Good flick, but it's just a sci-fi version of "Dances with Wolves" with a Kobayashi Maru ending

Rating: 8/10 (4 January 2010)

Don't get me wrong. This was a very impressive endeavor in IMAX 3-D, with astounding special effects, a solid script and good acting, but it's like watching an ultra-expensive futuristic version of "Dances with Wolves," except that the main character in "Avatar" pulls a "Capt. Kirk at Starfleet Academy" move and changes the ending so the natives win.
Stephen Lang is awesome as the head of security in this movie and it's nice to see him get a great role. Giovanni Ribisi is also great to watch as the corporate guy focused on the bottom line. Excellent choices.
There were, however, a few issues, such as: 1) Why is it no big deal to transport billions of tons of people and equipment to a planet with a non-breathable atmosphere, hostile wildlife and resistant humanoid life forms, but getting "unparalyzed" is a hideously expensive venture? 2) How did Sam Worthington get some of the corniest lines you've ever heard in a movie? 3) Why didn't the humans just map out their various target locations from space and use tactical nukes (or something else), thereby eliminating the need for the line-of-sight mission at the end of the movie? I almost laughed when I saw a bunch of guys trying to shove a load of explosives out the cargo bay. 4) Why is it that the avatar technology (i.e. the brain link between human and avatar) works anywhere on the planet, but auto-guidance systems, FLIRs, etc. don't? Despite all these quibbles, Cameron and crew did a fantastic job and have raised the cinematic expectations of the movie-going public.
8 out of 10.