Just when I thought we were finished with director James Cameron for good, he returns from his hiding place to create and direct this year’s most talked about blockbuster, Avatar. Avatar has broken movie records while taking animation into the next dimension. In addition, the film is up for a record amount of Oscars at this Sunday’s Academy Awards. I haven’t seen Avatar, but I heard and read enough about the mind-boggling animation.
You know what else is mind-boggling? That Avatar has grabbed so many nominations. I never saw that one coming. I have a hard time with cartoon films–sorry animated pictures–earning Academy Awards. There. I said it. I don’t actually have a problem with animated movies, I’ve seen and loved many, but in theory I don’t take them as seriously as I should. It’s just that I equate animation with The Flintstones and Disney; I’m not looking to be challenged on a philosophical level by animation. I prefer to watch animation while lying around my house in my jammies, eating the kinds of snacks I only eat in the comfort of my own home .
Here’s another tidbit about this year’s Oscars that boggles my mind. In the Best Director category, James Cameron goes head to head with his ex-wife, the director of The Hurt Locker. James Cameron left his wife for an actress that was in his other film, you know that one about that ship that hit an iceberg…oh yeah, Titanic. There’s a lot riding on that award. If he wins it’s like, “Not only did I leave you high and dry for another woman who I find more attractive, but I am also a more talented director than you!” If she wins, it’s like, “Cheating men never prosper!”
Speaking of Titanic, I miss those days. Not because I loved that movie, but because I loved that Academy Awards Show. The 70th Academy Awards is still my all time favorite awards show. As far as I’m concerned, it’s been all downhill since then. That was the year Matt Damon and Ben Affleck became respected stars with their Best Original Screenplay win for writing my favorite movie of all time, Good Will Hunting. Robin Williams won Best Supporting Actor for a serious role, also in Good Will Hunting . Elliott Smith, one of my favorite singers who unfortunately took his own life in 2003, performed “Miss Misery,” which happened to be the theme from Good Will Hunting. Celene Dion punched her own chest in a fit of emotion while performing Titanic’s theme, “My Heart Will Go On.” Helen Hunt won for As Good As it Gets then later divorced her husband, who happened to play her dog walker on Mad About You, thus starting the trend of Best Actress winners getting divorced. The epic awards show that was the 70th Annual Academy Awards has ruined me for future Oscar telecasts. I am never completely satisfied when watching the Oscars.
In honor of this Sunday’s Oscars, here’s a video clip of Elliott Smith’s performance at the Academy Awards:
Ramblings 
Few random thoughts:
A) Avatar is not animation, it’s CGI. and it’s a BEAUTIFUL movie. Despite the heavy handedness of the plot and it being a bit too long, James Cameron managed to paint a beautiful world. So you can’t put down Avatar because it’s animation, because it’s not, and especially if you haven’t seen it, you can’t put it down. Whatever your feelings for James Cameron are, he did a beautiful job with Avatar.
B) Interesting that you bring up performances of Best Original Song as one of the reasons you love the Oscars. They aren’t even having performances this year. I think in part to make sure there is enough time for the 10 Best Picture featurettes.
C) You didn’t even touch on the biggest problem of this years Oscars. The 10 Best Picture nominations. Do we really need 10 Best Pictures? I think it’s too much bloat and takes away from the prestige of the Oscar nominations.
I probably shouldn’t let my dislike of James Cameron get in the way of seeing his movie, however, I don’t think I’ll see Avatar simply because I can’t sit through long movies. Even though it’s CGI and beautiful, I still prefer live action haha.
I can’t believe they’re getting rid of the live performances. I think that’s one of the best parts.
Do you know why they decided to do 10 Best Pictures this year? I agree, too much bloat! Another reason I probably won’t watch the entire show, if any at all.
SJWhipp,
I can’t agree. I diggggs James Cameron and I think that Avatar is amazing and defs Best Picture worthy. As far as him leaving his wife goes, these things happen. His personal life and his ingenuity in the director’s chair are two very different things. I’m sorry that I have to say this but, GOOOOOO AVATAR!
Barb, no need to apologize. I am glad you shared your opinion. That is the beauty of free speech and the internet, you can say whatever you like (or something).
Maybe I’m being too hard on James Cameron and Avatar. I just don’t know if I could stand to sit through the whole thing…
I’m with you on the 2007 Oscars… hard to beat the sheer magnitude of the show.
On the topic of Avatar… I don’t know. I didn’t see the movie, but I’ve been surprised by the amount of great feedback I’ve heard about it. Guess that means I have to go out and see it now so that I can actually have an opinion 🙂
I’m the same way on the topic of Avatar. I haven’t seen it, have heard so much positive feedback, but I don’t want to see it on principle. I’m not a fan of James Cameron, hi-tech animation (CGI), or sitting through long movies.