14. "The second trailer was much better" In response to Reply # 0
Jamie Bell's voice might be the biggest thing that I'm not really feeling right now. I still probably won't go see it but I thought the first trailer was terrible so it's taking steps in the right direction.
21. "It's no so much about it being "real" as it is about it being ..." In response to Reply # 20 Sun Nov-13-11 02:32 PM by b.Touch
A lot of mo-cap tends to fall into what they call the "uncanny valley" - where the animation looks too real but still too artificial to be a fully comfortable viewing experience - and at least judging from the trailer, that's where "Tintin" is for me.
I could see it and possibly enjoy it, but I'd be a bit apprehensive about paying full price.
Also, it's a bit reductive and somewhat insulting to those of us who _are_ animation professionals to say something like "Fun and Entertaining >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 'Real' CGI". You could find a more tactful way to say the same thing.
26. "I really don't think you'll be let down by the animation in this film." In response to Reply # 21
>A lot of mo-cap tends to fall into what they call the >"uncanny valley" - where the animation looks too real but >still too artificial to be a fully comfortable viewing >experience - and at least judging from the trailer, that's >where "Tintin" is for me.
The characters move like actual people, in tiny but noticeable ways. A character will hitch his pant leg up a bit so he can move more freely in a swordfight. When ziplining down a mountain on a clothesline, a character will plant his feet and bounce off a wall to change direction in a way that shows weight and momentum, and not just WEEEE CARTOONS.
From the first scene, I was blown away by the textures. You'll be staring at a mohair coat and trying to count the fibers.
36. "RE: I really don't think you'll be let down by the animation in this fil..." In response to Reply # 26
>>A lot of mo-cap tends to fall into what they call the >>"uncanny valley" - where the animation looks too real but >>still too artificial to be a fully comfortable viewing >>experience - and at least judging from the trailer, that's >>where "Tintin" is for me. > >The characters move like actual people, in tiny but noticeable >ways. A character will hitch his pant leg up a bit so he can >move more freely in a swordfight. When ziplining down a >mountain on a clothesline, a character will plant his feet and >bounce off a wall to change direction in a way that shows >weight and momentum, and not just WEEEE CARTOONS. >
But these are the problems. It just looks downright strange when animated characters "move like actual people" (this even extends to traditional cel animation when it is rotoscoped, or traced from live action footage, as in "Snow White" and "Sleeping Beauty"). Perhaps not always in a fully offputting way, but in translating live movement to animated form, there should be some form of translation going on.
Besides, a good animator should be able to incorporate detailed motions like the items you mentioned in their work with or without mo-cap.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Thu Nov-17-11 04:27 PM
27. "I pretty much always feel that way about mo-cap..." In response to Reply # 21
... but this movie is different, dude. Trust. The character design is exaggerated not unlike traditional animated characters, so instead of being creepy, it resembles a more realistic Pixar film.
The animation was amazing, beginning to end. Even in 3D.
23. "Caught a screening last night--phenomenal movie." In response to Reply # 0
I've never gone in for that whole "Spielberg Magic" line, but damned if I wasn't grinning from beginning to end. Just a completely engrossing, delightful movie.
The 3D treatment might be the best/most seamless I've ever seen. It's not Resident Evil-style "and now we're throwing an axe RIGHT AT THE AUDIENCE" 3D, you know? Just extremely thoughtful, perfectly-integrated effects.
The animation, which apparently was motion-captured (didn't know that until this thread) was SO SO good. Bodies moved like human bodies with weight and momentum, even--fuck it, especially--when characters are flying around in crazy action sequences, swinging from ship masts and hopping between motorcycles and cars while speeding downhill.
It was a genuinely funny movie, super earnest but not at all in a cloying way. There were a couple *tiny* plotholes, but nothing that's going to diminish enjoyment at all.
Also, going into the theater, I had never been exposed to TinTin at all, ever. Literally zero familiarity with the character/world. I'm sure there were a ton of easter eggs for fans that would recognize them.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Thu Nov-17-11 04:31 PM
28. "Most fun I've had in a theatre all year. Spielberg is the MASTER." In response to Reply # 0
This movie goes for it in a big way and hits home run after home run.
There are sequences in this movie where I was holding my head. The action sequence in Bagghar may be an all-timer. It uses the 3D flawlessly and it uses the mo-cap to provide an astonishing "single-take" action sequence that left me utterly floored. The pirate battle was like the finale of Pirates 3, except exciting and masterfully executed. And that wasn't even halfway through the movie!
