It's as Corny as Kansas in August

Rating: 8/10 (8 January 2010)

8 means I liked it a lot. I don't think I love it yet. I do feel that this film is amazing, at least in the way that it engages the viewer. I did feel young again.
The film does have a limited plot, and yet this is a fine story. Just not spectacular. This is similar to the acting and scoring......both are fine, but not noteworthy. The special effects and use of 3-D in the cinematography seem to rule this film. They dominate, yet don't overwhelm it.
It is very, very romantic. So romantic that it led me to expect an ending like Brazil. But nothing quite so sobering.
I spent much of the summer and fall wondering why Entertainment Weekly had awarded New Moon the movie of the year with its over coverage, and given little talk to Avatar. In November I thought I was wrong and EW was right. But I am happy to see Cameron have the film of the year. This is a movie lovers film (please remember the director of New Moon state that that film was for the fans. Gee, thanks).
Avatar is a must see.
As for 'how good' is it.....lets compare Avatar, the most expensive film ever made to the 2nd most expensive film ever made, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3.
Both are too long at 2:40. Both struggle with special effects overpowering the film. Avatar succeeds better. Pirates uses its actors better (Depp and Rush). Avatar seems to overpower their actors, at least in having outstanding performances. This includes Sigourney Weaver. I'm not saying she's bad......just that there will be no Oscar nom for this role. Avatar is better directed. Pirates is better balanced between direction, cinematography and score. Both have similar villains who are white corporate men using military power to exploit nature. . I thoroughly enjoyed both, while my wife did neither.
How memorable is it? Well, it did put a smile on my face. like when I saw Star Wars, Empire, Raiders, Return of the King, The Incredibles, well, you get the idea. But I do think that the story is a little predictable....similar to the disappointment in Star Wars episode 2. Well, not nearly that disappointing. And I feel that is a good comparison because Ep 2 was the first all digitally filmed movie.....a technological breakthrough.
Perhaps it gets close to Star Wars (notice, no episodes. You know, the 1977 movie when there was only one Star Wars).
I wouldn't give it a best picture nom. I do feel that Star Trek was better. That is to say Star Trek was superb, Avatar was excellent.
One thing is for sure.....the plot of this film is corny. Very.