Not just some special effects film.

Rating: 10/10 (19 September 2010)

In this day and age of movies being overrun with computer-generated (CG) images, it's easy to get complacent about big films that have tremendous amounts of CG effects—especially if the effects are there to be eye candy and are so loud they distract the viewer from the film. However, every once in a while, a film is done that properly utilizes these resources and makes a film that is awe-inspiring in its visuals. Avatar is one of those films. Going into viewing it, I was rather complacent about it. I have seen plenty of films that utilize CG effects that end up, in my view, being eye candy. The marriage of animated or CG characters and live action characters in a film reached new heights with this film. Who Framed Roger Rabbit did it best, for me, until Avatar. Avatar's visual effects are very realistic, and do not distract you from the film. However, other aspects of the film also support the realism of the visual effects.
The writing of this film, while not the most original, is very creative and is stated excellently by the performers cast. The story itself borrows from Pocahontas the most. Humans moving on to a new world in search of a precious metal, and indigenous people are in between them and the wealth they seek. Despite the somewhat lack of originality in the basis of the film's story, the way it is interpreted and portrayed is most outstanding. Very few films can truly get me emotionally involved with the characters, and this film did that down to a T. The cast excellent. They all were amazing, which is why I am not going to name specific individuals. To bring true life and humanity to a CG-character is a mark of a truly talented performer, and those who did it in this film truly did it better than anyone I have seen before.
A lot of times, huge films like this tend to lose their impact when viewed on a television screen as opposed to the big screen. I must say, even Titanic did that. But, this film, like T2, retains almost all of its vitality on the television screen, although there is just no substitute for seeing this on the big screen (I am sure of it despite not having experienced it there, with much regret). However, this film is truly up there with the likes of Star Wars, The Godfather (yes, I am dead serious about it) and Citizen Kane. It is definitely a true gem, and I truly believe this is a film we will (hopefully, if we are around for it) be showing our children, grandchildren and so on. This film is truly a mark of what happens when much time, care and talent is invested into something—a quality result is produced. Avatar is destined to be a classic film. Hands down a 10/10. A must see.