Overblown.

Rating: 7/10 (9 January 2010)

One word that sums up almost every aspect of avatar. The hype, the actual movie and the ensuing debate.
The criticism grows more strident, the praise more lavish and both sides conscientiously question the others objectivity.
I lay no claim to perspective but here comes my two cents worth.
Overblown. The story and dialogue were totally devoid of subtlety or sophistication. All the ingenuity and imagination seem to have been saved for the technical wizardry and yet how ingenious was it. Apart from the extra leg or two the creatures are easily recognisable. The characters are decidedly humanoid, speak fluent English and even have familiar weapons. The two lead female tribeswomen look and sound like African American women down to the hand waving and head tossing. The trees and vegetation too are remarkably familiar.
Is this really the creation of a whole new world ? Slapping extra appendages and different colours on the known and familiar. Haven't star trek et al been doing this since half a century or so albeit in 2d.
The story is so predictable it defies belief, down to the hurt my girl/boyfriend and I will suddenly win a totally lost fight. There are no plot twists you cannot see coming within the first 5 minutes itself. There is no real depth of character or emotion. Yeah and whoo and what not make regular appearances in place of any truly moving words or speeches. After just the opening sequence of gladiator I was ready to don armour and kill a few Germans. After nearly three hours of this I just wanted to get home. This tale is truly pedestrian in both imagining and telling.
It seems in order to combat home theatres, bootlegging, p2p etc Hollywood seems intent on making movies that are simply too big to be seen anywhere but in a movie theatre. They have succeeded here because although I knew I would be disappointed I still bought a ticket to the "Movie event of the year". I don't regret it since it was okay as a one time watch, a curiosity. I did not hate it but i could never love it either.
Lang's turn as colonel was outstanding. One dimensional but the physique, voice and conduct was credible. Weaver, worthington and co did quite well given that most of the time they were spouting drivel.
I wish more had been done to elevate this movie above the usual special fx orgasm.
But like so many before it this film too has ended up being great movie-making and poor storytelling.
Thankfully at least gaming seems to be moving in the right direction and 2009 provided releases that are truly immersive experiences.
I will be buying a ticket for cameron's next release, hoping that the man who amazed me with terminator shows some flashes of his old self.
Thank you.