Avatar Movie Review

December 18, 2009 by Brendan
Filed under: Movie News, Movie Reviews

Avatar is the much-hyped and much-anticipated return of James Cameron as director of a major feature film after an extended hiatus — he has not directed one since 1997’s Titanic. During that time he focused on documentary filmmaking, a couple of television shows and he helped develop the digital 3-D Fusion Camera System, a technology he used to film Avatar.

In the movie, Sam Worthington plays Jake Sully, a U.S. marine who is paralyzed from the waist down. Sully is recruited to travel to a planet called Pandora, a beautiful moon covered with deep forests and magnificent waterfalls and inhabited by a wide array of incredible life forms including the planet’s indigenous population known as the Na’vi. Sully will participate in the Avatar program, whereby he will inhabit the body of a genetically-engineered Na’vi hybrid known as an Avatar.

When Sully transforms to an Avatar, his life changes. He is blue, he is 10-feet tall and he can walk freely around the planet (humans cannot breathe Pandoran air). During his initial rendezvous on the planet, Sully meets a beautiful female Na’vi named Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and for different reasons, he is accepted into the tribe. The Na’vi are fully aware that Sully is a hybrid so obviously not everyone in the tribe is happy about his presence. But Sully is not there to cause problems. He has simply been asked to observe the Na’vi, to learn about their culture and their habits. It turns out that the main Na’vi camp is situated on top of the largest deposit of a rich mineral that the humans are there to extract. With Sully’s help, the humans are hoping to move the Na’vi off the land peacefully. Unfortunately, this is sacred land for the Na’vi and when they refuse to cooperate with the humans, they do what often happens when it comes to greed, power and money. They decide they are going to forcefully move the Na’vi. This leaves Sully caught in a war between the group of humans who brought him to Pandora to help them out, and Neytiri and the rest of the Na’vi, to whom he has quickly grown very close and attached. An epic battle ensues and the fate of Pandora and the Na’vi rests in the hands of the Americans who have invaded the planet.

I had the opportunity to see Avatar in 3D, a technology of which I have never been a huge fan. I find it sometimes makes the film appear dark and at times, a bit blurry. With Avatar the 3D, for the most part, worked quite well. Where this movie triumphed was in the special effects. The CGI in Avatar has to rank as the best ever in a movie — simply unbelievable. Watching this movie you would never guess it was taking place on an imaginary planet and you actually might believe the Na’vi are a genuine culture. The visual effects in Avatar are outstanding.

As for the acting, well, Sam Worthington is pretty much perfect for the part he plays. He narrates a good part of the movie and has a voice with a bit of an attitude — yet still calming — that was needed to fit the bill. The other actor that stands out is Stephen Lang, who plays the tough-as-nails Colonel Miles Quaritch. If I were to picture in my mind the type of person who should have played Colonel Quaritch, it would be Stephen Lang. I found Giovanni Ribisi to be an odd choice to play the corporate weasel heading up the project. He just seemed a bit young for the part. Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez all did a fine job but none of them were called upon to go over and above what you might expect from them. I had totally forgot CCH Pounder was in the cast and when I saw her name in the final credits, I still couldn’t picture her in the movie. I’ll have to look out for that the next time I see it.

The story of Avatar was okay — but probably the weakest part of the whole production. If you step back and look at the basic premise of the movie, it was all pretty simple. The corporate bullies, with the help of the army, step in to take something valuable and they don’t care who they are inconveniencing by doing it. We’ve seen this a million times before on film and probably more times in real life. The only difference with Avatar is that it is happening on an alien planet, with a race of which we have never heard and with some of the best special effects we have ever seen. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t feel as much emotion as I thought I would feel during the movie. Cameron has done it to me before. I’ll admit I had a tear in my eye when Jack died in Titanic. Hell, I even think I felt a bit sad when the Terminator died in T2. Avatar seemed to be really lacking in that department. Deep down I was cheering for the Na’vi, but I just didn’t feel that raw emotion that you sometimes feel when you are at the movies.

With all that being said, I did immensely enjoy Avatar. It is an outstanding movie to watch and well worth the price of admission. As I just mentioned, the story is decent, but it wasn’t exceptional. The characters are okay but besides Sam Worthington’s Sully, no one was very remarkable. Where this movie is head and shoulders above anything I have ever seen is in the special effects and in the imagination that it took to put it all together. For that, I have to tip my hat to James Cameron and friends. They really did some remarkable work on this film that should impress millions of movie fans around the world. (8.5 out of 10)

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Tags: Avatar, James Cameron, Sam Worthington

Comments

32 Comments on Avatar Movie Review

Juana on Fri, 11th Dec 2009 12:05 am

I want to know, in what theather is going to be showing AVATAR in Minnesota, thank you

