A bit of a Headache

Rating: 3/10 (24 January 2010)

Avatar is just okay but not that great with both good and bad points. Why do so many people keep praising this movie so unreservedly? I don't want to watch it again for sure.
The storyline is weak. Not that much really happens and there aren't any surprises. There is a little excitement at the end but it just doesn't have the genuine thrill and likable characters of Terminator or the romance and sweep of Titanic. The environmental / anti war message is noble but too rammed down your throat. The dialog lacked humor or wit.
The characters are unsympathetic. The blue creatures are mostly ugly and mildly annoying especially Zoe Saldana's high pitched squeals and strange movements. You don't really feel for any of the humans either.
The much lauded effects are beautiful at first but after about 20 minutes its just the same thing and the same colors over and over again. Quite monotonous. I watched the 3d version and I had a headache for hours after. Its actually quite hard to see whats going on with the blurry backgrounds. Make sure you see it in a bigger 3d screen because I saw it in a smallish one and that could have made things worse.
Casting is alright though Sam Worthington is a bit stony. Sigourney is a welcome presence.
In the end it not an Oscar or golden globe worthy movie. Just a nomination will do. Just because Cameron takes a long time over a movie doesn't make it a great one. Of course it is still worth seeing. Just don't expect that much.