Groundbreaking? Yes. Entertaining? Somewhat. Original? No.

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2010)

What is there left to be said about this film that has not already been said? Cameron's Avatar is probably the biggest movie ever made, both in terms of scale and content... and in budget. The millions invested to put this film on the big screen have not been wasted, as every last cent spent is obvious to the viewer.
An amazing experience that has to be experienced on the big screen, and in 3D, Avatar tells the story of a group of scientists and mercenary types who go to war with a species of aliens called the Nav'i. With the mercenaries willing to do whatever it takes to obtain a fictional mineral called Unobtainium, an epic struggles ensues between the aliens and mankind.
Avatar's greatness does not come from its unoriginal storyline, which is a mesh between Ferngully and Dances With Wolves, but merely from the 'wow factor' of its groundbreaking special effects. These effects are not overwhelming like other box office features such as Transformers 2, but instead are beautifully integrated; making the home planet of the Nav'i more realistic than the real world you and I live in.
Although the plot treads way too closely to the aforementioned Ferngully and Dances With Wolves, while the dialog remains painfully monotonous, it is interesting that Cameron would bang over the audience's heads such obvious political statements. Its anti-war and anti-US foreign policy themes is sure to get many people upset, as a juxtaposition between this movie's story arc and the real life historical events in the Arab and Muslim world are all but subtle.
Yet, regardless of one's political affiliation, this movie should still provide an entertaining diversion for two and a half hours and is truly a motion picture event that HAS to be seen on the big screen to be truly appreciated. 8/10