20s Movie Review - Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 197 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis,  CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Jermaine Clement, David Thewlis

Description: Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldaña) family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash people, who are led by the fiery Varang (Oona Chaplin), as the conflict of Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.

Review: “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is the third installment in the “Avatar” franchise. Director James Camerom proves that Pandora is far from revealing all its secret. Whereas its predecessor immersed us in  the serene beauty of the oceans, this third film confronts us with the raw, destructive, and paradoxically beautiful power of fire.

It almost goes without saying, but the CGI is once again groundbreaking. The introduction of the Ash People – a Na’vi clan that lives in volcanic areas – provides a completely new color palette. The contrast between the glowing lava and the ash-gray skin of this new tribe is visually stunning. The action scenes, especially the confrontations in the ash clouds, are so fluid and detailed that you forget you are watching an animation.

We see that not all Na’vi are “good”. The Ash People, led by Varang, bring a much-needed nuance to the story. Their anger and thirst for revenge mirror humanity, blurring the line between hero and villain. This gives the film an emotional depth and a sense of menace that we haven’t felt to this extent before.

The core of the film remains the family. The dynamic between Jake, Neytiri and their children has matured. The consequences of their earlier losses weigh heavily, and the film takes time for mourning and internal conflicts. Zoe Saldaña’s acting is heartbreaking; her anger is almost palpable.

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is more than a technological masterpiece; it’s an epic drama that dares to play with darkness and moral ambiguity. With a running time of over three hours, not a minute feels wasted. The middle section is a bit predictable, but the explosive finale more than makes up for it. I believe there is still two more movies in the making, and I’m in up for it.

Rating: 4/ 5

Rewatching my 100 Favorite Movies - Update 17

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme or reason there, just watching those movies I love so much.
 

58/ 100: A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The true story of mathematician John Nash, who developed amazing mathematical insights early in his career. However, his career was stalled for years due to his battle with schizophrenia. It’s a well-crafter drama directed by Ron Howard. The best role Russell Crowe ever played. Check out my full review HERE.
 

59/ 100: Jagten (2012)
Toddler Klara feels rejected by kindergarten teacher Lucas, her father’s best friend, and claims he abused her. After which the world of Lucas collapses. Director Thomas Vinterberg stays close to Lucas, showing in completely believable steps how his friends slowly but surely push him away. Everyone just takes Klaras word and no one seems to want to hear Lucas’ side. The story starts to live its own life, followed by a witch hunt. Mads Mikkelsen plays Lucas and impresses with his gripping performance. A movie that left me breathless the first time I saw it and it really gets under your skin. HERE you can read my full review.
 

60/ 100: Avatar (2009)
Private Jake is in a wheelchair. Bit then he gets an offer: he can serve as the host of an avatar on the planet Pandora, his brain in his sleeping body then in control of a body grown from genetically engineered cells that looks, walks and runs just like the Na’vi, the inhabitants of the planet. James Cameron’s groundbreaking use of 3D turned this average adventure film into an eye-opening and exhilarating spectacle. But it’s more than that: it has a clear message which is still topical today. Please read my full review HERE.
 
Still to watch: 40

00s Movie Review - Avatar

Director: James Cameron
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 161 minutes
Year: 2009
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Lang, CCH Pounder, Joel David Moore, Dileep Rao

Description: Paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home..

Review: “Avatar” had to be a movie that would start a small revolution within the film industry. Our movie experience would change. Hundreds of millions of dollars were spend to create a new technology, with 3D and motion capture. Because of that, “Avatar” is the most expensive movie ever made. 

Ex-marine and paraplegic Jake Sully is send to the moon Pandora to be part of a big scientific project. He is there to replace his twin brother, who died. Because they share a DNA profile, Jake is the only one that can control the avatar created for his brother. Through a link Jake can control the body and brain of the avatar, which resembles one of the Na’vi, the folk that inhabits Pandora.

