as far as learning max is concerned, you can download(torrent) '3ds Max 2009 Beyond the Basics' which is a large set of vey well explained professional tutorials.
It will have everything you will need to be able to produce what you want, tho it MIGHT be a little hard to follow for beginners, but you shouldnt really have any problems with it.
I've been using 3d programs and photoshop etc. for years now, and I agree it has a good interface, tho the amount of tools you can use and combinations you can have with them can be a little frightening at first. You just need to not be put off by that.
Also after seeing these threads i've decided to work on some spells myself.
/nemo