Review:
James Cameron's Avatar

I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been around for the movie theater debut of the original Star Wars film, but can I imagine that the experience of watching that was akin to what I felt watching James Cameron’s Avatar. I know, you’re probably tired of reading all the crazy hype about this movie, but the hype didn’t even begin to do Avatar justice.

I had the distinct pleasure of getting to see Avatar in 3D this weekend in a theater that was completely packed. Clearly people are intrigued by all of the hype and accolades being heaped upon this film. I went into the movie having read a few pieces by the major media outlets, talking about how Cameron had wanted to create his own Lucas-style sci-fi epic, and how he had waited for years for technology to catch up to his vision. I’m so glad he waited, because what he produced most certainly out-Lucased Lucas.

For those who may not be aware, I’ll give you a little bit of background on the plot. Jake Sully, a paralyzed former Marine, gets sent to the alien planet of Pandora to take the place of his recently deceased brother. Pandora is a planet that looks like ours, from space at least: white clouds, blue oceans, plenty of green land masses. However, the planet is populated by a group of aliens called the Na’vi, and an entirely alien eco-system to boot. Our paralyzed protagonist gets the chance to inhabit an “avatar” that looks just like one of the Na’vi, so that he can interact with them. Insert a big bad corporation who wants to the mine one of the planet’s resources (a high priced metal), and you can probably guess where the conflict comes in. There is, of course, an epic show down between the Na’vi and the humans, resulting in the most incredible aerial battle in any film I’ve seen to date.

There are no words to adequately describe the experience of seeing Avatar in 3D, but I’m going to try my best. Watching Avatar in 3D was a bit like experiencing the most amazing, imaginative, vivid dream you’ve ever had, combined with the exhilaration, adrenaline, and awe of the best theme park ride you’ve ever been on. I’ve never been so thoroughly blown away by a movie’s visual effects, and I cannot believe how far CGI has come in the past few years.