The project is led by doctor Grace Augustine. Jake has to collect samples from Pandora, but accidentally meets Neytiri, a female Na’vi. She starts to welcome Jake to her world and his mission changes. Colonel Miles Quaritch wants Jake to infiltrate the Na’vi and make them find a new location to live. The tree they live under is filled with Unobtainium, something that will sell for lots of money. But the closer Jake gets to the Na’vi, the more he adapts to their way of life and he wants to help them fight Quaritch and his men.

It’s a modern ecological fairytale that should teach us about the love for nature. The world of Pandora is totally credible, which is interesting because the entire world is completely computer generated. And the world has a breathtaking beauty. The movie and story have many layers and there are several lessons to be learned.

Because of motion capture, the Na’vi also look very realistic. This technique offers us many possibilities. And because it’s not just animation, the actors really need to act. Especially Zoe Saldana is a breath of fresh air. Her performance is fantastic. 

“Avatar” is not just another movie, it’s an experience. One of those movies that is even better on the big screen.

Rating: 5/ 5

What's in a Movie Year - 2009

Taking a look at the year 2009, picking my 10 favorite movies from that year in random order.
 

Zombieland
After zombies take over the world, a young man stays alive by meticulously following a number of self-described rules. For example, he always puts on his seatbelts, watches oyt for toilets and never plays the hero. When he meets a couple of other survivors, they decide to hang out together. Witty, ironic zombie film, worthwhile mainly because of well-written characters. Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin, for example, are fun as incisive sisters, Woody Harrelson is fantastic as a macho zombie defender.
 

(500) Days of Summer
Tom, trained as an architect, has a dull job writing texts for greeting cards, but his existence is brightened considerably by Summer, a girl from the office. The story of their relationship is not told chronologically, but in flashbacks and forwards. In this way, details in the film are given different meanings each time. A remarkable and original way to tell a story of ‘boy meets girl’. Good screenplay, excellent direction and particularly fine lead actors.
 

Fantastic Mr. Fox
When titular hero Mr. Fox learns Mrs. Fox is pregnant he must promise her to stop stealing. He keeps this promise for a while, but after a few years the wild beast in him resurfaces. Mr. Fox crawls out of his hole, goes to live above the ground in a hollow tree and pays nightly visits to the storehouse of the mean farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Fine stop-motion animated film from director Wes Anderson, who transformed Roald Dahl’s children’s book into a dryly comic ode to whimsy. Also perfect for adults of course. Favorite Anderson film.
 

Up
The young Carl Fredericksen wants to be  an adventurer, just like his idol Charles Muntz. He meets the like-minded Ellie, they courtship, marry, and solemnly promise each other to go to Latin American Paradise Falls someday. It is not until the age of 78 that Carl, now a widower, ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away. he is joined by a tenacious little boy scout. Wonderful, wityy, poetic animated film for young and old. The first few minutes in particular are brilliant (and if you don’t cry, you are not human).
 

Where the Wild Things Are
After an argument with his mother, nine-year-old Max runs away, climbs unto a sailboat and, after traveling across the ocean, ends up in a land populated by meter-high monsters. Film adaptation by director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Dave Eggers, of the famous children’s book by the same name, written by Maurice Sendak. The film is not made for a young audience, it is too subtle and melancholic for that, the emotions of adults and children are too strong. Well-played, sublimely designed, moving and compelling.
 
 

Inglourious Basterds
A group of touch Jewish-American soldier tries to kill as many Nazis as possible during WWII in occupied France. A cinema owner tries to make the best of it under the occupation. And a German officer hunts down Jews. Director and screenwriter Quentin Tarantino intertwined their stories into a clever scenario, which served as the basis for this powerful war film. The agonizing tension in “Inglourious Basterds” is interspersed with dark humor. Razor-sharp dialogues. Christoph Waltz is the star of the film as SS man Hans Landa.
 

