In the next few days Filmdogs Co-Editor Mr. Edens will be posting a piece defending one of our favorite movies of 2009, Avatar. As with any hugely successful film like James Cameron’s recent hit a large backlash has sprung up. Well, in the case of Avatar the backlash started from the day the project was announced, but thats not the point. Avatar is an easy target. Virtually everyone who sees it can pick apart its classic story or take something away from it’s “political message” they don’t agree with. Negative opinions of a movie like this are always going to exist, yet they don’t have to ruin what is a masterfully entertaining film.

Now that being said I’m going to put in a plug for one of those critical points of view. A few months ago a film review surfaced that in many peoples opinion changed film criticism forever. That was RedLetterMedia’s seven part 70min epic review of “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” part of which can be found here.

Why is this review so groundbreaking? Well lets just say that the the techniques used to the tell the story of the most disappointing film of all time are fresh and hilarious. From the monotoned narrator’s opening line I was hooked. “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was the most disappointing thing since my son” [A picture of a hardened criminal in a line up is shone] Let’s just say it only gets better from there. I urge everyone to watch the full 70 min review. It’s more entertaining than the film it’s critiquing by a mile. I’m extremely excited for his upcoming Episode Two review as well. The trailer can be found here.

This brings me back to Avatar. RedLetterMedia has now released a 20 min review of that film to tie us over until Episode Two. Of all the negivate points of view surrounding the movie this review is the best. I don’t agree with most of this, but I can still be entertained by a great piece of criticism. Enjoy.

More of RedLetterMedia’s reviews and content can be found on his youtube channel.