Will Avatar surpass $700 million?

[blue collar]

http://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

At the pace it's going, it has a legitamate shot. The thing that's impressive is the very small drop in its box office from last week.

EDIT: Formerly the "Will Avatar surpass Titanic" thread.

[renaissance]

They definitely need to account for inflated ticket prices. I paid freaking 13.50 to see Avatar in 3D while I probably paid like 7.50 to see Titanic back in the day (of course, I paid to see Titanic 2-3 times, haha).

[hockeysc23]

They definitely need to account for inflated ticket prices. I paid freaking 13.50 to see Avatar in 3D while I probably paid like 7.50 to see Titanic back in the day (of course, I paid to see Titanic 2-3 times, haha).

This minus going to go see titantic let alone several times.

I heard it was like $16 bucks to go see it in 3D in my area. I haven't seen it yet. Some interest but not at those costs.

[renaissance]

Yea I was about to come back and add that people won't be seeing Avatar 2, 3, and 4 times. Well, that's my opinion at least. But that's part of the reason Titanic did so well. People didn't just pay to see it once.

[Rocky21]

Neither will do as much box office as Cameron's true masterpiece, Aquaman.

[Spartacus87]

Yea I was about to come back and add that people won't be seeing Avatar 2, 3, and 4 times. Well, that's my opinion at least. But that's part of the reason Titanic did so well. People didn't just pay to see it once. I was talking to a guy about it the other day who said he's seen it three times already, once on IMAX, and the other two times on regular with his family.

And one of my mom's friends has seen it twice, once in 3D and the other in regular. So there's definitely people out there seeing it multiple times with all the different formats to see it in.

I think it's just ridiculous as hell that James Cameron has made two out of the top four highest grossing movies of all time. That's quite a feat.

[GibbsFactor]

It's already made a billion.

:yikes:

[renaissance]

I think it's just ridiculous as hell that James Cameron has made two out of the top four highest grossing movies of all time. That's quite a feat.

It is impressive. Then again, once you make one it's significantly easier to get another greenlighted (or is it greenlit?).

[GibbsFactor]

It will be #2 shortly. Just 100 mil or so to get to #2.

Sorry LOTRs and Pirates.

[Destino]

Avatar was better than Titanic. It was a masterpiece artistically. Not everyday that you see an entire new world created so well. Normally you just get a few actors in astronaut suits walking around a red tinged desert. Visually it was one of the best movies I've ever seen... and the fact that it was all green screen meaning every detail had to be created is incredible. Think of the amount of work it took to put all that together.

They stole a lot of that **** from video games though... hell the whole progress from boy to warrior could have been sponsored by world of warcraft. first hunt, then get a riding mount, then hunt, then get a flying mount, then if you're good enough get an epic flying mount. The floating mountains too.

[blue collar]

It will be #2 shortly. Just 100 mil or so to get to #2.

Sorry LOTRs and Pirates.

You mean The Dark Knight which sits at #2 all time don't you?

[blue collar]

Avatar was better than Titanic. It was a masterpiece artistically. Not everyday that you see an entire new world created so well. Normally you just get a few actors in astronaut suits walking around a red tinged desert. Visually it was one of the best movies I've ever seen... and the fact that it was all green meaning every detail had to be created is incredible.

I wasn't going to see it until this post.

[GibbsFactor]

You mean The Dark Knight which sits at #2 all time don't you?

Nope. Dark Knight is 5th all time worldwide.

[Destino]

I wasn't going to see it until this post.

Yeah even if you hate the plot, which lets face it no movie is for everyone, visually the movie is stunning.

[MattFancy]

I still haven't seen it. Maybe this weekend

[pez]

Positive feedback from movie-goers is helping fuel the continuing sales...

IT is a fun movie to watch... Huly and I just saw it this past weekend, and there were also a number of people that stated they were seeing it for a 3rd or 4th time...

[GibbsFactor]

Make sure you see it in the "Real 3D" theaters.

Not Imax 3d and not standard 2D.

Cameron developed his own cameras for this and they weren't shot on Imax.

It's been sold out for weeks at Hoffman.

[blue collar]

Nope. Dark Knight is 5th all time worldwide.

My bad, I was thinking domestic.

[mjah]

If adolescent girls and their moms go back to see Avatar 7 times in theaters like they did for Titanic, than maybe Titanic will fall to #2 due to today's higher ticket prices.

Otherwise... probably not.

[Hubbs]

Make sure you see it in the "Real 3D" theaters.

Not Imax 3d and not standard 2D.

Cameron developed his own cameras for this and they weren't shot on Imax.

It's been sold out for weeks at Hoffman.

I might be seeing it tonight. Does this involve wearing those damn glasses?

[Sticksboi05]

They definitely need to account for inflated ticket prices. I paid freaking 13.50 to see Avatar in 3D while I probably paid like 7.50 to see Titanic back in the day (of course, I paid to see Titanic 2-3 times, haha).

Adjusted for inflation, Gone with the Wind is the biggest grossing film ever.

That said, CGI sells. Hence why Titanic and Jurassic Park were the previous highest grossers.

