Avatar

In Japan and elsewhere in Europe new technology is enabling filmmakers to bypass the closed shop of the Hollywood mainstream and avoid Ed Wood like visible low budget production values to produce compelling films. What a shame that in the UK we can find examples such as 'Avatar' (name of many a video game) where brain dead attempts are made to imitate so many films - and console games beloved of girlfriendless teens - that themselves are cheap photocopies of clichés abound like testosterone fuelled kangaroos. Check out a bit of the synopsis:

"Set in futuristic London, 2024, it tells the story of a Team of Virtual Reality Virus Exterminators faced against the ultimate Internet virus."

Go back and read that quote again - avoid guffawing - and try to find a single original idea in it. This should have seemed a tired, sad concept in 1993, never mind 2003. Ah, but there is more - the 'ultimate virus' has already caused planes to crash, infected the air traffic control centre, etc. It has been developed by a 'child genius' and manifests itself as a scantily clad, athletic, mammary jiggling discount Lara Croft imitator who does a great line in snarling and cod martial arts moves straight out of the playground - the living product of adolescent fantasy. Oh, and she is accompanied by 'Predator' like sound effects to emphasise her remarkable powers.

The whole thing has a 'futuristic' vision of stunning originality - the Lloyds building filtered with AfterEffects to look somewhat green. The budget does really show - which in this day and age should not. On the whole, a pointless mess of cheese, ham and cliché that Roger Corman would have left on the cutting room floor in his most shameless, desperate moments. Shame that such an alleged labour of love delivered nine minutes of wasted celluloid.

Just saw this short after it was submitted to me. I have never seen a short of the standard before and I see a LOT of shorts ;-) It looks good, well acted and very interesting story that's frighteningly is getting more and more realistic as time passes. Check it out if you have half a chance, why isn't more films being shot like this in the UK? Ignore sour comments , this is a very visionary and mind-blowing film and the director should be applauded for treading in the footsteps of the A-list, not being degraded by shallow minded fools that clearly haven't seen this film but just have a ax to grind for unknown reasons.

I can only say - Well done, Sir!

I recently caught the film at a film festival and was very impressed. It's a very well directed film that should inspire and impress.

And unlike most other shorts out there, he manages in just 9 minutes to tell a very complex story using the visuals instead of a lot of dialog.

This is clearly a director that knows his stuff. James Cameron, Luc Besson et al should look out for this guy I am sure that he could do more justice to the rather poor Phillip K. Dick- and William Gibson adaptation that has been out so far.

Great work on a very limited budget. Brilliant work by a young Danish director who has also made a couple of very well crafted music videos in the past - one which earned him a Danish Music Award for best music video of the year.

Recommended!!!

Finally a short that has blown me away. No crap acting. No dodgy camera work. All craft and heart. From frame one to the twist finish, I was riveted. Avatar is an intelligent sci-fi short that isn't all lazers and foil-suit aliens. It delivers with style, intelligance, and surprise. Highly recommended!!!