Sign In
Create Account
Release Date:
US (wide): December 18, 2009
Running Time:
156 Minutes
Genre:
Sci-Fi
Other Genres:
Action, Adventure
Avatar has been considered a new benchmark in modern cinema technology by many critics over the last few weeks. Considering the amount of money put into this movie it’s not surprising how it could have achieved this acclaim. James Cameron actually had to spend 2 years just to create the technology which portrays the visually appealing world of Pandora. I’m sure that there were many people lining up to see this movie simply because James Cameron was the man behind it. If you are unaware of his successes you can look to such hits as ‘Titanic’ and ‘Terminator’. Just because this movie had a big director backing it up, it was not my reason for going. I went hoping to experience something different in a movie, something that would separate this movie from its kind - like Star Wars did back in 1977. I had high expectations and hype going into the movie, and I’m glad to say I left having those expectations met.
It was my first time ever seeing a movie in 3D. I’m glad I started the experience with a movie like Avatar. Let’s just get the actual cinematography out of the way first shall we? It’s excellent. The world of Pandora is one of the best fictional places I’ve ever experienced on screen. It’s basically a planet filled with a lush environment. Endless forests, beautiful rivers and lakes, colourful plants, inhabitants and best of yet the indigenous race of Na’vi. Whoever designed this planet (clearly with the help of James Cameron) is a master of his craft. The whole planet is imaginative and leaves you captivated throughout the entire movie. There was never a time during the movie in which I wasn’t visually enthralled. Just simple stuff like the ground glowing underneath the Na’vi’s footsteps is something you wish happened in real life. It’s easy to get lost into the eye candy.
How does James Cameron use this planet for the movie though, what story revolves around it? Well basically the story is up for a lot of debate. If you are expecting something out of the ordinary then you will be disappointed for sure. This is a classic textbook storyline, it is tried and true and will grasp most of the population for what it’s worth. Think Pocahontas and Dancing with Wolves and you will understand exactly how this movie plays out. Personally, I don’t think this type of approach was bad for a movie of this caliber. Cameron created an environment to easily sink us into. There is no shame in a simplistic storyline that everyone can enjoy, whether it’s been seen or not. I can agree that this movie could have been better if he tweaked the story to be more original and added a mind blowing twist, but for how the story stands I can personally accept and be satisfied with it.
You'll enjoy watching these two on screen
The story is both boosted and hurt by a set of characters that you’ll love and hate. The main problem with the cast is the lack of depth most of them have. You’ve got your army general who is a typical American badass, a reluctant ‘presidential’ type figure who only cares about money, an over the top scientist, a classic unaware but strong willed hero and a loveable heroine. There are more characters but as the movie portrays them you’ll hardly care what they have to say. Take for example Norm Spellman, the science nerd. There is really no need for him in the movie, he only explains a few key points during the movie and ultimately ends up being easily forgotten by the end credits. This also applies to Trudy Chacon (played my Michelle Rodriguez). At no point in the movie did I enjoy seeing her on screen. Her character is not explored; we are just lead to believe she wants to be the ‘good’ guy. While watching the movie she hurts my experience by saying some of the corniest one liners known to man. She’s not the type of character that can pull it off. Near the end of the movie when she makes her exit you won’t feel bad, that’s for sure.
There are more gripes I have with a few of the other characters, but they are explored more and can be easily forgiven so I’d rather talk about the great characters and how they drastically improve the story. For one, Jake Sully (the main hero of the story) is an excellent character to be experiencing the story through (even though he is a little cocky). You get to see both sides of the battle, the Indigenous population and his own race of humans. It’s crazy to see how dedicated he was to his own race until he experienced something no other human would have. When we see him get introduced to Neytiri things only pick up and become more enjoyable. Neytiri is the kind of character that compliments the entire story. Like many movies before Avatar there is always the 'typical' damsel which motivates the main character actions (and our own idea's of right and wrong). While the movie does carry on much of a love story it remains highly enjoyable and engrossing. I was so into their experiences together when Jake was not with Neytiri I couldn’t wait till they’d be reunited. Throughout the movie, the most fun you'll have comes when Jake is controlling his Na’vi body and you get to experience their culture through his eyes. The movie will quickly and easily sway you to the side of the Na’vi, however I do appreciate the firepower and strength the humans display.
Closing Comments
Avatar has definitely raised the bar in terms of visual art and creativity. Seeing this movie in 3D is more than just a treat - it will meet and maybe even break your expectations. The depth, colour, creativity and life of Pandora is insane. It is clear that they focused a lot of their efforts into all of the above and it has paid off handsomely. While the story isn’t exactly original it does get bonus points for being told with great pacing, likeable characters and enjoyable scenery. As I said earlier some of the characters improve this story while others hurt it. Fortunately we get to see more of the characters we love on screen and can quickly forget about those we don’t. The main reason you see a movie is for entertainment and fun. What you’re getting out of avatar will have both weather you’ve seen a movie ‘like this’ before. There are simply too many things to put you in awe as well as blow your mind. You will be entertained by at least one attribute in the movie I can assure you. If you are able see this movie in 3D you will not regret it. It’s one of those movies where every cent you spend is worthwhile.
Edited by Plasmic Fury, 02 January 2010 - 02:50 PM.
Back to top