[BigMike21]

http://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

At the pace it's going, it has a legitamate shot. The thing that's impressive is the very small drop in its box office from last week.

I don't think so. I literally remember being in like 7th grade and knowing girls who saw the movie in the theater 13-17 times. It was ridiculous.

[Sticksboi05]

I don't think so. I literally remember being in like 7th grade and knowing girls who saw the movie in the theater 13-17 times. It was ridiculous.

I was in second grade when it came out...and the girls in my class would never shutup about it. When it's brought up now, I say no no, please...no.

[DjTj]

If adolescent girls and their moms go back to see Avatar 7 times in theaters like they did for Titanic, than maybe Titanic will fall to #2 due to today's higher ticket prices.

Otherwise... probably not.Avatar will hit #2, but it won't come close to Titanic because it doesn't have that teenage girl factor ... I remember DJ'ing high school parties back then and omigod I had to play the Titanic song for months and months after that movie came out.

Maybe James Cameron could have made a play for that demographic if John Smith got sucked into the flux vortex and Pocahontas threw her unobtanium necklace off of a floating mountain, but that might have been a little over the top.

That being said, I have already seen it twice. Marines in mobile suits fighting giant blue aliens? Dragons fighting helicopters? What more could you ask for in a movie?

:saber:

[blue collar]

It made over $8 million on its 3rd Monday. That's a lot for a non summer Monday.

[Skins4Life6388]

Neither will do as much box office as Cameron's true masterpiece, Aquaman.

Vinny Chase was great in that one haha

[hp703]

Neither will do as much box office as Cameron's true masterpiece, Aquaman.

I hear Michael Phelps is supposed to be playing as Vincent Chase:hysterical::hysterical:

[mbws]

Yea I was about to come back and add that people won't be seeing Avatar 2, 3, and 4 times. Well, that's my opinion at least. But that's part of the reason Titanic did so well. People didn't just pay to see it once.


I didn't pay to see it at all, unless you count the 3 hours of my life that I will never get back watching it on cable.

[Iced Coffee]

great movie, but it wont overtake titanic.

[blue collar]

$48.5 million on its 4th weekend. It's starting to do exactly what Tintanic did. Very small drops from weekend to weekend.

[Destino]

Titanic: 1,842,879,955 source (http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=titanic.htm)
Avatar so far: 1,372,993,105 source (http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=avatar.htm)

It's getting close.

[bch89]

I don't understand the hype of this movie.

[DCranon21]

It will. It's still moving strong.

[wantarace17]

You think Fox made a nice return on the movie

[Homercles82]

They definitely need to account for inflated ticket prices. I paid freaking 13.50 to see Avatar in 3D while I probably paid like 7.50 to see Titanic back in the day (of course, I paid to see Titanic 2-3 times, haha).


In official record keeping they don't adjust older movies to match inflation. They do for fun but not for official records. Gone with the Wind and Star Wars would still be the top 2 if they adjusted for inflation.

Avatar has become a huge word of mouth movement. The special effects are amazing, except I feel the Na'avi are still aways from realism. The world created by CGI is amazing and very lifelike.

The story is a throw away. Pure BS and stolen from Dances with Wolves.

[blue collar]

In official record keeping they don't adjust older movies to match inflation. They do for fun but not for official records. Gone with the Wind and Star Wars would still be the top 2 if they adjusted for inflation.

Avatar has become a huge word of mouth movement. The special effects are amazing, except I feel the Na'avi are still aways from realism. The world created by CGI is amazing and very lifelike.

You got that right. It looks so real as opposed to Lucas' Star Wars prequels which scream CGI.

[SpringfieldSkins]

Make sure you see it in the "Real 3D" theaters.

Not Imax 3d and not standard 2D.

Cameron developed his own cameras for this and they weren't shot on Imax.

It's been sold out for weeks at Hoffman.


I saw it at Fairfax Corner and it was "Real 3D" there. I'm going again to see it at Hoffman with the girlfriend tonight, in IMAX. Are you saying that it's better without the IMAX?

Also, I don't understand the bit about the cameras. It was my understanding that this movie was all CGI.

[Heisenberg]

I saw it at Fairfax Corner and it was "Real 3D" there. I'm going again to see it at Hoffman with the girlfriend tonight, in IMAX. Are you saying that it's better without the IMAX?

Also, I don't understand the bit about the cameras. It was my understanding that this movie was all CGI.

Everything I read said that IMAX 3D was the better experience. I've only seen it that way so I can't comment on which is better.

Feel free to provide a comparison between the two when you get back.

[Skins24]

Also, I don't understand the bit about the cameras. It was my understanding that this movie was all CGI.
No. This had a little bit of everything...
He waited for the technology to be such that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(2009_film)#Filming_and_effects

According to Cameron, the film is composed of 60% computer-generated elements and 40% live action, as well as traditional miniatures.

