Right to the point: Avatar hands down is one of the best movies I've ever seen.

It doesn't have the smartest script, a mind-blowing surreal twist, or even a believable plot, but it is a helluva a lot of fun with stunning graphics, great action, and a helluva fun ride. When I try to think of movies to compare it to, the names that run through my mind are Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Terminator 2. Certainly good company.

The Graphics

Aptly though the best comparison for the film is Jurassic Park or the matrix. Here's why: Jurassic Park and the matrix represent distinct logical steps forward in the technology involved in movie special effects. Jurassic Park saw the death of costumes/miniatures/animatronics in favor of computer generated images. The matrix pushed CGI even further, but also included the birth of the "virtual camera" that could be used to seemingly altar time and space. Avatar, like these two important predecessors, pushes the limits of CGI and how directors approach special effects in blockbuster films.


Using techniques similar to those that brought life to Gollum from Lord of the Rings, James Cameron crafted his entire world through digital effects, minor props, and the human actors. The effects were astounding as Avatar created some of the most stunning visuals ever displayed on-screen. From the vast reaches of space to the dense forest that makes up Pandora, every piece looked real, yet wasn't. The Na'vi -- the principle Pandorian race -- although humanoid, stand over ten feet tall, have long powerful tails, and posses feline features in their movement and facial features. Despite being creatures of fantasy, every part of their blue bodies look as if they real -- from their agile padded feet to the intricate facial expressions. The Na'vi stand out, yet they also blend in. It is quite apparent that we're past the green screen treatment. The world, the creatures, even the humans seem to naturally belong on screen. The "backdrop" feeling of the last set of Star Wars films is now past.


The graphics, as many have said, are the true star of Avatar. It is easy to get lost in the jaw-dropping backgrounds and environments. You'll find yourself gazing with bated breath as you experience the jungle of Pandora at night for the first time. The detail, the colors, the exquisite CGI creatures, everything graphically is perfect. It is important to feel drawn to Pandora, to want to preserve its beauty. James Cameron does this on purpose. He doesn't want to create an extremely well-made ugly world. It is vital that you fall in love with the planet and he does exceedingly well at helping you do just that.

The 3D Adventure

As well as astounding graphics it also presents itself in either digital or 3D formats. I went through the 3D version and then watched portions of digital version after wards to see the difference. The visuals are obviously more striking in the non-3D version, but the 3D is really an awesome experience in theaters. It isn't your father's version of 3D either where you wear Red & Blue glasses so that objects can jump out at you; you know things like floating arms and giant sharks. Instead, it provides an amazing level of depth. Very few things actually jump out of the screen, rather you can see deep into the depths of a gigantic spaceship or how ferns angle outward towards you. The foreground seems to become just that as it pulls forward and the background layers backward. It is by no means a perfect translation as the 3D is awkward whenever the camera pulls out. There are a few dolly/crane shots that make it so objects magically jump into the theater when they shouldn't. It is, however, an experience and if you can tolerate the mild headache and nausea that some experience with 3D, it is definitely the ideal way to experience Avatar in the theater.

The Story

Where the movie lacks is in the character acting and the story itself. The weakest characters all are human. Their emotion is limited, and with the exception of Stephen Lang, as Colonel Miles Quaritch, I could easily replace each of them in my mind with a better actor/actress. Sigourney Weaver also does a respectable job, but I really wasn't sold by Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, or Joel Moore at all. On the other hand, the Na'vi were perfect. Zoe Saldana, CCH Pounder, and Sam Worthington all shone, which is funny because I could give or take Worthington's performance as a human. Without spoiling the plot, Sam Worthington plays Jake Sully, a marine who signs on to be an avatar driver after his twin brother is killed. In human form, he's crippled from the waist down, but when his consciousness is transferred into his Na'vi avatar he can run and bound with the best of them. The average viewer can probably guess the entire plot within five minutes.

His job as an avatar is to act as a diplomat with the native Na'vi tribes in an attempt to maintain peace and educate one another. Diplomatic ties were established in the past, but have since soured. Jake and the rest of the avatar team are tasked with re-establishing talks and finding a way to make trade for their land possible. The Na'vi are tied to Pandora in an intricate way, worshiping her essence as a deity called Ewya. It doesn't take a genius to realize that the Na'vi are inspired by real life "primitive" cultures. New Zealand's Maori, Mayan, Native American, and various Afrikan tribal cultures all seem to inspire and define the Na'vi's culture and attitude.

Is it Racist?

The fact that the humans make themselves to look like Na'vi in order to interact with them has many throwing out race cards left and right. Many have decried the avatar system as a sci-fi version of black face. My opinion though is that it isn't racist. Wait, actually it is, but not in the way you think. Much like District 9, this is a movie that is very callous and detached in its damning of humanity. The Na'vi, however, are cherished and empowered. Even the unlikable ones are shown to be strong and respected. Humans, however, are shown as greedy, bigoted, and imperialistic. Much like in District 9 you end the movie rooting against your own kind.


On the other hand, there is nothing but respect and compassion in Cameron's crafting of the naturalistic Na'vi. From their braided hair to the way they speak and carry themselves, Cameron displays his fondness for the things he drew inspiration from. Call it stereotyping. Call it cultural sketching. Call it what you want; their portrayal is anything, but racist. There is an underlying respect and adoration for the cultures. Branding this film as racist is ignorance at its finest and proof that some people's concept of racism is something else entirely.

James Cameron is critical of the war on terror and the United States war policy though. Distinct mentions of "Shock and Awe" and striking the cowards before they can strike back rang loud and true. Its not the most profound message against US military policy ever, but it is clear.

Going Green

Racism and cultural respect, however, aren't the main messages James Cameron wanted to portray. His real message was overwhelmingly pro-environment. You are made to love Pandora and Ewya for a reason. He wants you to remember how we destroy our own pockets of Pandora everyday; slowly murdering Mother Earth until every inch of planet Earth has cell coverage and is vehicle accessible.

James Cameron doesn't believe that should be the case. He believes Mother Earth is already cell accessible. That every living thing is connected to each other. As we destroy each little piece of it, more and more of it becomes disconnected. The network loses itself and breaks. Cameron warns Ewya that we killed our own mother, she is next. He probably will end up being right.

In the end

I gave the film a 9.5 out of 10. It is powerful, it is fun, it is visually stimulating. There are weak points to it, but there are to most films. This is an epic adventure, although I'm not sure its the Star Wars of our generation. It certainly is worth viewing and one of those rare films that demand you to see it on the largest screen possible. If you're a fan of special effects, beautiful visuals, and an engrossing 'good vs. evil' story, there is no better out there.

So stop waiting and wondering if you should see it. You won't regret it at all.