It's such a kick watching a megabudget movie done well, but what "Avatar" entails is one of the monumental films of the decade. Although I would have enjoyed seeing "Up in the Air," "Precious," or "Inglourious Basterds" win Best Picture (an honor that "The Hurt Locker" grasped), I still think this is a movie that needs to be seen. I was skeptical about seeing a perfect movie re-released into theaters less than a year later, this version feels even better than the previous one.
I do have to say, you know exactly where the movie is going within about 15 minutes. That's just something that you have to accept. It's really not the story that's the movie's strong point but the experience on the whole. In 3D, I felt that I was watching something that's basically required viewing, like "The Silence of the Lambs" or "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
As you can probably tell, I'm having some difficulty writing this review. Let's go with the story now. In 2154, a Marine who has lost the ability to use his legs gets an impossible opportunity- his twin brother, a scientist set for the avatar program, dies. The Marine, Jake Sully, starts the avatar program and basically answers our questions about it. He is briefed by Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang, slime incarnate) that he is to take his brother's avatar and learn the culture of the Na'vi, a 12 foot-tall race of peace-loving people who live on Pandora, a planet unsustainable for us humans. He meets a fascinating local girl named Neytiri (Zoe Saldana, having a wonderful year with this and "Star Trek") and begins to learn and respect their spiritual love for the land. All of this hits the fan when a rich guy (Giovanni Ribisi) finds out that the mineral 'unobtainium' (it is what it sounds like) is located extensively below the Na'vi's Hometree, where they feel a deep connection. He could stand to make a ton of money by forcing them off their tree.
The lead, played by Sam Worthington, is quite a wonderful tight-rope act. He's fairly abrasive ("Kiss the darkest part of my lily white..."), he must act in both human form in a wheelchair and avatar form which in itself is a physical challenge, we have to root for him throughout the movie, and his character is developed at great length during action sequences. His sense of humor helps us root for him, and his bull-headed determination satisfies our curiosity of the world. It's a well-written character played by a very talented actor.
The rest of the film consists of intense action sequences, cutting edge CGI, supporting characters that could carry a movie of their own, and a big, blue (or green, rather) heart. There are several heartbreaking moments, but they work because you actually care about these people, not just the circumstances.
I have to mention the fact that it is in 3D. Often times, 3D is used to lure audiences because, well, it looks cool. In "Avatar," the 3D actually enhances the storytelling because it's not a gimmick here. You are able to see the world, the people, and the story play out in a very convincing way instead of having sticks, bullets, and water thrown at you throughout. It really makes the entire movie look even better mostly because of the lighting. Usually, 3D makes the colors more saturated and darker, but in the jungles of Pandora, you never have trouble telling what's happening.
If you haven't yet, you need to see this movie. It is on DVD now, but that's just the 2D version, and unless you have an awesome TV and Blu-Ray Player, you'll probably be underwhelmed. Well James Cameron, you've knocked another homerun. I can't wait to see it again.
Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language, and some smoking.
Check your local theater for showtimes.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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