The 3D cameras he used:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_cinematography_cameras#Fusion_Camera_Syste m

[SpringfieldSkins]

No. This had a little bit of everything...
He waited for the technology to be such that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(2009_film)#Filming_and_effects


The 3D cameras he used:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_cinematography_cameras#Fusion_Camera_Syste m

I'm at work and can't look at wikipedia right now. Will the visual quality at the 3D IMAX at Hoffman look worse than the Real 3D I saw at Fairfax Corner?

[Skins24]

I'm at work and can't look at wikipedia right now. Will the visual quality at the 3D IMAX at Hoffman look worse than the Real 3D I saw at Fairfax Corner?
Not at all.

At least not from my experience. I saw it in 3D at the Columbia Mall Imax, and also saw the movie in the regular Real 3D. No difference in terms of the 3D, but just seeing it in Imax is much much better.

[steveo21]

I'm at work and can't look at wikipedia right now. Will the visual quality at the 3D IMAX at Hoffman look worse than the Real 3D I saw at Fairfax Corner?

A lot has to do with the bulbs they use also most of the theaters that clam to be IMAX theaters are not true IMAX theaters.

http://consumerist.com/2009/05/does-your-local-cinema-have-imax-or-just-imax-lite.html

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&t=h&msid=113621990356540393221.000469b6c5915161c3667&ll=35.069767,-80.823412&spn=0.056761,0.11158&z=14

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_IMAX_venues


Also Avatar is Booked to the real and fake imax screens until the end of March. it could be a safe bet it will overtake JC first flick.

Also Camerons first version of the script was MUCH better and deeper with character development. I still blame Tom Rothman for the changes he had Jim make.

[pez]

Very good possibility of overtaking Titanic...

http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/international/records.php

1 1997 Titanic $1,848,813,795
2 2009 Avatar $1,424,222,266
3 2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King $1,133,027,325
4 2006 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest $1,065,659,812
5 2008 The Dark Knight $1,000,245,358

[REDSKINZ-RIDEORDIE]

It shouldnt, I dont care what anyone says, THAT MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE. People have their opinions about Titanic, but Avatar is not even in the same league. Avatar SUCKED and it is EXTREMELY overrated. The ONLY thing good about the movie was the cinematics, and that got old after the first hour.

[Kosher Ham]

So instead of girls seeing it, it is guys?

I think I will wait. I am sure it's a cool experience.

[Sticksboi05]

It shouldnt, I dont care what anyone says, THAT MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE. People have their opinions about Titanic, but Avatar is not even in the same league. Avatar SUCKED and it is EXTREMELY overrated. The ONLY thing good about the movie was the cinematics, and that got old after the first hour.

Sort of agreed. CGI and special effects don't make a good movie. Seriously, it's 2010, we've seen high tech effects before. I want movies with legitimate plots that make me think.

[WVUforREDSKINS]

I will be seeing it soon in Darling Harbour (Harbor) at the world's biggest IMAX theater screen.

I hope the movie is good. I've only heard good things, but from some people here it seems like it is a lame story.

[Heisenberg]

I will be seeing it soon in Darling Harbour (Harbor) at the world's biggest IMAX theater screen.

I hope the movie is good. I've only heard good things, but from some people here it seems like it is a lame story.

[Kirk Cousins' Cousins]

saw it last night..it was okay..don't believe the hype..prob a 5.5 or 6 outta 10..

[WVUforREDSKINS]

saw it last night..it was okay..don't believe the hype..prob a 5.5 or 6 outta 10..

Really? Everyone i've talked to says its a must see. The only people saying its bad are people in this thread.

[bch89]

Really? Everyone i've talked to says its a must see. The only people saying its bad are people in this thread.

I have read/heard many people say its terrible. A lot of people have told me the plot is terrible.

[REDSKINZ-RIDEORDIE]

Really? Everyone i've talked to says its a must see. The only people saying its bad are people in this thread.


I'll keep it real with you, I saw the movie high, and I STILLLLLLL didnt like it. I wanted so much to like it, I talked all this crap to my friends and convinced them to go see it. The movie was extremely long winded. TONS of dry parts. And it's a lonnnnnnnnnnng azz movie. Like 3 hours long. I was trying my best to stay awake. I heard people snoring in the theatre, people were walking out.

But go ahead and see it, you may like it. I know I didnt.

[Spartacus87]

Really? Everyone i've talked to says its a must see. The only people saying its bad are people in this thread. The plot is alright. It's not anything original, but it's certainly not terrible either.

It's really a movie meant to fulfill the "movie theater experience." It's the best special effects I've ever seen in my life, hands down, and especially if you see it in 3D, you can get pretty immersed in the world James Cameron created.

[Mooka]

I wonder if the extra cost for the 3-D showings is factored in to the total gross.


Not sure where that money goes.

[[[ghost]]]

Neither will do as much box office as Cameron's true masterpiece, Aquaman.

:silly:

[blue collar]

$41 million on it's 5th weekend. That's unheard of. That bring its US total to over $491 million. It's not a matter of will, it's a matter of when it's going to overtake Titanic.

Titanic's domestic gross is just over $600 million.

[Teller]

Avatar was quite simply the best movie I have ever seen.

[blue collar]

Avatar was quite simply the best movie I have ever seen.

People keep saying that. I saw it. I thought it was good, but not the best movie ever.

