Jim Henson's 'Labyrinth' is populated with puppet characters and creature costumes - the likes of which are rarely found in modern-day movies. Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda and the famous, funny bear Fozzy, voices The Wiseman. And Jim's son, Brian Henson, voices and co-puppeteers the creature Hoggle - a dwarfish muddler enslaved to the evil Jareth who Sarah coerces into leading her through the Labyrinth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth_(film)






At their core, these two films are world's apart. The one makes its mark in the sci-fi genre, while the other is more of a cult classic fantasy. The one follows a troop of boys, and the other a girl. Even the styles of filmmaking differ, as the one makes use of animatronics and elaborate sets, while the other uses green screen and CGI. I'll leave you to figure out which is which. One thing you might not have picked up on however, is how vastly different these movies are in terms of their titles. Huh? Hear me out. A lot of people tend to make the mistake of thinking that a labyrinth and a maze are essentially the same thing, when in fact they are not. Structure and purpose-wise, they are almost the complete opposite of each other.

In any maze, the goal is for someone to work their way out from the inside, the centre of the maze. They have to escape. In a labyrinth the goal is reversed. As in the film, he/she who braves the labyrinth must journey to the centre in order to retrieve something of worth. The point is to get to the heart of it. As we see in both 'Maze Runner' and 'Labyrinth', the function of each of these puzzles creates a different set of obstacles for each of the movies' plots. Both have a unique charm and incredible complexity.

Now, let me spring something else on you. What if I told you that essentially many plots, be they in film, novel, or play form, can be divided according to whether they are a maze plot, or a labyrinth plot? Confused? Let's take a look at this theory shall we?

Based on the above, a 'Labyrinth Plot' could be defined as 'a plot in which the protagonist sets out on a quest with a clearly definable goal. He must reach this goal, then turn around and return home once his quest is complete'. Conversely, a 'Maze Plot' would be defined as 'a plot in which the protagonist discovers he is not where he wants to be in life and thus sets out on a journey in search of something better. He does not know what that thing will be, but he'll know when he sees it'. In many ways, this concept of two different types of plots is similar to the one in the book by Victoria Lynn Schmidt; '45 Master Characters - Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters'. This book is one of my absolute favourites; a must read for anyone who wants to get into writing fiction. In it, the author highlights what she calls 'The Masculine Journey', and 'The Feminine Journey'.

In 'The Masculine Journey', the world is the protagonist's oyster, although he may not know it yet. He has a sense of where he wants to get in life, he has friends and nemeses, and all he's waiting for is the right moment. That moment comes, and is referred to as 'The Call'. He is either charged with a mission, takes one upon himself, or gets invited to joins others on their quest (STAR WARS, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY). Not long after our hero has set out on his quest, then Evil rears its ugly head, if it hasn't done so already. But the hero's confident, and with his new-found friends he overcomes the bad guys and has his first taste of victory (THE HOBBIT). In 'The Masculine Journey' what the hero is searching for is external, something he has grown conscious of or cares about (Sarah's infant half-brother Toby in LABYRINTH); it is not his wish to confront inner demons or come to better understanding of himself. But at a point in his quest, he will be invited to do so, by another character, by the antagonist, or by the world around him, (think of Frodo and Galadriel's mirror in The Fellowship of the Ring). He either accepts, in which case the journey switches from Masculine to Feminine, or he rejects the invitation and pushes on toward his goal.

Before he can reach his destination however, he must fight through trials and tribulations, at some point facing the greatest one of all - Death itself. When Obi-Wan dies in 'STAR WARS: A New Hope', Luke comes to what we would call 'a fork in the road'; does he confront Vader then and perhaps die too in which case he is basically surrendering, or does he run, escaping to fight another day? All protagonists, be they male or female, if they are on 'The Masculine Journey' eventually come to this point. Just to prove to you that female characters can be on 'The Masculine Journey' let me give you an example. Think of Tris from DIVERGENT, when her mother is tragically killed in a fire fight she is forced to make a choice; grieve and possibly die with her, or run away to find her father and brother. Again, Katniss from THE HUNGER GAMES faces death when her only friend in the arena, Rue, is mercilessly speared by another tribute.

How the protagonist faces Death is very telling because it determines the next step of their quest: The Awakening, or Rebellion. Does the character finally accept what must be done in order to reach their goal, or do they rebel against it? Now, not all stories that end with a happy ending need to have the protagonist Awakening. Consider 'THE LORD OF THE RINGS: Return of the King'. Frodo and Sam have finally reached Mount Doom, the one place in Middle Earth where the Ring of Power can be destroyed. Frodo is so weary from carrying this ring that we expect it should be easy for him to simply throw it into the fire. Not so. Although that was the sole purpose of his quest, the hold the Ring has over Frodo is so powerful that he instead rebels and chooses to keep it for himself. Eventually, however the Ring is destroyed, and the creature Gollum along with it. It is possible that Tolkien wrote the story this way to illustrate that no one person on their own can defeat evil, but if even the smallest person plays their part, good has a way of winning out in the end. After that, the hero returns home, life altered, awaiting the time when he may need to confront evil again (SPIDERMAN, INSIDE OUT, THE THREE MUSKETEERS).