MrSynister on Fri, 11th Dec 2009 11:00 am

I think this review confirm that ‘Avatar’ is nothing more than ‘Dancing With Smurfs’…

Vincent lewtas on Sun, 13th Dec 2009 5:14 am

Cool. Im gonna see it on the 19th with my girlfriend. I think the plot may be weak due to the film makers focusing on the CGI more than anything. An intricate plot wouldn’ t suit this movie anyway because it’s a movie where the director wants the audiance to focus on the action and special effects more than anything. I’m going to believe the hype and see this movie if it kills me. I love James Cameron’s movies, expecially the ones starring Ah-Nuld!!

aurora on Wed, 16th Dec 2009 8:50 am

Just saw the movie. As per review, mind-blowing special effects , very simple story. Disagree, thought Sam was horrible ( that bogan accent!!) Zoe was fantastic . Lang did suit the part! Did i mention mind- blowing CGI!!

Brendan on Wed, 16th Dec 2009 12:37 pm

Sam was horrible? He wasn’t that bad but I guess I ignored the accent.

Melvyn on Thu, 17th Dec 2009 1:14 am

Awesome Stuff, movie seemed like 20 minutes long. I was never big on Titanic but Avatar makes me want to start a cult after cameron

anju das sidharth on Thu, 17th Dec 2009 3:46 am

have u guys forgotten to watch a movie without rippin it apart in anyway…?
by the sheer magnitude and effort that has gone into this… can this critic vouch that he could have provided cameron with a more thrilling story? if so…i wud like him to prove it by writing one.

its been ages since a movie took me to another place totally…that too without any gnawing gaps in logic or c.g….to go ther and yet keep tryin to rack ur brains over what faults to find, which things u have seen related to this, is probably why u dint quite “feel” anythin in the movie.

as far as i am concerned…i even felt a lump in my throat even wen the tree of prayers went down…wz is probably what cameron intended in the first place.

irrespective of how many other movies had a plot similar to this, i think since men are always men like u…we can still have another hundred movies comin on the same theme… and still think the same ‘corporate bull shit’ way, that equates criticism as a talent wen all it is is just loose talk.

Sahejad on Thu, 17th Dec 2009 5:55 am

Wow Nice CGI Animation & VFX (Visual Effects) the complete great movie every body should be watching AVATAR i have to give 10 to 10 *********** Great jo Cameron Keep it Up

mark on Thu, 17th Dec 2009 6:57 pm

This reviewer is completely wrong about the plot and completely missed the point imo – for me the plot and story were brilliant because it reflects what is happening here on earth – we are destroying the natural world that our species relies on and we need to change our ways and live in harmony with the earth or the human race will suffer due to lack of resources and lack of healthy ecosystems to keep the planet healthy for human life. The cgi effects in 3d are also fantastic!

TRO on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:19 am

Just saw the movie and I thought it was BRILLIANT. EVERYTHING. WAS. FANTASTIC! Jake Sully is a babe. BTW

I loved seeing it in 3D. I couldn’t imagine seeing it any other way. James Cameron, THANK YOU

Gile Sampion on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:25 am

@MrSynister

Dude, you should watch the damn movie first….
It’s amazing!

Crystal on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:26 am

I have seen several film within my lifetime and seen the evolution of film starting with the inception of the film industry through my college courses. There have been so many movie to revolutionize film and introduce new strategies that could make movies better and no matter what anyone says AVATAR is the next movie to do this. Why many said this would be as bad as Beowulf they were 100% misguided! While the plot may appear to be simple it is not! Come on people do you call creating new species, a new language for cult lovers to learn and a race that make me as a human being wish that we were as in touch with nature as they were! While the 3D at time may have blurred, I was completely amazed by the detail and imagery. He paid enormous attention to what creating a new world would take! He showed us a beauty that only comes when mankind does not destroy the world. I know that I have seen plenty of movies where we destroy life, but this movie took it to a whole new level. Every time I saw Ribisi’s character show signs of indecision and remorse at his actions but still continue to destroy pandora, I saw the eyes of every man who destroys nature in order to advance the human race or gain millions. This movie did evoke emotion and I know that those who do watch this movie for what it is and not to criticize its every fault will appretiate James Cameron’s spectacular work. He has advanced CGI and he has taken movies up a notch. I congratulate him for his great work and I thank him for making this movie in my lifetime.

Crystal on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:28 am

*Gets off soap box*

AVATAR RULZ on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:37 am

OMG it is AMAZING I WENT 2 C IT YESTERDAY AND IT WAS INCREDIBLE

Binu on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:40 am

Movie is awesome………………………..
great imagination ……………cheer to Director Cameron…………

anandh rukh khan on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 5:41 am

just saw the movie.
suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper movieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
amazingggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg effects .
i will give 1000 out of 10 . james cameroon you are great.
every body musttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt watchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. this magic by cameroon. he proves again. i cried out of emotions in lot scenes and cant control myself of clapping my hands .