[Rdskns2000]

If you adjust for inflation, where would Avatar rank?

Avatar is in theaters that charge more than they did when Titanic did. Also, Avatar is in IMAX or 3-D theathers were they charge more.

Wouldn't surprise me to to see AVATAR pass Titanic but it would be an easier route for Avatar than Titanic.

[GibbsFactor]

If you adjust for inflation, where would Avatar rank?

Avatar is in theaters that charge more than they did when Titanic did. Also, Avatar is in IMAX or 3-D theathers were they charge more.

Wouldn't surprise me to to see AVATAR pass Titanic but it would be an easier route for Avatar than Titanic.

It's now made 1.6b, 200m from Titanic.

It's only 36th adjusted for inflation.

[Burgundy Burner]

I'll wait until it comes out on blu-ray and if someone gives it to me as a loaner or as a gift.

[boston skins fan]

Avatar will hit #2, but it won't come close to Titanic because it doesn't have that teenage girl factor ... I remember DJ'ing high school parties back then and omigod I had to play the Titanic song for months and months after that movie came out.


:saber:

are you kidding me my sister wore out the cd i still cringe when i hear that song.

[Heisenberg]

I'll wait until it comes out on blu-ray and if someone gives it to me as a loaner or as a gift.


Honestly, no point unless you have a 3D set-up. The 3D visuals are what sets the movie apart.

[boofMcboof]

Just saw Avatar this weekend. Very immersive and impressive. The details in the rendering and textures are gorgeous and the interaction with the CGI and the actors very well done. I'm digging 3D.

However there wasn't an ounce of originality in that movie. From the animals/dinosaurs to the storylines to the floating mountains to the glow in the dark plants, everything was borrowed and familiar.

Once real visionaries start producing 3D movies, Avatar will be forgotten.

[Spartacus87]

I'll wait until it comes out on blu-ray and if someone gives it to me as a loaner or as a gift. You'll be missing the whole point of this movie.

[mardi gras skin]

You'll be missing the whole point of this movie.

If the movie isn't worth watching except for the eye candy, I'll wait for the technology to be applied to a solid movie.

[kameuh]

A friend dragged me to this movie Saturday night. Despite being in its third week, the theater was about 90% full. So, yeah, this might overtake titanic on a gross total box office receipts, but not on tickets sold. Thought it best to address the OP before going on an Avatar tangent.

The Enclave (Fallout) vs. Eragon would be a better description of this movie, but damn if it wasn't spectacular to watch. It drags on a lot, but at least you have something to look at when it does.

Waiting to see this movie when it is not in 3d, is probably a bad move, as it's not worth watching, except for the full experience. Seriously, If your going to wait, just throw on a Smurfs episode and save yourself some time. :)

[blue collar]

A friend dragged me to this movie Saturday night. Despite being in its third week, the theater was about 90% full. So, yeah, this might overtake titanic on a gross total box office receipts, but not on tickets sold. Thought it best to address the OP before going on an Avatar tangent.

I know that. If we go by that, Star Wars and Gone with the Wind are still the highest grossing films of all time. Also, Avatar is helped out by higher 3-D and IMAX prices. It's gonna be interesting when Star Wars overtake Avatar in a few years when it gets its 3-D release.:D

[Sikbug]

I refuse to watch Avatar.

[Shiv]

It was an enjoyable movie, but nothing really groundbreaking for me. And yes I saw it in 3D.

[haithman]

I love people who say "I'll never watch it" or "I'll wait until blu-ray"
Honestly, why can't you just appreciate the fact that it represents a leap in what can be done in movies? I left the movie impressed that someone out there could actually create a movie like Avatar. It blew my mind that people out there have the ability to do what they did. That's what I really appreciated.

[Spartacus87]

I love people who say "I'll never watch it" or "I'll wait until blu-ray"
Honestly, why can't you just appreciate the fact that it represents a leap in what can be done in movies? I left the movie impressed that someone out there could actually create a movie like Avatar. It blew my mind that people out there have the ability to do what they did. That's what I really appreciated. Haters gon' hate.

[StillUnknown]

Haters gon' hate.

http://i48.tinypic.com/27ywd9e.jpg

[Spartacus87]

(Haters Gonna Hate gif) Looks like James Cameron on his way to the bank.

The best is how he says that making Titanic was just about making "**** you money," or something similar to that line.

[Sikbug]

I love people who say "I'll never watch it" or "I'll wait until blu-ray"
Honestly, why can't you just appreciate the fact that it represents a leap in what can be done in movies? I left the movie impressed that someone out there could actually create a movie like Avatar. It blew my mind that people out there have the ability to do what they did. That's what I really appreciated.

It's because it's just another movie in the down fall of movies without a real story line. The amount of actual good movies that come out in US is laughable and it's a big part because of movies like Avatar where CGI and technology takes place of a real story.

[Spartacus87]

It's because it's just another movie in the down fall of movies without a real story line. The amount of actual good movies that come out in US is laughable and it's a big part because of movies like Avatar where CGI and technology takes place of a real story. I don't think Avatar lacks a "real story."

