On a distant planet of giant forests, natives (twice human height) and floating mountains the inhabitants of Pandora encounter humanity’s greed.
While a common enough start of many a science fiction story, the spectacular 3-D graphics and full mix of animation-computer effects with intense character development make this a fantastic experience over its 2 hours and 40 minutes of show time.
Avatar is the best 3-D movie I have ever seen. The glasses provided are not the flimsy paper framed cracker-jack box variation but more like a normal set of sun glasses (and recyclable). While some 3-D shows have left me with a little eye strain and adjustment afterwards, this was seamless transferring back to normal viewing.
The world and mythology presented blends in quite well with characters that are believable for the most part, though the heavy on the human military side is a little over the top. Otherwise this is a great movie and well worth the extra dollars for the 3-D.
Be careful though that not all showings appear to be in 3-D and this needs to be seen in full enhancement to be truly appreciated.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The story was predictable, the characters cardboard, and the movie was way too long. The visual aspect of the movie was stunning.
Quite a fuss brewing over the reviews of Avatar that focus on its message more than its eye candy.
Ross Douthat at his blog in NY Times says: “James Cameron’s “Avatar” is visually stunning and theologically provocative. (Or so I suggest in today’s column.) It is not, however, a very good movie overall.”
Critics taunt Douthat’s screed about pantheism as not being able to “handle” nature!
See also an article and discussion from PostModern Conservative that was picked up by the influential First Things; and responses to Douthat’s viewpoints all make for fine Yule tide reading.
I am most interest in good story structure, myself, so will enjoy seeing the film on Christmas Eve Day.