Witty, beautiful, earnest. I honestly could've watched another hour or more. There has to be a sequel. THERE HAS TO.
Final note: I grew up with the books. I don't remember the particular plot points of this one, but it captures the tone and what I loved about them perfectly.
29. "question: is this across the board appeal? " In response to Reply # 28
cause that's a hell of a review you just gave. so i'm curious if this is from a tintin fan perspective, or a movie fan perspective. the property itself elicits a yawn from me, but that doesn't mean the actual film would.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Fri Nov-18-11 06:47 AM
30. "It's across the board for people who like, say, Indiana Jones." In response to Reply # 29 Fri Nov-18-11 06:49 AM by Frank Longo
It's that kind of epic, map-hopping, pulpy action. Not to mention I've never seen better mo-cap human characters, the action is just terrifically executed, the 3D is easily among the most ingenious use to date, and the script is witty and charming.
It's an earnest, exciting adventure story. I'd wager any fan of film will at absolute worst marvel at Spielberg's execution and use of technology.
52. "If you enjoy PG/PG-13 action/adventure films, you should enjoy" In response to Reply # 29
this. It's not as intense as any of the Indiana Jones movies (and it skews a few years younger), but it's still highly entertaining and doesn't stop moving.
I grew up on TinTin as well, but it's been about 25 years since I read any of the books, so I'm not married to the character or the material. This doesn't play like fan fiction; it has universal appeal.
39. "Well, it's certainly a stunner visually..." In response to Reply # 0
... As Longo said, it's the first motion capture flick I've seen (which isn't a lot, to be honest) where the characters looked human, and Spielberg really took advantage of the technology to create something that looks unique. The Bagghar "one-take" scene was incredible, and there are several other breathtaking action sequences (the movie is pretty much one long action scene as it is).
The story was pretty "meh" to me, however, and I don't know if Tin Tin, as a character, has the appeal to lead a solid franchise. It's definitely a good time, though.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Wed Dec-14-11 11:37 PM
40. "The Morocco scene is the best scene in any movie all year." In response to Reply # 39
I'm hungry to see it again. I think it's an instant classic that will put itself next to the great action sequences of all time. Just so inventive, witty, and brilliantly executed.
41. "Great Snakes for Serkis" In response to Reply # 0
His Captain Haddock character carried the flick. Not sure if this was strictly voice work or he did something similar to Caesar again. Either way he kept me entertained more than Tindid. The Thompson twins (Pegg/Frost) had great chemistry & were hilarious. Snowy was cool too.
The story kinda bored me but there's enough action that kept my interest for the most part. There was an issue with the 3D at my screening during the first few minutes. Even after it was apparently fixed, I still had a tough time telling if I'd rather watch a 2D version instead.
The plot and Tintin character aren't particularly strong but it's one of the most visually impressive films of recent memory. The Uncanny Valley has been conquered.
my contention wasn't about the potential quality of the film, but that the american public ias a whole wouldn't be all that excited about it, and the decidedly lackluster box office receipts say that i was pretty much dead on.i also contended that it will probably play better in foreign markets, which i'm still certain it will.
that said, i'm personally intrigued now, but the point still stands: americans as a whole really could care less about this property. it's a niche franchise here and it probably won't do 60 mil US. i don't know what it cost to make, but it doesn't matter because it'll make good money elsewhere.
53. "2 outstanding sequences, 1 fantastic character, some complaints" In response to Reply # 0
The flashback sequence was GORGEOUS the chase scene was absurd and fun Andy Serkis was outstanding (again)
the complaints
First of all Tin Tin was a fucking moron. As my lady said, "even the dog is smarter than him." I know this is part of Snowy's appeal but still - I want my lead character to be more interesting. Second - a lot of this dialogue seemed lazy, like it was pulled directly from the comics with no alterations for the ear. As Orson Welles once ranted, "I don't care if it's grammatically correct, it's bad copy!" This also goes back into my first complaint - in the first 20 minutes or so of the movie Jamie Bell's readings were incredibly wooden making him seem even dumber than his slow logical processing. Third after the chase scene I was completely tuned out during the "climax" with Saccharine.
Now a general complaint that has nothing to do with this movie specifically - is it just me or have movies gotten quieter? I felt like I could never get fully into the film cause I didn't feel the sound surrounding me. It might just be the particular theatre I go to, because I never had this problem at the single screen theatre near me, but I've noticed it the last several films I've seen.
Overall, I would give this a solid B. A little too slow in the beginning, but once Haddock gets involved it takes off. Serkis really is great in this, he makes words I shook my head at in the comics sound natural.
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