The above is a summary of 'The Masculine Journey' which I like to refer to as 'The Labyrinth Plot'. Using the LORD OF THE RINGS analogy again, imagine The Shire (Frodo's home) at the entrance to the Labyrinth. As soon as he steps out into the great unknown he is inside the Labyrinth. I think it is best summed up in the words of his companion Sam. 'This is it,' he says, 'if I take one more step... it'll be the furthest away from home I've ever been.' At that point we know the journey has begun. Mount Doom is at the centre of the Labyrinth. Once they reach it and destroy the Ring, then they can turn around and go home. Stories like these harken back to the original Labyrinth tale from Greek Mythology, in which the champion Theseus must defeat a Minotaur.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theseus

Now, 'The Feminine Journey', or 'The Maze Plot' as I like to call it, differs slightly from the 'Masculine Journey' or 'Labyrinth Plot'. One of the biggest differences is the goal. Whereas those on the 'Labyrinth Plot' are in pursuit of something physical and tangible, a protagonist that sets off on a 'Maze Plot' Journey is pursuing something that they don't even fully comprehend. A concept or ideal. At the start of their story they live under something called 'The Illusion of the Perfect World'. In other words, these protagonists convince themselves one way or another that the world is their oyster and their is nothing wrong with where they're at in life even though they suspect that everything is not as it seems. Thus, in order for them to set out on a quest they need to be woken up from this self-induced coma (Neo in MATRIX, THE MAZE RUNNER, AMERICAN BEAUTY). Conversely, heroes on the 'Labyrinth Plot Journey' only experience an awakening toward the end of the story. In a sense, the 'Labyrinth' and 'Maze' Plots are mirror images of each other.

Still not convinced that all stories can be divided up this way? Try reading Victoria Lynn Schmidt's '45 Master Characters - Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters'. Or make a list of your favourite novels, plays, or films and try dividing them up according to the list of plot traits I've shown above and the one's in Victoria's book. For anyone fascinated by story, I'm sure you'll find it intriguing.


Dedicated to David Bowie (1947-2016)

The Force (of Film) Awakens

Happy New Year, readers!

Although 'STAR WARS VII - The Force Awakens' opened in cinemas 18th December of last year, (I myself saw it on the 21st) I thought it would be a good idea to kick off this year's string of blog posts with a celebration of the film that is...

'STAR WARS VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS'

Never have I seen a film so shrouded by speculation and myth, scepticism and baited breath. When it was announced in October of 2012 that the film giant Disney had bought the franchise for $4 billion from creator George Lucas, the world was stunned. How could R2D2, Han Solo, the Stormtroopers, and Darth Vader exist in the same universe as Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, and Pluto, let alone be owned by the same people?

For many, it sat ill, and a fear of the Disney castle looming over this galaxy with another Death Star orbiting it carnival-fashion tormented some fans as a 'waking nightmare'. Their only consolidation was the man at the helm; J.J. Abrams, the director who had managed to infuse new life into the Star Trek and Mission Impossible franchises. Could he pull off the same if not a greater feat with STAR WARS?

And so I sat hopeful, as one does in a STAR WARS movie. I believe that is the pure, powerful message behind the films; they ignite hope in us. Hope that
the Evil Empire will finally be defeated, hope that those who are lost to the Dark can find their way again, hope that J.J. can take us back... to a galaxy far, far away...

Save to say, when the iconic titles rolled, I wanted to roar like a Wookie. The further we went as an audience, first to Jakku - home planet of Rey, then inside the famous Millennium Falcon, I began to feel it. The film is aptly titled, as 'The Force Awakens' pays homage to a franchise that in many ways has being lying dormant since Episode III's release in May 2005. Some would argue for longer than that. A decade on, and this being the first STAR WARS I saw in theatres, I have no doubt that, as Han Solo puts it, 'we are home'.

Some people may find the plot a little disappointing. Once again, we have an orphan on a desert planet, an ominous, looming battle station, and a bad guy in a mask. All this may be seen as a lack of inventiveness. It is in fact the magic of Lucas's creation. When I read this article by Mike Klimo:
http://www.starwarsringtheory.com my understanding and appreciation for the films skyrocketed. What STAR WARS does well, and I think this is where a lot of other films have failed in the past, is it stays true to form. There are certain story elements with which our hearts resonate most profoundly; The Hero's Journey, the struggle between good and evil, the power of the mentor, a longing for adventure and a hope for the future; STAR WARS doesn't deviate from any of these. It doesn't forget. Thus, it plays with all the familiarity and surprise needed so that the audience claims it, and makes it their own. They take a look at the stories of Luke, Anakin, Rey, Han Solo, and all the others and say, 'This is my story, this is a part of me, STAR WARS is true to life.'

