True Cinematic Excellence

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 2010)

'Avatar' is film making at its best, and anyone who thinks otherwise has no idea what is going on, or just doesn't like that a movie such as this is loved so much.
It's unfair to say that Avatar's story is cliché, because while that may be what it appears like to you, but in actuality, it's a completely new story. Sure, it all winds down to basic themes such as love, belonging, strong versus weak, etc., but what good movie doesn't? It's those classic themes that can be continually utilized to create the best possible story.
The storyline of events is obviously no Shawshank Redemption, but it's completely new despite what it appears to be at first glance. In traditional sci-fi movies, the weaker human race is depicted in a battle against a far superior alien civilization, in an effort to display the human characteristic to rise above obstacles and always survive. This movie completely changes that principle and shows the far superior human race attempting to eliminate a far weaker alien race, then showing the greed and tyranny of man.
Both story lines have been used before, but never like this. You can't say A is equal to B and to C because A = B + C, it just isn't a fair assessment.
The acting, while once again not Shawshank or the like quality, is still very well done. Worthington did pretty well as Jake, but Saldana took the spotlight as Neytiri. And I think the two work really well together, if not on their own. Giovanni Ribisi was much better than I'd have expected too, even though he only played a secondary role.
As for special effects, I don't even think I need to say much at this point, but I will mention just how truly impressive they are. Not once could I spot the seams in graphics that usually liter CGI. Everything is captured beautifully, the wind blowing throw the grass and trees, the gentle flutter and soft glow of the Eywa creatures that swarm Jake, the growling beasts that travel Pandora, and so on.
Then we have the most important question of all, How do you define a good movie? I think everyone looks for different qualities in a movie. Some love a movie for its superior acting, while others just need a well thought out an exciting story. Then there are those who want special effects or just action-packed movies. Even those who just want to be stumped, or pushed to think harder than they ever could.
A good movie for myself is one where I forget that I'm watching a movie. I know when it's a good movie when I can be sitting in the theater and just forget that I'm still watching a movie. Something that really captivates attention and entertains. Avatar is just that.
While those who do not like the movie may have their reasons, I doubt anyone can honestly say that this movie won't be remembered for generations as the movie that changed how future movies were made. I remember in the weeks after I saw the movie, I would be watching another movie and just not be able to really get into it. Avatar will very simply put, make you rethink the way you watch movies.