Avatar
Private Jake is in a wheelchair. But then he gets an offer: he can serve as the driver of an avatar on the planet Pandora, his brain in his sleeping body then in control of a body grown from genetically engineered cells that looks, walks, runs and jumps just like the Na’vi that inhabit the planet. James Cameron’s groundbreaking use of 3D turned this otherwise average adventure film into and eye-opening and exhilarating spectacle. And the film shows again how mankind ruins everything that is beautiful.
 

Sherlock Holmes
Did Sit Arthur Conan Doyle base his penmanship in the late nineteenth century on himself, on Jesus, or simply on a fellow physician? Whatever the case, in the hands of director Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes became a cynical, anti-social, alcohol loving man with an unexpectedly refines sense of fighting and shooting techniques. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law play the duo Holmes and Watson with frivolous ease, touring filthy London in search of a criminal magician resurrected from the grave.
 

The Blind Side
True story: wealthy Leigh Anne Tuohy takes in a homeless, underprivileged young black man. This Michael Oher makes sure that Leigh Anne’s perfect but somewhat sterile family becomes a lot cozier. Moreover he actually grows into a promising American football player. It’s kind of a sweet feel-good film, but I love it.
 

Moon
Astronaut Sam Bell, after three years of soloing in the lunar helium extraction, finally sees homeward travel and family reunification approaching. Despite mild delusions, he seems to be crossing the finish line in health. Until he has an accident and wakes up in sickbay. Talking flight computer GERTY appeases the incident, but Sam knows: something is not right here. Ingenious screenplay by Nathan Parker and debutant director Duncan Jones makes for a disturbing, disorienting viewing experience in more ways than one. Sam Rockwell is terrific, and Kevin Spacey souffles GERTY 

Movies You Expected to Hate, but Loved

I think everyone can make a list like this. You see a trailer for a movie or read about an upcoming flick and you just roll your eyes. Because you will most definitely hate it. But when you eventually see it, you really really really love it. Here is a list of my misjudgments, the movies I expected to hate, but actually loved.

John Wick (2014)
I thought it was going to be one of those terrible revenge movies, kind of like how Steven Seagal makes them. But it eventually turned out to be such a great film with awesome fight scenes. And the sequels get better and better, I love those even more. It still is an old-fashioned revenge movie, about a former hitman who is becomes vengeful after a bunch of Russian mobsters kill his dog.

The Lego Movie (2014)
Who really needed this movie? Well, apparently I did. Nobody expected a movie about the most popular bricks would be such a huge hit. I was fascinated with how it was made and “The Lego Movie” was extremely funny. And that song.....

Avatar (2009)
I avoided this film, for as long as I could. I didn’t want to see it, thought it was just another cash-grab and found the blue creatures super weird. But I eventually caved and saw it, at home. And now I’m sad that I never saw it on the big screen. I never expected this film to have such a strong message and it looks amazing. The film still has a lot of haters, but now I don’t understand why. Because “Avatar” is such a beautiful film.

Game Night (2018)
It seemed kind of boring and goofy, and Jason Bateman starring didn’t really look inviting, since most of his comedy work is silly. Yet, I was very wrong and think this is one of the best comedies of the 2010s. I loved the starting point of this film, enjoyed Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman together. Such a funny comedy.

Spy (2015)
A spy comedy, ugh. With Melissa McCarthy, who will probably do what she always does. But “Spy” is hilarious. And Jason Statham, whom I’m not a big fan of, is the best part of this film (never thought I would EVER say that). “Spy” is one great comedy!

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
I like spy movies, but I expected “Kingsman: The Secret Service” to be another James Bond clone. I was so surprised with how good this film was. It has humor and does mock the genre at times. Great action and that scene in the church with “Free Bird” playing is one of the best scenes I had seen that year. A fantastic action flick.

Happy Death Day (2017)
Just another teen slasher I thought. It actually turned out to be a very funny and clever horror film. Much better than I expected it to be.

