Avatar Theatrical Trailer

Posted: October 29th, 2009 | Author: Will | Filed under: Trailer | Tags: , , , , | 3 Comments »

Update: The Yahoo Movies link won’t work for our Canadian readers, but we’ve embedded the video here for your viewing pleasure.

Yahoo Movies has posted the full theatrical trailer for James Cameron’s upcoming 3D sci-fi adventure Avatar.  Not convinced by that first teaser trailer?  The new trailer offers an expanded look at Cameron’s new film, finally shedding some details on the plot.  Fox also finally advertises the fact that Titanic is not Cameron’s only movie, that he’s actually directed a few other films including Terminator, Aliens and True Lies.

I still think Avatar looks like Dances with Wolves in space, but this trailer sells me on the film a little more.  Be sure to check out our reaction to the 15 minute Avatar preview that hit theatres in August.

Avatar arrives in theatres on December 18th.


Avatar Preview Reaction

Posted: August 22nd, 2009 | Author: Will | Filed under: News | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment »
James Cameron's Avatar

Dork Shelf saw the 15 minute preview of James Cameron’s Avatar yesterday.  Having seen it do we think the film is worthy of the hype?  Well, yes and no.

If you were like us and were left generally unimpressed by the teaser trailer for the film, then rest assured that the film looks far superior on the big screen.  The spectacular visuals, aided by Cameron’s deft use and understanding of the new 3D technology, make Avatar unlike anything you’ve ever seen.  Scenes on the planet were so immersive, so full of depth, that we literally felt like we were sitting jungle.  The end result is something that closely mimics the way our eyes work when looking at something in the real world.  It’s not like looking at a screen, but more like looking through a giant window with a constantly changing perspective.

The effect can be as as simple as having blades of grass in the foreground or having trees move through the frame.  There were no obvious moments with objects flying toward the screen, not one use of 3D in the presentation felt gratuitous; it all felt very organic.  Cameron is using the 3D not as a gimmick, but as a legitimate tool to aid his filmmaking.

Read the rest of this entry »


Dork Shelf Review: Terminator Salvation

Posted: May 21st, 2009 | Author: Will | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments »
Christian Bale and Sam Worthington in Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation wants to be a great film, but it has big shoes to fill.  The first two Terminator films were excellent, while the third was mediocre at best. Terminator Salvation aims to right the wrongs of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, bringing the franchise back to the darker more serious tone of the first two. The film has a fairly solid concept: a post-apocalyptic war against robots. The movie even has some great actors who turn out solid performances and the special effects are good. How could you go wrong? Based on my description, you would think this movie has all the makings of a great summer blockbuster: unfortunately this is simply not the case. 

Full review after the break; spoilers to follow. Read the rest of this entry »


Schwarzenegger Cameo in Terminator Salvation Confirmed

Posted: April 8th, 2009 | Author: Will | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Arnold Schwarzenegger as he appeared in Terminator 2 Judgement Day

MTV Movies Blog has confirmed that Arnold Schwarzenegger will be appearing in the upcoming Terminator Salvation in some capacity.  Whether the Governator will appear in the flesh, or only lend his likeness and voice to the T-800 cyborg he has portrayed in the three previous Terminator films, the nature of his cameo appearance is still a mystery.  It just wouldn’t be a Terminator movie without ol’ Arnie.  Even if Terminator 3 left many disappointed, I for one am happy to see Schwarzenegger return.

Additionally, Ain’t It Cool News is reporting that Terminator Salvation will be rated PG-13 in the United States.  Their source? A Pizza Hut promotional tie-in site promoting the upcoming Terminator film—the PG-13 rating being prominently featured in the website’s fine print.

This is disappointing news for fans, since director Joseph McGinty Nichol; also known by his ridiculous moniker McG, had been fighting the studio for an R-rated cut.  The reason for the Restricted rating?  Horrific machine-on-human violence?  Explicit coarse language?  The apocalyptic end of the entire human race?!  No,  no, Terminator Salvation was to be rated R because of a pair of breasts.  Actress Moon Bloodgood’s nude scene took the movie from a PG-13 to an R rating.  I love the hypocrisy of the MPAA.  Show a person being brutally gunned down: PG-13—Topless woman? RATED R!  BOOBS!?  RUN FOR THE HILLS! Hell, even Terminator 3 was rated R…  the Terminator movies are meant for adults.

Terminator Salvation Trailer @ Yahoo Movies

Terminator Salvation comes out May 21st 2009.


New Terminator Salvation Trailer

Posted: March 3rd, 2009 | Author: Will | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments »
John Connor (Christian Bale) confronts Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) in this summer's Terminator Salvation

The full theatrical trailer for Terminator Salvation has hit the web in full HD glory.  There was a point when I thought McG and I were done professionally, but this trailer almost makes me forget that he directed the abominations that were the Charlie’s Angels movies.  Almost.

Christian Bale looks to be playing John Connor in top form; screaming at people and muttering under his breath.  We also learn more about the mysterious Sam Worthington character of Marcus Wright… slightly spoilerific… so be warned before watching the trailer.

The movie may end up sucking, but this trailer is nearly flawless.  Great set pieces, good exposition and quality Nine Inch Nails music from before Trent Reznor’s creative peak.  Zing! If this movie is anywhere near as good as its trailer, then we’re in for a treat—How many times have you said that to yourself, only to be disappointed?  Only time will tell, but Terminator Salvation is starting to look promising.  Goooood for you McG!

Terminator Salvation Trailer @ Yahoo Movies

You can see the trailer in theatres Friday attached to Watchmen, as well as the new Star Trek trailer.