Avatar 3D, the new technical standard for cinema has arrived

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2009)

So, yesterday was Avatar 3D. The movie did exactly what I expected it would do: the story isn't that interesting, but not that bad either. But of course it isn't the story that should get the upper hand in the ratings: did James Cameron give us a world in which you can lose yourself and did he use 3D in a more than gimmicky way? Yes he did The first half hour you'll have to get used to the 3D image, the glasses aren't very comfortable and sometimes when the image is moving fast you'll have trouble adjusting your eyes, but besides that is the planet Pandora stunning. The people, the creatures and the flora are incredible to watch and you'll get the impression the planet simply exists, especially since you can look around on the screen and discover Pandora by yourself. Cameron takes us to a new and strange place with strange habits in which the viewer can fully immerse him or herself. He raises to bar for new blockbusters in 3D: if you're going to use this technique as an director, watch Avatar to learn how to do it. 3D is here to stay and it is in my opinion the way for Hollywood to lure us downloaders back to the big screen. Don't disappoint us.
Not everything is great however. As I said, the story isn't all that it supposed to be. You'll get through a lot of clichés, it is quite predictable and I would like to have seen some more battles and fighting scenes. But in the total of the 166 minutes you won't be bored for a moment. The acting is solid with very good performances by Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Augustine and Stephen Lang as the Colonel, who was typecast perfectly. The main actor, Sam Worthington is more believable in his role as a Na'vi, the blue indigenous people, than in his human role.
So, go watch this piece of art in 3D as you're supposed to do: you'll see the future of cinema with your own eyes. Preferably in an IMAX 3D, which you'll find in Amsterdam, The Hague or Rotterdam. If you have the possibility to watch it without subtitles, pick that show, as it limits the immersion of yourself in the creation.
Total: 9/10