It's just a somewhat predictable story.

But to me, Avatar breaks ground by having visual effects unlike anything ever seen before in a mass release film. It's not just that they're pretty good special effects, they're incredible. Avatar is a noteworthy accomplishment in film making.

I'm sure there's a German film in black and white about two guys staring at a wall and discussing their mother issues for two hours available on Netflix, but a film like that doesn't contribute as much to cinema in the long run as a film like Avatar, which actually has a lot of people excited to go to the movie theater for a unique experience.

[Sikbug]

I don't think Avatar lacks a "real story."

It's just a somewhat predictable story.

But to me, Avatar breaks ground by having visual effects unlike anything ever seen before in a mass release film. It's not just that they're pretty good special effects, they're incredible. Avatar is a noteworthy accomplishment in film making.

I'm sure there's a German film in black and white about two guys staring at a wall and discussing their mother issues for two hours available on Netflix, but a film like that doesn't contribute as much to cinema in the long run as a film like Avatar, which actually has a lot of people excited to go to the movie theater for a unique experience.


I get your point and it's the same for a good kung fu movie that has a crappy plot but you watch it for the fighting scenes. They have their place, but I just feel that movies striving to be the best in technological design have actually contributed to the decline in good mainstream movies.

[Burgundy Burner]

I'll wait until it comes out on blu-ray and if someone gives it to me as a loaner or as a gift.


Honestly, no point unless you have a 3D set-up. The 3D visuals are what sets the movie apart.


You'll be missing the whole point of this movie.


I love people who say "I'll never watch it" or "I'll wait until blu-ray"
Honestly, why can't you just appreciate the fact that it represents a leap in what can be done in movies? I left the movie impressed that someone out there could actually create a movie like Avatar. It blew my mind that people out there have the ability to do what they did. That's what I really appreciated.


Haters gon' hate.

I'll miss nothing. I have no desire to pay for special effects only. A plot would be nice - but hey, imagine me wanting to read a book or see a movie with a plot - go figure.

A good movie would be able to stand on its own two feet and not rely on special effects only. Special effects are great and should be used ONLY to enhance a good movie.

It has nothing to do with hate. It has everything to do with paying a certain sum of money and expecting an actual plot. But for those of you who are willing to pay and go for the special effects only, that is your prerogative.

As for missing out on the 3D experience when it comes out on blu-ray, you need to be reminded that 3D TV is coming soon and I will simply add it in to my big screen. I won't get it just for this movie - I will never spend a dime on Avatar.

[SpringfieldSkins]

A good movie would be able to stand on its own two feet and not rely on special effects only. Special effects are great and should be used ONLY to enhance a good movie.

The movie is good. I urge you to see it in 3D though.


Most movies that come out have a plot that is ultra compelling. Even so, those movies that do have very compelling plots are ones that you can wait until they are on DVD. These are movies like The Departed, There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men. All great movies with a very, very compelling plot. Nothing that says, "You have to watch it in the theater" though.

Avatar doesn't have a bad plot. It's just nothing new. Kind of like Spider Man, Batman, Shrek, Wanted... name any tent pole movie you want. None of them have plots that leave you thinking the next day.

The difference between Avatar and all of those other tent pole movies that gross hundreds of millions of dollars is quite clear though. The 3D in Avatar is done so well and it's so visually stunning that you think about it after you see it. You tell your friends that you saw it and that they should too. This is something that is typically only done with movies that have a "great story" or a "compelling plot".


It's the fact that the visuals are just that good that makes this movie worthwhile. The plot isn't bad by any means, it isn't special either. It's the only movie that I've ever said "has to bee seen in theaters, in 3D". You just won't get the same thing if you didn't.

[Henry]

I saw it this weekend. The plot was nothing to write home about, but it wasn't any worse than Braveheart or Gladiator or any other epic drama about a reluctant hero who spends three hours figuring out a way to stick it to The Man with extreme prejudice.

And the special effects were really worth the price of admission all by themselves. They were that good.

The movie isn't going to change my life or anything, but I'm glad I saw it in the theater.

[pez]

Very good possibility of overtaking Titanic...

http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/international/records.php

1 1997 Titanic $1,848,813,795
2 2009 Avatar $1,424,222,266
3 2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King $1,133,027,325
4 2006 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest $1,065,659,812
5 2008 The Dark Knight $1,000,245,358

Update:

1 1997 Titanic $1,848,813,795
2 2009 Avatar $1,620,067,005
3 2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King $1,133,027,325
4 2006 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest $1,065,659,812
5 2008 The Dark Knight $1,000,245,358

Unless movie theatres stop showing it (and they won't since it is still the top weekly grossing movie) there is no way that this does not become #1

[Rocky21]

Saw Avatar this weekend in 3D and was blown away. Cameron made that world seem so real. Incredible juxtaposition of real life actors and fantasy characters. Two thumbs up.

[Heisenberg]

I'll miss nothing. I have no desire to pay for special effects only. A plot would be nice - but hey, imagine me wanting to read a book or see a movie with a plot - go figure.

