Very, very good visually... Disappointing storyline solution!

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2010)

I took my teenage daughters (19 & 18) to see AVATAR in 3D IMAX and would like to add my humble comments. The visuals, audio and 3D effects are definitely impressive! I was totally immersed in the planet of Pandora and felt great empathy for the inhabitants. They were mentally and physically connected to the land, the creatures and each other. The storyline is the standard native peoples trying to hold on to their rituals, beliefs and land while the business people (augmented by military forces) want to take that land. (Think Indians versus the White soldiers theme here. Indigenous people want to protect their land for its purity and ancestral value. Outsiders want to plunder the land for its commercial value).
My major gripe? For that matter, my ONLY gripe is that the problem was solved in a very conventional way using extremely conventional methods... and weapons! ie, traditional warfare! I truly expected a much more enlightened approach and solution due to the natives' personal relationship with each other and their world. I was sorely disappointed that did not happen!
The storyline was nothing new and the resolution unfulfilling. Still, I recommend the 3D film highly for its visual and stunning appeal! And yes, my daughters enjoyed the film.