Avatar: Fire And Ash (2025)

 

That was a marathon to get through. I feel less connected to each Avatar film that comes out. The storytelling in this one felt tired. The characters aren’t as engaging. Monkey Boy was kind of annoying. I heard there might be two more coming. Don’t really care either way at this point. 

Rating: C

Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)

 

I rewatched the extended version of the first film just before watching this one. I highly recommend it, because Way Of The Water is a true sequel, with interwoven storylines from the first. 

The return to Nu’vi is another creative adventure. Are there ‘save the planet’ messages in spades? Yes, and I think that’s a good thing. Looking forward to the next film. 

Rating: B

The Guest (2014)

Slick anti-hero script with a hefty dose of teen angst to boot. Some enjoyable 80’s throwbacks, even if they contributed to a slightly cheesy ending. Enjoyed.

Rating: B-

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

I recently watched this for a second time. Not nearly as funny as I remember it being. Most of the jokes felt stale and relied upon the lowest common denominator to deliver meager laughs. Classic “skit stretched into a feature length” film.

Rating: C-

Savages (2012)

An Oliver Stone film along the lines his U-Turn, with as much violence as his Natural Born Killers. It’s a drug cartel story told from the perspective of some indie pot growers. There was much more to the story than I anticipated going in. I don’t know how accurate the portrayals were, but it’s an entertaining piece of cinema nonetheless.

Rating: B-

Avatar (2009)

Visually, it's unlike anything we've ever seen before. I saw it in 2D, as I'm yet to be convinced 3D makes the viewing experience better. Life in the new world James Cameron creates is fun and interesting. Certainly more exciting than the unplugged world within the film. Acting and story outside of Pandora are bland and wooden. Go see Avatar for what's over the rainbow, not below it.

Rating: B-