Mixing futuristic science fiction with new-world fantasy isn’t really new. It’s usually a story of man against the Universe, with the balance of the universe being disrupted by the actions of man or something like that. Avatar, from James Cameron (the Titanic guy), is no different from that cookie-cutter formula, but succeeds in capturing the imagination of moviegoers with its stunning visual effects, engaging dialogue, and a beautifully created world.
Avatar is Cameron’s take on humankind moving to space in search of wealth and survival. You’re taken to the world of Pandora, where Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) – a disabled former marine – is chosen to control a special alien body that looks like a weird cat called an “avatar.” Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) initiated the project to study and interact with the blue-skinned Na’vi, the inhabitants of the planet. They look like blue cats. While Dr. Grace, Sully, and the scientists seek peace and harmony with the Na’vi, humankind seeks to destroy the homeworld of the alien race in search for some expensive stones.
Avatar is a dazzling piece of digital art. Watching it on digital cinema is an experience in itself, but watching it in 3D is truly a mind-blowing, inspiring experience. You really feel immersed in the alien homeworld. The alien world of Pandora is very similar to Earth, but presented in an almost dream-like way.
Avatar isn’t perfect: the story is a bit linear, and the acting isn’t exactly award-winning material. The real beauty of the film is the awe-inspiring narrative, and the completeness of the alien homeworld. The film is bound together with the most amazing, most beautiful CGI you’ll ever see in a movie in a long, long time. It’s a great film for the whole family to watch, if you’re on a date, or if you’re alone and you just want to have a good time. Digital is great, but the real deal is when you watch this film on digital 3D.
The bottom line: Avatar is a once-in-a-lifetime movie experience.