A good movie would be able to stand on its own two feet and not rely on special effects only. Special effects are great and should be used ONLY to enhance a good movie.

It has nothing to do with hate. It has everything to do with paying a certain sum of money and expecting an actual plot. But for those of you who are willing to pay and go for the special effects only, that is your prerogative.

As for missing out on the 3D experience when it comes out on blu-ray, you need to be reminded that 3D TV is coming soon and I will simply add it in to my big screen. I won't get it just for this movie - I will never spend a dime on Avatar.


Then why the hell are you posting in this thread?

Nobody mentioned it not having a plot - just that the story wasn't anything ground breaking. The movie itself and the plot were good enough but they weren't revolutionary or anything.

Also, the movie stands on it's own two feet - people were just saying it would be a much better experience in the theater.

But hey, if you want to come into the thread and then act like a jackass even though you already admitted you wouldn't spend a dime on avatar - that's cool too.

[Henry]

It's because it's just another movie in the down fall of movies without a real story line. The amount of actual good movies that come out in US is laughable and it's a big part because of movies like Avatar where CGI and technology takes place of a real story.

That's kind of silly.

That's like saying musicals have ruined movies because they focus on music and not on plot or character development, or action movies have ruined movies because they focus on action and not plot, or comedies have ruined movies because they focus on laughs ...

I mean, did The Hangover ruin cinema because the plot wasn't on par with No Country for Old Men or was it just a funny movie? Did Chicago ruin cinema because it sacrificed plot and character for musical numbers?

Avatar is no different than those movies. The focus is on the world the movie creates but it hasn't abandoned plot and character. They just aren't the focus of the movie. It's a movie that accomplishes what it sets out to accomplish, and brilliantly. For that reason it's worth seeing.

In my opinion.

[Burgundy Burner]

Then why the hell are you posting in this thread?

Nobody mentioned it not having a plot - just that the story wasn't anything ground breaking. The movie itself and the plot were good enough but they weren't revolutionary or anything.

Also, the movie stands on it's own two feet - people were just saying it would be a much better experience in the theater.

But hey, if you want to come into the thread and then act like a jackass even though you already admitted you wouldn't spend a dime on avatar - that's cool too.

I'm posting in this thread because the rules allow it. I hope you feel better by calling me a certain name - I will not extend the same thoughts toward you.

I have an opinion about the movie. I shared it. You disagree. I'm cool with your opinion either though I don't agree with it.

For the record - I rarely go to movie theaters anyway. The last time was probably seven years ago. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if I never attend one again.

[JMS]

I thought Avatar was a pretty lame movie. Great effects but the movie itself was nothing special. With that I would have to say it will surpass Titanic. It's been another wild sucess for James Cameron.

[Sikbug]

That's kind of silly.

That's like saying musicals have ruined movies because they focus on music and not on plot or character development, or action movies have ruined movies because they focus on action and not plot, or comedies have ruined movies because they focus on laughs ...

I mean, did The Hangover ruin cinema because the plot wasn't on par with No Country for Old Men or was it just a funny movie? Did Chicago ruin cinema because it sacrificed plot and character for musical numbers?

Avatar is no different than those movies. The focus is on the world the movie creates but it hasn't abandoned plot and character. They just aren't the focus of the movie. It's a movie that accomplishes what it sets out to accomplish, and brilliantly. For that reason it's worth seeing.

In my opinion.

You quoted my first post, I tried to rephrase exactly what I meant

"I get your point and it's the same for a good kung fu movie that has a crappy plot but you watch it for the fighting scenes. They have their place, but I just feel that movies striving to be the best in technological design have actually contributed to the decline in good mainstream movies."

[StillUnknown]

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/avatar-tops-box-office-sixthstraight-week-ap

#1 again for the 6th straight week with $36mil this weekend. only 2mil away from Titanic's world-wide total, and its passed The Dark Knight for #2 domestic

[WVUforREDSKINS]

Going to see it at the world's biggerst IMAX on wednesday. Can't wait, I heard its incredible.

[spjunkies]

I'm sorry to see Titanic fall. That was really a great film IMO.

[mikered30]

So adjusted for inflation, how do the classics relate to Avatar?

[skinfan2k]

I'm sorry to see Titanic fall. That was really a great film IMO.

I thought titantic was great in many ways. historic, romantic, action packed

[maxiumone]

So adjusted for inflation, how do the classics relate to Avatar?


