10 out of 10 the movie
15 out of 10 IMAX 3-D Version
It took fifteen years and countless dollars but James Cameron has crafted a multi-layered, action packed, visionary movie for the ages. Make no mistake about it, your kids will be showing Avatar to their kids twenty-five years from now. The film is a visually astonishing, technological masterpiece, a true leap forward for cinema and it's a damn fine movie as well. If possible, you must see this film in IMAX 3-D and if you can't get to an IMAX location, at the very least get to a 3-D showing. Here's the thing... Avatar is not like anything you've ever seen. It isn't just a film... it's a cinematic experience of epic proportions. Cameron hasn't created a movie here people; he's created a brand new world that is fully engaging. I truly felt like I was there.
Avatar takes place in the year 2154. Earth is on the verge of an ecological disaster that can only be stopped by a mineral found on the moon of Pandora. Unfortunately, Pandora is home to a blue skinned race of natives known as the Na'vi who live on top of the largest mineral reserve and they aren't too keen to the idea of a move. The invading military commander and head corporate sleazebag (Giovanni Ribisi) assigned to grab the mineral are just itching to force the Na'vi from their homes, but are forced to wait as scientist and resident Na'vi expert, Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) tries a more diplomatic approach. Grace has invented avatars, hybrids of human and Na'vi DNA that can be controlled remotely by a human. It is her goal to use these avatars to befriend and teach the natives and convince them to move with diplomacy. If the Na'vi aren't willing to leave their home on the own, the military will force them out through sheer force.
After the death of his scientist brother, crippled marine Jake Sully agrees to control his avatar and research the Na'vi under the supervision of fellow Avatar, Grace. Although Grace is Jake's boss, he is also under orders from military commander Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) to infiltrate the Na'vi and point out all of their weaknesses for a future military attack. While exploring the planet, Jake befriends Na'vi princess Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), who then takes him to meet her clan. It is decided that Neytiri will teach and train Jake in the way of her people. Eventually Jake becomes drawn in by the proud group of blue skinned warriors and begins to question whose side he should be on. That's more plot than I actually wanted to divulge but once you see the film, you'll realize I've only revealed the basic set up for the movie.
Just like any other story, Cameron's Avatar is a derivative of many fine films that came before it. This is not a putdown of any kind. If anything, it proves that Cameron is an amazing filmmaker and storyteller that understands what elements are needed to make an astonishing crowd pleaser. Avatar plays like a cross between Dances With Wolves and Aliens with a dash of Star Wars, Braveheart and Titanic thrown in for good measure. Cameron has set a new benchmark for the way films look, much like Star Wars did in 1977. With his new technology, Cameron has changed the rules of filmmaking. There is no limit to what can be created for the screen; moving forward, the only restrictions will be each individual filmmakers imaginations. There is not one special effect in this film that isn't startlingly real. Not once will you look at a Na'vi or alien creature and think it looks fake. He has truly created a world that the viewer gets absorbed in and may very well not want to leave (I know I didn't). The moon of Pandora is brought to life with such lifelike clarity. The details of every plant, every creature are simply astonishing and a wonder to behold. It may very well be the most beautiful film I've ever seen.
As stunning as Avatar is to look at, it's multi-layered social messages are equally as beautiful. There is a strong message throughout the whole film about the importance of preserving the planet and being green and never once does it become too heavy-handed. If anything it may inspire more and more people to recycle.
Avatar also serves as an allegory for what the Native Americans were subjected to upon the discovery of America and manages to teach, not preach, about social intolerance and racism. Despite all the violence on the screen, Avatar also manages to spread a message of peace and goodwill towards all creatures.
James Cameron's storytelling, directing and visual wizardry is all flawless, but what about the acting? The entire cast is top notch; each giving excellent performances outright. To be honest I wasn't all that impressed with Sam Worthington when I saw him in Terminator: Salvation, but in all fairness, that whole movie was a huge letdown. After his terrific turn in Avatar, I now understand what Hollywood sees in him. It is a pleasure to see Sigourney Weaver and Cameron working together again (the first time was Aliens) and the seasoned actress is as good as ever here. Actress Zoe Saldana is having quite the career making year going from Star Trek to this and she delivers a fierce yet poignant performance as Na'vi princess Neytiri. I have to give special kudos to Stephen Lang as the hard-nosed, war hungry Colonel Quartich. Lang has created one of the most electrifying onscreen villains of all time. His ferocity and military sized ego deserve a Best Supporting Actor nomination at this year's Oscars.
If Avatar doesn't win the Academy Award for Best Picture it will be an outright travesty much like Star Wars losing to Annie Hall in 1977. Annie Hall is a good movie no doubt, but thirty plus years later, can anyone argue that Star Wars was robbed. I mean really people... I believe Star Wars has held up a little better over time than Woody Allen's little movie and Avatar will do much the same. Sure Avatar winning best picture doesn't make up for Lucas' epic film losing, but it would certainly be a step in the right direction.
To sum it up, writer/director James Cameron has proven that there is no limit to his talent and his imagination knows no bounds. Avatar is a feast for the senses, with a strong story, incredible action sequences, brilliant performances and several important social messages as well. Do not miss this movie in theatres and again if you can see it in IMAX, pony up the extra cash and prepare yourself for a visceral experience at the movies like you've never had before. Let's just hope we don't have to wait another dozen or so years to revisit Pandora or for that matter see any new film from the wizard of Hollywood.
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