Movie Review: Avatar

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Synopsis: AVATAR takes us to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on an epic adventure, ultimately fighting to save the alien world he has learned to call home. James Cameron, the Oscar-winning director of "Titanic," first conceived the film 15 years ago, when the means to realize his vision did not exist yet. Now, after four years of production, AVATAR, a live action film with a new generation of special effects, delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the sweep of the story.

We enter the alien world through the eyes of Jake Sully, a former Marine confined to a wheelchair. But despite his broken body, Jake is still a warrior at heart. He is recruited to travel light years to the human outpost on Pandora, where corporations are mining a rare mineral that is the key to solving Earth's energy crisis. Because the atmosphere of Pandora is toxic, they have created the Avatar Program, in which human "drivers" have their consciousness linked to an avatar, a remotely-controlled biological body that can survive in the lethal air. These avatars are genetically engineered hybrids of human DNA mixed with DNA from the natives of Pandora... the Na'vi.

Reborn in his avatar form, Jake can walk again. He is given a mission to infiltrate the Na'vi, who have become a major obstacle to mining the precious ore. But a beautiful Na'vi female, Neytiri, saves Jake's life, and this changes everything. Jake is taken in by her clan, and learns to become one of them, which involves many tests and adventures. As Jake's relationship with his reluctant teacher Neytiri deepens, he learns to respect the Na'vi way and finally takes his place among them. Soon he will face the ultimate test as he leads them in an epic battle that will decide nothing less than the fate of an entire world.

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Directed by: James Cameron
U.S. Rating: PG-13

This is one of the of those perfect examples of why we shouldn't take our decisions based on the critics, reviews and comments of those who claim to be professional movie critics. I'd say that 90% of the reviews that I read (most of them from important portals and newspapers) made me think that this film didn't have what it takes to make history. Of course, most of them said that the effects and 3D technology applied to the film were A1, but the plot was plain and boring. Most of them said that all this film had to offered was delivered within the first 30 minutes of the film. I spent the last 4 weeks going to the movie theaters making my decisions based on any other movie but Avatar, since I wasn't convinced it would be a film worth to watch.

I finally took my decision to go and watch Avatar this week after reading a couple of articles about the top 5 movies in box office's history. I noticed that Titanic has been in 1st place for about 10 years, collecting the impressive amount of $1.7 billions, but Avatar has reached the 2nd place in just 4 weeks after making $1.4 billions! There must be something that is making people going to the theaters and watch this film over and over again!

Avatar is one of those unique films that you MUST watch on theaters... in 3D! If you miss the chance, you're missing the beauty and the best of it! Avatar brings an unique and spectacular new era in especial effects, technology and film scripts.

What's Avatar all about?

Avatar is the story of Jake Sulley (Sam Worthington), a Marine who lost the use of his legs in combat. Jake had a twin brother, a scientist working and training for the Avatar project, who died in an incident. Jake was offered a new life in a new planet, taking his brother's place. This was extremely important, since the Avatars were bio-engineered bodies genetically coded to an specific human. Even though he hasn't got the specific training, Jake got engaged in the project and was able to take total control of his Avatar.

The RDA Comporation is leading the Avatar project in Pandora, the planet inhabited by the Na'vi, a blue-skinned species of sapient humanoids with feline characteristics. Pandora's atmosphere is toxic to human. This is the reason of the creation of Avatars, Na'vi bodies modified with human DNA that are controlled by genetically-matched, mentally-linked human operators. These Avatars let Marines get involved with the inhabitants of Pandora, learn their language and culture, trying to convince them to relocate and let the Corporation and its project to exploit Pandora's reserves of a valuable mineral called unobtanium, valued in $20 millions per kilo. The inhabitants fight against the invaders trying to protect their planet, nature and the fragile balance in their natural world.

Once Jake starts learning the language and culture, getting involved with the inhabitants, he starts learning the importance of their beliefs and nature protection. After a series of events, Jake takes side with the inhabitants and fights Colonel Miles Quaritch and his army with the support and help of the inhabitants and nature, fighting them in an epic battle.

Avatar is one of the most amazing films I've seen so far. James Cameron took technology and visual effects to a higher level. The images and motion capture employed for the film are more than impressive.

The plot, the weak side of the film - according with the "professional reviewers" - is simply amazing. It is actually a pretty basic plot... yes, but a simple and strong script that is able to deliver the drama, action and emotions needed for this amazing film. Everything was beautifully matched... the direction, cast, plot, technology, effects and images.

What did I like from this movie?

1. The 3D technology and CGI effects applied, incredible!
2. The plot is simple but strong and entertaining, it is able to deliver the message and idea of the script, and most important? It matches with the visual side of the film
3. The cast was perfect for the film
4. I loved how colorful the film is!

What did I dislike from this movie?

1. Nothing at all!

I would rate this movie with a 5/5


What did you like or dislike from this movie? What would you rate this movie?


Enjoy it!... Watch it!

3 comments

  1. LOVED it, thanks for your review. I can't wait to bring Phil.

     
  2. AED Says:
  3. I haven't seen it yet but Mark and I are going next weekend. Sounds amazing!!
    #1 Fan

     
  4. Good choice guys... you all must go!

     

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