STAR WARS was a huge part of my childhood. I watched all 6 original films on VHS when I was 10. After that it was LEGO's, action figures, fact files, and my very own make-it-yourself lightsaber. There is a stronger mythology behind these films than I believe exist any many of today's popular sci-fi and dystopian sagas. There's a history that feels more real than the history of earth in many ways. When Rey asks Solo, "Those stories... about what happened...?" and Han Solo replies, "It's true... all of it," we have to agree. I would like to personally salute the cast, crew, and Mr. Abrams for this fantastic film which, simply, is a portal experience. I look forward to the coming sequels with great hope, anticipation, and pride.

Adino Trapani

The Pandora Effect

I can still remember the day I went to see James Cameron's 'AVATAR'. I think I'd just turned 16. It was one of those defining movie outings. I'd seen J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK on my 13th birthday and now I was going to see Avatar.

Our family tended to stick to age restrictions growing up. My parents were good that way. And I didn't, and I still don't resent that about my childhood. It turned every few years into a coming-of-age experience. Like a Viking Warrior walking through the flames to enter manhood I got to watch certain movies when I was old enough to handle them. Call me old-fashioned, but I think that's the way it's supposed to be done. Too often, I've seen young kids in today's generation, behaving violently, flinging the F-word around like it's everyone's nickname, or using crude innuendos when they speak. And I'm sitting there thinking, 'Man, I didn't know half that kind of language when I was your age.' Am I wrong? Maybe kids today shouldn't have to deal with that kind of sick knowledge.

Anyway... Back to Avatar.

For more information check out the Wiki-link below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(2009_film)

But basically the film revolves around an ex-marine named Jake Sully who also happens to be a paraplegic. Who better to send to the mythical planet 'Pandora' to inhabit the fully functioning body of a Na'vi alien, known as an Avatar, then this guy right?

What essentially happens is that Jake begins to enjoy his new body so much, not to mention the beautiful Na'vi princess, that he goes rogue and decides to help the Na'vi fight off the human invaders to protect Pandora. The humans, on the other hand, are after a special kind of mineral, worth billions back on earth, which is why they're willing to destroy the Na'vis' sacred home ground. Now Jake must learn, not only to become one of the Na'vi, but also to become their leader if he is to beat this formidable army led by Colonel Miles Quaritch. Basically the story of John Smith and Pocahontas in space. The graphics and CGI, however, are eye-popping, and the world that James Cameron has created is so intricate and astounding that the latest news promises us not one, not two, but three additional chapters to the Pandora saga, to give us and James enough time to explore this paradise. 

It makes for an epic. I realised the problem however when I first went to go see Avatar in the cinema.

Like I said, it's too much for too long. Not that I didn't enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, Avatar is freaking amazing! Let me explain:

There are two stories running throughout Avatar, and they are seen in Jake Sully's two conflicting lives. One, in the body of an Avatar, and another in his paraplegic human body. From his wheelchair, Jake witnesses the human's desperate quest for the minerals on Pandora. He offers them insight into the Na'vi tribe, gleaned from his time spent as an Avatar. His loyalties are to earth, and to the other members of his team. But as an Avatar, Jake leads a different life. He learns the ways of Pandora, and of the tribe. He discovers a power and a confidence within himself that he never understood as a human. Most importantly, he falls in love with Neytiri, the beautiful future priestess to the Na'vi tribe.

Neytiri is charged with teaching Jake the ways of her people, so it's not surprising when their relationship soon blossoms into romance. I remember, in the scene where Jake finally confesses his love for Neytiri, as he kissed her, someone in the audience yelled out, "Well it's about time!" 

Everyone laughed.

We'd been gawking at glowing tree branches, alien dragons, and tall blue people for the last hour and a half. All we wanted was for the plot to get a move on. We wanted to see the big moment. Because at the end of the day, no matter how many CGI specimens of alien life you throw at the audience, the only thing they really care about are the characters. The heart of the story. We want to see Jake kiss Neytiri, we want to see Jake overcome his fear, we want to see the Colonel being speared with a shaft from his own helicopter, (sorry, spoiler...) and out of that, victory being achieved for the Na'vi tribe.

Am I saying that the director of Avatar failed to create an exciting film? Hardly. I am saying that the characters weren't intriguing enough? Nope. Am I saying that the plot was weak? Not necessarily. What I am saying though is that sometimes a story can be lost in a swamp of CGI.

Here's what Harrison Ford, who will be starring in the new "STAR WARS The Force Awakens" had to say to Time Magazine about CGI:

"Well, we walk the line of a wholly digital green screen movie. We did not do that, there’s a great advantage to building physical sets. Both in spending and they help ensure you’re keeping it to a human scale. I think one of the problems with the CGI is that you can, if you need 100 villains and you’re only a few keystrokes from having 1000, and what the hell, it’s the same price. What happens is you overwhelm the human experience with kinetics and you lose what I refer to as scale. What needs to be preserved is the emotional experience a human being can identify with." - Harrison Ford

http://time.com/4132998/star-wars-the-force-awakens-harrison-ford-prequels/

What do you think? Is CGI truly the future of the movies? Or is there a heart, a core to filmmaking that perhaps we're missing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have an awesome Wednesday! 

-Adino