Josh on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 6:52 am

Avatar took me to a new world where I found myself not wanting to leave, I am glad its 3 hours. The opening seen flying over the forest blew me away, and right there I knew I had just witnessed something I have never seen and would continue to blow my mind. It was beautiful and more real than life. Like if we could see more detail in our world this move showed us that. Its amazing what Cameron did with this movie. I have never walked away from a movie and missed it like I did with Avatar. For the short 2 hours and 40 mins I was not just sitting in my seat, but taken on an adventure through the lands you could only imagine. 10/10

Part of me wishes Pandora was real

cj on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 7:13 am

I saw it yesterday. its AWSOME !!!
esspecially in 3D …

avatar on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 7:26 am

The movie is awesome! i haven’t seen the entire movie yet but the trailer is so good. The 3D rendition is flawless. James Cameron is on his best in this movie.

angelena on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 7:33 am

so i just got back from watching this movie and it was absoultly beautiful the place wasso real and took a great deal of imagining but on my ride home i started to see the similarities between this and pocahontas if youve seen the movie and think about it you’ll know im right

dj_vish on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 10:18 am

gr8 movie by d gr8 director….hatz off….

Vijay on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 11:26 am

Hey its a real wonder on screen. i am not able to resist thinking what a dream project this should have been for James Cameroon. Its amazing.
If u people cannot feel the subtle love between the duo, its sad that u r missing something. The visuals take us to the other planet, its hard to believe that is just a work of imagination.
Watch it for yourselves, rather than going by such reviews.
Its a real treat. Enjoy.

Tom on Fri, 18th Dec 2009 11:49 pm

Avatar is a ripppppp off of Princess Mononoke, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. J. Cameron said that he wrote the story for the movie a few years ago and put it away until the technology existed to make it into the movie that he wanted it to be. Ya, more like he saw Princess Mononoke over 10 years ago and like white westerners before him, Americanize a wisdom and spirit that was wiped out with the Native Americans.

Kiran on Sat, 19th Dec 2009 9:13 am

hey Guys…This is a MASTER PIECE. No movie I Imagine is made like this earlier…..HATES OFF to James .. I much awaited for this movie from somany days bu while watching the movie I came to know why james waited 14 years to complete this movie…..go and watch it in 3D you will really njoy….

avVE on Sat, 19th Dec 2009 1:40 pm

Carmen gave the term of epicness a new meaning..

Brillant movie !

Desiree on Sat, 19th Dec 2009 9:11 pm

Wow, for Brendan and the many other “film critics” who criticized this movie for not having a strong story, I must ask: Were you actually watching the film? Are you serious?? This has to be one of the most original and emotional stories I have seen that involved this much action and absolutely BRILLIANT special effects. That is so interesting that you felt sad when Terminator died, but you didn’t once feel for the Na’vi or the very few humans who tried to help them alive. Give me a break! This was an AMAZING and simply beautiful story about love, devotion, wisdom, compasion, and heroism. And yes, I did clap when a certian someone was finally taken down. And for God’s sake, STOP CALLING THEM SMURFS! Where is there any indication that smurfs and the Na’vi look anything alike? Are you blind???

Excellent movie, highly recommend it. 10 out of 10 completely
Jake Sully rules

Louis on Sun, 20th Dec 2009 9:05 am

thanks all for the comments… Am going to take kids to see it this afternoon..

john canada on Sun, 20th Dec 2009 4:31 pm

best movie ive ever seen and in 3d–perfect
i cant wait to see it again
when is avatar 2 and 3 coming out

Werty00103 on Mon, 21st Dec 2009 10:01 pm

Movie was awesome! easily one of the best movies i have ever seen. The special affects were amazing. It took me to a whole nother world. I give it 10out of 10 easily and my movie of the year. I hope there is a two and 3

Prudence on Wed, 23rd Dec 2009 12:57 pm

Brennan, your article is rubbish…. If you knew anything about content, this movie is filled with it. The plot holds many elements that previous stories may have touched upon, but when this story unfolds, it paints an entirely different picture than any story I have had a chance to listen to.

What were you expecting Brennan? Terminator meets Titanic? Can I say you enjoyed the destruction in the film more than anything else? Can I also say you would rather watch an action movie over a plot with intelligent meaning? Because this plot not only contains action… It contains allot of everything… One could only assume you are a gun toting, meat eating, action hungry type movie goer, who rarely sheds a tear for good cinema because you do not understand it. Go get another job, because your review is lacking quality…. And anyone who has half of a normal functioning brain would agree with me after watching Avatar, then reading this rubbish….

I’ve cut my eyes out after this movie… Because now I can say I have seen it all.

CIO movie review on Wed, 23rd Dec 2009 11:22 pm