One of the best cinematic experiences ever.

Rating: 8/10 (28 April 2010)

Sam Worthington plays Jake, a paraplegic ex-Marine who's sent to a distant moon to infiltrate an alien species, known as the Na'vi. Human kind has found a valuable mineral called unobtainium on this world. Jake is assigned to a scientific program headed by Grace Augustine played by Sigourney Weaver. The science team has focused on learning as much as possible about the Na'vi in order to benefit scientific knowledge. Augustine's research team is funded by a corporation that is on world to mine the unobtainium. The story continues with Jake learning of the indigenous species to gain a advantage for the corporation to collect all the unobtainium on world. Jakes motives alter as he becomes on with the Na'vi. Jakes motives completely alter and he becomes a defender of the Na'vi.
Numerous themes are at work in this picture. Imperialism, militarism, anti-patriotism, and civilization and race are just a few. The theme of belonging and adaptation is the most prevalent. This theme is the underlying backdrop for the entire movie. It creates the struggle and guides the outcome as the movie progresses. This theme has a lot in common with Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001). However, Avatar is a far more engrossing and well made movie. The special effects of the movie where outstanding.
The effects actually where integrated into the story instead of being the story. The effects made this alien vista believable and an alien race identifiable to man. The 3D was done will. It added the ability to believe the movie without overpowering its message, only visual enjoyment is lost in the non-3D version.
The masterful use of camera angles to portray the alien landscapes was well done. A lot of attention was devoted to camera position and angle. This forethought helps direct the action from huge battle scenes to intimate conversation between two characters.
The use of lighting was also masterfully done. It brings the jungle alive at night and shows the enormity of the world during the day. The change of lighting helps portray the conviction of the Na'vi as well as define the world that they live in harmony with.
I found this movie to be a top not notch film. I highly recommend it to everyone with an imagination. This movie will long be remembered and become as a cinematography classic. The 3D, special effects, lighting, and camera position and angle all combine to brining this world alive. The plight of the Na'vi and the actions of Jake all mesh together to create a visually stunning and wonderful story.