Ant-Man (2015)
I really thought ”Ant-Man” was going to suck, because I wasn’t really sure if Paul Rudd could pull off the superhero vibe. And director Peyton Reed was mainly known for some comedies he made. Little did I know that “Ant-Man” would eventually become one of my favorite MCU films. Now I can’t think about anyone else playing Scott Lang. I enjoyed the comedic tone the film has and Rudd really is perfect for it. I also really loved the fact that it brought back Evangeline Lilly, I have loved her since I was introduced to her in “Lost”.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
I mainly hated the idea of it being rebooted, since I really love the original “Jumanji”, even though time hasn’t been kind to it at all. The CGI is very outdated, but still. When I did see “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” it really pleasantly surprised me. I loved the cast and how they told the same story, but adapted it to the modern world.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies You Need to Watch in Theaters

I always love going to the theater, but I always choose films that will probably add something extra to the film when watching it on such a big screen. Some movies are just better in theaters, because of the effects, cinematography or the whole experience. Here are my five picks for movies you need to watch in the theater.

5. Avatar
I was stupid enough to not see this in theaters and I regret it to this day. It is such a visually beautiful movie, even on television. So how about on the big screen? It will blow my mind.

4. The Revenant
The story might not be that special, but the cinematography is reason enough for me to watch this. I saw it in theaters and it took my breath away. I wish I made this movie!

3. Inception
This movie looks amazing, what a visual masterpiece. And it’s most impressive on the big screen.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road
This film is one giant adrenaline rush and it really has a great impact when you watch it in theaters. Action in its purest form.

1. Jurassic Park
Probably one of the most jaw-dropping movies I’ve ever seen. And it still amazes me how fantastic and breathtaking this movie is. And on the big screen it’s even more beautiful. It’s one of my all-time favorites.

They Almost Made the Top 5: Saving Private Ryan, Gravity, Star Wars franchise, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Blade Runner

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Scores

You just have to hear the song and you know which movie it’s from. Those scores you can hum along and just make that great movie even greater. Here are my five favorite instrumental movie scores and I have to tell you it was really hard to do this!

5. Concerning Hobbits by Howard Shore (“The Lord of the Rings”)

This franchise is one of my all-time favorites and I’m especially a fan of the hobbits. And they have an amazing theme song. I love this score.

 

 

 

4. Becoming One of the People by James Horner (“Avatar”)

“Avatar” is an amazing piece of cinema, but is completed with its music by James Horner. This theme is just beautiful.

 

 

 

3. The Raiders March by John Williams (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”)

This score is just recognizable to anyone, even people who haven’t seen the movies (which is weird by the way, who has never watched it). Indiana Jones is an iconic movie character with an equally iconic theme.

 

 

 

2. Journey to the Island by John Williams (“Jurassic Park”)

“Jurassic Park” is one of my all-time favorite movies and that music is so iconic. As the Indiana Jones theme, everyone knows this too.

 

 

 

1. Now We are Free by Hans Zimmer/ Lisa Gerrard (“Gladiator”)

Probably not the most popular choice, but such an amazingly beautiful and heart felt score. It gives me the chills every single time.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Comptine d'un autre été - L'après midi by Yann Tiersen (“Amélie”), Star Wars Main Theme by John Williams, The Imperial March by John Williams (“Star Wars”), Harry Potter Main Theme by John Williams/ Alexandre Desplat, Pirates of the Caribbean Main Theme by Hans Zimmer/ Klaus Badelt, Liz on Top of the World by Dario Marianelli (“Pride & Prejudice”), Back to the Future Main Theme by Alan Silvestri, Jaws Main Theme by John Williams, End Title by Thomas Newman (“The Shawshank Redemption”), Dream is Collapsing by Hans Zimmer (“Inception”), Halloween Main Theme by John Carpenter, Chevaliers De Sangreal by Hans Zimmer (“The Da Vinci Code”), I’m Forrest by Alan Silvestri (“Forrest Gump”)

Top 5 Thursday: James Cameron Movies

This director has so many awesome movies, that it’s about time for me to rank my favorites. And no, “Titanic” isn’t one of them!

