With all the junk, this stands out...go see it!

Rating: 9/10 (18 December 2009)

I'm 38yrs old. I'm jaded. I didn't expect the movie to be great or even good. CGI doesn't make up for a good execution of story. I thought 2012 was horrible.
I'm a skeptic by nature. In the end, I ended up really liking it for what it is...a GREAT popcorn movie...a total escape from reality for 2.5hrs+ While I agree with some reviews that the story and acting is overall- basic...that doesn't interfere with the overall enjoyment.
I am very picky about special effects. I couldn't stop analyzing the CGI for flaws....it is simply ******STUNNING***** to look at the entire time. Many aspects simply look REAL. Even when the humans interact with the CGI...it appears flawless.
Far too many movies toss in CGI for visual effects and it comes off very poorly. Way too over-the-top and cartoon like for real life. Not so with AVATAR. This isn't your Father's CGI! Also, the 3D was very subtle in a good way. There was *restraint* shown considering this was a totally imaginary world.
While I didn't feel a lot of connection to the characters, I had started to get pulled in towards the end. There were people crying in my theater and people clapped at the end. So, mission accomplished.
I'll see it again at an IMAX because it's a world that is easy to get lost in.
AVATAR will definitely take your mind off real life for a bit...a visual feast with no equal.