http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/adjusted.htm

1 Gone with the Wind MGM $1,485,028,000 $198,676,459 1939^
2 Star Wars Fox $1,309,179,000 $460,998,007 1977^
3 The Sound of Music Fox $1,046,753,000 $158,671,368 1965
4 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Uni. $1,042,629,400 $435,110,554 1982^
5 The Ten Commandments Par. $962,850,000 $65,500,000 1956
6 Titanic Par. $943,342,300 $600,788,188 1997
7 Jaws Uni. $941,379,300 $260,000,000 1975
8 Doctor Zhivago MGM $912,395,600 $111,721,910 1965
9 The Exorcist WB $812,679,700 $232,671,011 1973^
10 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Dis. $801,150,000 $184,925,486 1937^
11 101 Dalmatians Dis. $734,391,800 $144,880,014 1961^
12 The Empire Strikes Back Fox $721,627,700 $290,475,067 1980^
13 Ben-Hur MGM $720,300,000 $74,000,000 1959
14 Return of the Jedi Fox $691,336,700 $309,306,177 1983^
15 The Sting Uni. $655,200,000 $156,000,000 1973
16 Raiders of the Lost Ark Par. $647,842,600 $242,374,454 1981^
17 Jurassic Park Uni. $633,612,900 $357,067,947 1993
18 The Graduate AVCO $628,949,700 $104,901,839 1967^
19 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Fox $623,469,700 $431,088,301 1999
20 Fantasia Dis. $610,369,600 $76,408,097 1941^
21 The Godfather Par. $580,080,900 $134,966,411 1972^
22 Forrest Gump Par. $577,310,300 $329,694,499 1994
23 Mary Poppins Dis. $574,636,400 $102,272,727 1964^
24 The Lion King BV $567,653,700 $328,541,776 1994^
25 Grease Par. $565,374,900 $188,389,888 1978^
26 Avatar Fox $559,512,300 $552,797,000 2009
27 Thunderball UA $549,780,000 $63,595,658 1965
28 The Dark Knight WB $545,973,300 $533,345,358 2008

[.THEkid.]

Definitely the greatest movie ever. For the people who say it was too long and kind of boring. Well I respect your opinions, but you have to have an open mind, and sort of think outside the box, to really be fascinated with this movie. One of the greatest plots, to any movie I've ever seen. I'm def going back to watch it again with my little sister.

BTW: does it ever make you wonder, if this is going on as we speak... to us though.

[.THEkid.]

Definitely the greatest movie ever. For the people who say it was too long and kind of boring. Well I respect your opinions, but you have to have an open mind, and sort of think outside the box, to really be fascinated with this movie. One of the greatest plots, to any movie I've ever seen. I'm def going back to watch it again with my little sister.

BTW: does it ever make you wonder, if this is going on as we speak... to us though.

[mikered30]

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/adjusted.htm

1 Gone with the Wind MGM $1,485,028,000 $198,676,459 1939^
2 Star Wars Fox $1,309,179,000 $460,998,007 1977^
3 The Sound of Music Fox $1,046,753,000 $158,671,368 1965
4 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Uni. $1,042,629,400 $435,110,554 1982^
5 The Ten Commandments Par. $962,850,000 $65,500,000 1956
6 Titanic Par. $943,342,300 $600,788,188 1997
7 Jaws Uni. $941,379,300 $260,000,000 1975
8 Doctor Zhivago MGM $912,395,600 $111,721,910 1965
9 The Exorcist WB $812,679,700 $232,671,011 1973^
10 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Dis. $801,150,000 $184,925,486 1937^
11 101 Dalmatians Dis. $734,391,800 $144,880,014 1961^
12 The Empire Strikes Back Fox $721,627,700 $290,475,067 1980^
13 Ben-Hur MGM $720,300,000 $74,000,000 1959
14 Return of the Jedi Fox $691,336,700 $309,306,177 1983^
15 The Sting Uni. $655,200,000 $156,000,000 1973
16 Raiders of the Lost Ark Par. $647,842,600 $242,374,454 1981^
17 Jurassic Park Uni. $633,612,900 $357,067,947 1993
18 The Graduate AVCO $628,949,700 $104,901,839 1967^
19 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Fox $623,469,700 $431,088,301 1999
20 Fantasia Dis. $610,369,600 $76,408,097 1941^
21 The Godfather Par. $580,080,900 $134,966,411 1972^
22 Forrest Gump Par. $577,310,300 $329,694,499 1994
23 Mary Poppins Dis. $574,636,400 $102,272,727 1964^
24 The Lion King BV $567,653,700 $328,541,776 1994^
25 Grease Par. $565,374,900 $188,389,888 1978^
26 Avatar Fox $559,512,300 $552,797,000 2009
27 Thunderball UA $549,780,000 $63,595,658 1965
28 The Dark Knight WB $545,973,300 $533,345,358 2008
Thanks. It has quite a bit to go to reach the top.

[.THEkid.]

I'm posting in this thread because the rules allow it. I hope you feel better by calling me a certain name - I will not extend the same thoughts toward you.

I have an opinion about the movie. I shared it. You disagree. I'm cool with your opinion either though I don't agree with it.

For the record - I rarely go to movie theaters anyway. The last time was probably seven years ago. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if I never attend one again.


How can you claim the movie has no plot? And is just about action. This movie is EVEREYTHING a movie should have from beginning to end. An introduction to why the Americans are at Pandora, the objective for being in Pandora, and from there on you have nothing but ACTION PACK, SUSPENCE, and ROMANCE. Also to top it off with a great ending. I would certainly get into detail, but that wouldn't be fair to the ones who haven't yet seen it. I reccommend this to everyone for the next 100 years. Greatest movie Ever. Just watch it with an open mind, as if this is a possibilty these things can actually happen.

