Avatar
Avatar
Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver
Directed by James Cameron (Titanic)
Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking
Appropriate for ages 10+
In the distant future, mankind has depleted the resources on Earth and has turned to a far away moon called Pandora to farm for energy. An ex-marine (Worthington) volunteers to project his mind into an alien body in the hopes of developing a relationship with the indigenous population of the planet, which happen to be at war with the humans. When he befriends the tribe and falls in love with the chief's daughter, he must choose which side he is really on.
For months leading up to this film I had to listen to snobby critics pan the movie before they even had the opportunity to see it. The most common thing I heard was that "it will be great to look at but it won't have much of a story" - like they know what they are talking about and can see into the future. My retort is "why would you possibly feel that way? When has Cameron ever made a bad film or told a bad story?" After all, Titanic was a masterpiece. Aliens is one of the scariest films I've ever seen. The Abyss is awe-inspiring. The Terminator is a classic and Terminator 2 blew us away. Even True Lies is gem of an action thriller. So it should not shock anyone that Avatar, the film that Cameron has spent the last decade of his life working on is nothing short of brilliant.
As for the story - sure it is similar in premise to Dances with Wolves or Pocahontas, but it is similar in premise only - the journey is what sets this film apart. From start to finish this is one of the most unique films this critic has ever seen. The world Cameron has created here is every bit as special as what Lucas did with Star Wars and although this is sacrilege, I have to admit it feels far more rich and detailed in the texture of its universe.
The special effects are so good here that you don't even notice them. It is eerie how Cameron has made it look and feel like he is just pointing a camera at the action. Of course you know that this is all CG, but there is an organic quality that rises above anything we've seen on screen to date. When combining this with the 3D technology Cameron has invented for this film, you are going to get a movie experience like no other you've ever had.
Of course with just great special effects, you can't keep the interest of most audiences, which proves how well written and how well thought-out Cameron's script is. This is well-focused story that keeps your attention and keeps you guessing at what will happen when the page is turned, even though it sticks faithfully to the premise at hand. You have to appreciate Cameron for his skills as both a visionary writer and director as there are only a handful of individuals that have this depth of ability.
The performances here are also very good, with Worthington playing both the marine and the alien, as well as Saldana who gives an amazing portrayal as Neytiri, the chief's daughter who is assigned to teach him the ways of the tribe.
Overall, this is a fantasy truly come to life, which you get the opportunity to live for two hours and forty minutes at a time. A+
Danny, great review as usual, but I have a question: what's with all the hate this movie is getting?
Some of my friends, a good chunk of critics, and even a large number of people across the internet are panning this movie off as a "CGI fest", without investigating it in the slightest.
Furthermore, despite positive reviews and positive word of mouth, they still seem to hate it, making jokes of "blue cat people" and whatnot.
But some of these people are certified movie goers, who usually make justified remarks about movies.
Do you have an answer? I just don't get it: James Cameron + big budget + lots of time in development should = excellency, am I right? People used to worship Cameron, if I remember correctly.
Anyways yeah, another good review, I agree spot on (having just come from a screening).
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I have no idea why so many critics are hating this movie. I will say this, if you look at the top critics on rottentomatoes.com, it is at 94%. I think a lot of folks think they need to pan it because they think it makes them look smart. They are clueless as to what actually constitutes a good film. But you know what, regardless, you and I enjoyed it, as did millions of others, so that's enough for me. Have a great holiday!
Danny
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I wouldn't call it hate, I'd call it disappointment. Yes, the movie is spectacular looking, but even the 94% of Rotten Tomatoes' Top Critics only give it a 7.6 out of 10.
The fact is "Avatar" needs to be seen in 3-D on a big screen to get the full enjoyment out of it. In that environment, it is truly amazing. However, once it makes it to DVD on your comparably small TV, its cringe-worthy dialogue and paper-thin plot are going to make it another "Phantom Menace." The Navi are 2009's Jar-Jar Binks.
I've recommended "Avatar" to my friends as a good theater-going experience, but not as a good movie. And, FYI, I am one of those Cameron worshippers. But this is the first movie of his that I'm not willing to pay full-price to see again.
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