5. The Terminator

The first in the very successful (and still ongoing) franchise. Arnold as a bad guy, Michael Biehn kicking ass, Linda Hamilton before she becomes a bad ass herself. Super awesome film.

 

 

4. True Lies
Probably James Cameron’s most entertaining movie. It’s one of those films I can watch over and over again, and it still entertains me.

 

3. Avatar

Sceptical at first, didn’t see it in theatres. Now I regret it, because it’s one of my favorite movies. It has a message and it looks stunning.

 

2. Aliens

One of the scariest movies and also one of the best sequels ever made. Sigourney Weaver is so bad ass. The fact that there is literally nowhere to go and you’re surrounded by creepy aliens, scares the living sh** out of me.

 

1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

If you thought “Aliens” was a good sequel, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is probably the best sequel ever made. Everyone knows this movie. It’s one of the few movies that made tough guys cry. And Arnie is super awesome!

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Abyss

Top 5 Thursday: Fictional Places I Want to Visit

We’ve seen some wonderful places in movies, that mesmerize us and are just simply beautiful. But you can’t really go there, because they’re made up. So I started thinking. Which fictional places in movies do I want to visit if I could? Here is my list.

5. Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”)

Do you want to feel like a kid in a candy story? Well, you can if you visit the chocolate factory. I would gain many pounds visiting that!

 

 

4. Narnia (“The Chronicles of Narnia” series)

The main reason why I want to visit Narnia is the talking animals. I think that’s fantastic! And it just looks so gorgeous.

 

 

3. Pandora (“Avatar”)

Pandora is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in movies. Especially by night and what about those floating islands that you see when you’re flying. This folk threats its environment the way people should.

 

 

2. Hogwarts (“Harry Potter” series)

The most magical place we’ll ever see. Come on, this had to be on the list. I would probably get lost in there, but that makes it all the more interesting.

 

 

1. The Shire (“Lord of the Rings” series and “The Hobbit” series)

Every single time I watch one of the films with the Shire in it, I say I want to live there. I’m probably too tall, but there is just something about that place. It makes me feel calm and happy. The Shire is the place to be.

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Belles Library (“Beauty and the Beast”), Wonderland (“Alice in Wonderland”)

Movie Favorites: Avatar

Synopsis: When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

 

Unique Selling Point: I have to admit that I was a bit skeptic about this movie. I refused to watch it, because it was hyped so much. It wasn’t until it was released on DVD, that my curiosity won over my will to rebel against the majority. “Avatar” isn’t just another action-packed, special effect spectacle. It has a deeper meaning, global change and the fact that people always destroy beautiful things. I was amazed by the visuals, but the message also grabbed me. I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see it in theaters, because that would be amazing.

Most Valuable Player: Definitely Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri, who manages to feel real and she wins your sympathy. She isn’t only gorgeous, but her performance was stunning.

Best Moment: When Jake Sully has to choose an Ikran, but it also has to choose him. When the band is made he and Neytiri fly off. It gave me butterflies in my stomache.

Top 5 Thursday: Movie Archers

I recently saw "Brave" for the first time and that made me think of this top 5. The best movie archers.

5. Clint Barton/ Hawke Eye (“The Avengers”)
He is part of the ensemble, but doesn't have any superpowers. His bow and arrow do the trick.

4. Neytiri (“Avatar”)
She is the Na'vi princess of the Omaticaya clan. She is good with her bow and she can quite do some damage because of the size of the arrows.

3. Princess Merida (“Brave”)
Merida is a character with a strong will and a young woman who just wants to make her own decisions. Her mother doesn't like it that Merida is so good at archery.

2. Katniss Everdeen (“The Hunger Games”)
Katniss taught herself to shoot a bow and arrow, just for the simple reason of survival. As you can see, it can come in handy. Katniss really rocks this weapon.

1. Robin Hood (“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”)
Robin Hood is the most well known archer in the history of the world and also in the movie history. My favorite indeed!

They almost made the top 5: Kili ("The Hobbit")