[Sticksboi05]

How can you claim the movie has no plot? And is just about action. This movie is EVEREYTHING a movie should have from beginning to end. An introduction to why the Americans are at Pandora, the objective for being in Pandora, and from there on you have nothing but ACTION PACK, SUSPENCE, and ROMANCE. Also to top it off with a great ending. I would certainly get into detail, but that wouldn't be fair to the ones who haven't yet seen it. I reccommend this to everyone for the next 100 years. Greatest movie Ever. Just watch it with an open mind, as if this is a possibilty these things can actually happen.

Greatest movie ever? Seriously, how limited is your movie watching?

[wantarace17]

yeah i don't know about greatest movie ever... it was a good movie but not the greatest movie

[GibbsFactor]

yeah i don't know about greatest movie ever... it was a good movie but not the greatest movie

It all depends on one's criteria for "great".

It's undeniably the most successful. And last I checked, movie making is still a business.

[GibbsFactor]

Rank Title Studio Worldwide Domestic / % Overseas / % Year^
1 Titanic Par. $1,842.9 $600.8 32.6% $1,242.1 67.4% 1997
2 Avatar Fox $1,836.1 $552.8 30.1% $1,283.3 69.9% 2009
3 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King NL $1,119.1 $377.0 33.7% $742.1 66.3% 2003
4 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest BV $1,066.2 $423.3 39.7% $642.9 60.3% 2006
5 The Dark Knight WB $1,001.9 $533.3 53.2% $468.6 46.8% 2008
6 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone WB $974.7 $317.6 32.6% $657.2 67.4% 2001
7 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End BV $961.0 $309.4 32.2% $651.6 67.8% 2007
8 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix WB $938.2 $292.0 31.1% $646.2 68.9% 2007
9 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince WB $934.0 $302.0 32.3% $632.0 67.7% 2009
10 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers NL $925.3 $341.8 36.9% $583.5 63.1% 2002^

[Heisenberg]

I'm posting in this thread because the rules allow it. I hope you feel better by calling me a certain name - I will not extend the same thoughts toward you.

I have an opinion about the movie. I shared it. You disagree. I'm cool with your opinion either though I don't agree with it.

For the record - I rarely go to movie theaters anyway. The last time was probably seven years ago. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if I never attend one again.


The tone of your posting of this thread is such that I stand by what I said. I never called you a certain name - simply said you were acting a certain way - which you have been.

I'm sure if I came to a thread about NASCAR and started ripping on it without have ever watched it you would be one of the first to call me out on it as well.

The rules may permit you to post in any thread - but I'm not sure the point of posting here just to let everyone know you have no intention of seeing the movie.

[zoony]

I finally saw Avatar this weekend in 3D Imax. It's hard for any movie to live up to the hype. That said, I think visually Avatar did. Pretty amazing effects and the 3D world just sucks you in.

The only complaint (minor) I had about the effects were that the 3D wasn't quite as awe-inspiring as I thought it might be. It provided a lot of depth to what was going on up on the screen, but I was kind of expecting ferns to be brushing me in the face. That never happened.


As for the story, lame. It was kind of a cool idea I think in origination- the idea that we could someday live in the body of another creature and direct its movements. However, the plot (as I suspected it would be) was typical James Cameron cheese. All the characters were strictly black and white. Good or evil. Strong or weak. etc. :yawnee:

Now, I'm in no way comparing Cameron to Hitler (lol you have to make that disclaimer around these parts), but this quote I thought was relevant.

""All propaganda must be so popular and on such an intellectual level,
that even the most stupid of those toward whom it is directed will
understand it..."

I think that is a big part of the success of Cameron when combined with his incredible film-making skills (visually). I remember seeing Titanic and all of the 9 year old girls in the theater were sobbing at the end. Same with Avatar- it has been a huge hit with pre-teens. I'm pretty certain that's a good intellectual test for a plot. If a 9 year old is into it, it's probably not very good.


I think James Cameron is an incredible film maker. However, I think he is probably one of the worst (popular) writers in the history of cinema. I mean, talk about writing to the lowest common demoninator - this is it. Sadly, I guess that's why it is so successful.

[Botched]

I finally saw it yesterday. The colors and graphics were really cool, but without 3D this movie would be unwatchable. As others have said, it had a totally unoriginal plot, lame acting, and was too long. The visuals made it a pretty neat experience in the theater, but I have no intentions of ever watching this movie again. I can't imagine trying to sit through all 2 hours and 40 minutes on DVD with no 3D effects.

[TMK9973]

Saw it Saturday in IMAX 3D. Visuals were amazing and worth the cost!
Movie itself was kinda of boring and predictable. I started dozing at certain points of the movie. It was to long.

Good action scenes and, as I said, visuals were worth it alone. Simply great! Although i did keep looking out for Pappa smurf to jump out and tell everyone to calm down.

Very glad I saw it in 3d - Have no interest in ever watching it again though....

[mikered30]

Avatar' replaces 'Titanic' in record books

$1.84 billion worldwide
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2414728620100124

[blue collar]

It's at $630 million domestically and still going strong.