Review of 'Avatar'

Rating: 8/10 (30 December 2010)

I'll be frank, this film wasn't a 'revolution in film making' and neither was it 'something to chuck in the trash'. I enjoyed 'Avatar' and it was a decent movie. The film follows wheelchair bound Jake Sulley, who, through his brothers death, finds himself a program that will exploit the Na'vi people into selling their land. If their operation is successful, it will mean that Earth's mining corporations will be able to mine the 'unobtanium' rich soils.
What follows next is a plot device that can be said to resemble that of The Last Samurai's. Jake and his instructor, Dr. Grace Augustine, played perfectly by Sigourney Weaver, find that the Na'vi race aren't as 'wild' as they were made to be. Jake soon discovers a rich and diverse society. When Jake finds out that the mining corporation is planning to destroy 'Home Tree' - the Na'vi's equal of a holy temple - Jake and the Na'vi people must fight to keep their land.
Avatar is based on a very simple concept: misunderstanding. Yes, we know that this film took a leaf out of 'The Last Samurai' and 'Pocahontas' - however we must first look at whether it is entertaining. This is not some generic story, with pedestrian acting, it's got a new mix to the old concept. Fresh acting, absolutely stunning scenery, and a nice array of experienced and new actors.
Overall, Avatar is a great film, albeit the duration (which suited the film.) The film features beautiful scenery, and a moving plot. A strong 8.5/10.