Yes, we already know that Avatar is the highest grossing film of all time, making a bazillion dollars. However, despite its critical and commercial success, is it the grandiose, interstellar accomplishment we all thought it would be? Well, that all depends really. If you’re looking for a visual feast, rife with action and startling effects then you’ve certainly come to the right place (mostly). However, if you’re looking for a jaw-dropping plot to complete the entire package, then you may find yourself disappointed.
Avatar follows the journey of a combined science/military expeditionary voyage to the mysterious planet of Pandora. Among those on the journey is Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine whose been brought in the place of his murdered brother to learn more about the Na’vi, a race of blue, cat-like, bi-pedal beings with a profound spiritual connection to their lush planet. While trying to obtain (I kid you not) unobtanium, Jake learns that he is to infiltrate their culture through the use of an “avatar”, a placeholder body he can mentally link up with remotely. In exchange for spinal surgery to restore the use of his legs, he agrees to assist the relentless Colonel Quaritch should diplomacy fail. However, Jake quickly loses sight of his mission as he comes to appreciate the Na’vi people and their ways and falls in love with a beautiful alien, Neytiri. From there on Jake must make a final stand with the Na’vi people to defend the planet from the Colonel’s extermination forces.
If you’re thinking to yourself, “Hey, that kind of sounds like a futuristic version of Pocahontas!”, then you’d be absolutely correct. Now many films have been derivative and hey, if they do a great job with the movie then more power to them. The problem with Avatar though is just how blatantly shameless the whole plot is. I wouldn’t mind so much if the movie didn’t drag on for nearly 3 hours, the first 2 of which are about as riveting as a History Chanel documentary. Making things worse is the viewer hand-holding Cameron displays by relentlessly pounding home the following commentary, “Trees good! Business baaaaaaad!”, with about the same kind of grace as you’d expect from a freight train.
It also doesn’t help much that casting Sam Worthington as Sully was questionable, considering he’s got about the same range of expression as your average basset hound-
I dare you to tell me which one is Sam Worthington.
While the supporting actors all do a bang-up job at portraying their characters, the problem is that they’re about as lackluster and predictable as the plot itself. Go-hung military guy? Check. Go-hung science lady later revealed to have a heart of gold? Check. Greedy business weasel who feels the ends justify the means? Check. Even the dialog is bland an unsavory with such classic lines as, “I didn’t sign up for this!”
I can’t see the script from up here!
Considering this is James Cameron’s first film in over a decade, it’s disappointing to say the least. However, for all the ho-hum story progression and awful political commentary shoe-horning that’s going on, it’s a beautiful film. Using a new camera technology, the whole thing was able to be shot primarily in an aircraft hangar. The world of Pandora truly is lush and Cameron’s dedication to bringing an entirely new world to life is incredibly well done. The color scheme is vibrant and the distinction between computer generated imagery and real-life actors has never been more blurred. It’s nearly indistinguishable, in fact, making it the first film since Jurassic Park where I can say I was truly impressed with special effects. That, in and of itself is enough reason for you to see in theaters once, and only once, and in hindsight treat it with the same measure of reverence as you did the first time you got your driver’s license- thrilling at first, but it fades fast into routine.
Pew Pew!
In the end, Avatar misses the mark for me in a big way, nailing only one or two aspects of what make a great film and completely neglecting the rest. Avatar doesn’t just play by the rules, it’s that obnoxious kid you sat next to in 3rd grade raising his hand to remind the teacher she forgot to hand out the homework assignment.
Avatar is awarded 5 out of 10.
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