Breatkthrough technologies make this the new sci-fi standard

Rating: 8/10 (28 February 2010)

When Kubrick's "2001: A space Odyssey" came out in 1968 critics hailed it as a milestone, a trailblazing incarnation of cinematic entertainment not seen before. Kubrick and Cameron are both great technical innovators who created new ways of making movie images, often stretching the technical limits of their own era and pointing a clear direction for future film makers for years to come. While Kubrick did not have access to the modern and incredibly powerful world of computer animation, he made up for it by creative tricks with cameras and stages that bamboozled the eyes. Cameron has all of that and then more. He has created a luxurious wonderland of images in 3 dimensions (of course they work best when you watch it at the cinema in 3D) and from the very first images you are drawn immediately into the drama with no let up till the end.
About a half hour into the film I began to take notice of the historical and film influences as they surface in the story. Right away I was of the opinion that the Pocahontas/Captain Smith story was the strongest source. That was funny for me because the great Wes Studi who was in Malick's "The New World" is back again (very under-utilized) as a "native" Na'avi in this film. Another influence and one that caught me by surprise was the 1997 Paul Verhoeven film "Starship Troopers".
It is clear that clichés appear off and on but this is the realm of myth making in Hollywood and it always works for the audience because semi consciously we are attracted to heroes of myth, be they sports or warrior stars or pop stars. We like the feeling of being in league with large groups of other like minded folks who are all into some love affair with someone.
Technically this film has set new standards. We get full value for the extra payment to see the 3D version. Thankfully it was not ear popping loud, as I detest films that are overly noisy. The story line, which is science fiction mixed with a loathing of large mining companies by indigenous groups mixed in with tree hugging geeky science nerds (with hat tips to Spielberg in several of his films) is fun, predictable and emotionally stirring enough to keep us alert for nearly 3 hours. The actors all gave 100% with extra kudos to the mean-assed Stephen Lang (who I loved as General Pickett in "Gettysburg")who gives a richly textured characterization of a villainous soldier who gladly was the willing executioner of the corporate vision. The idea that nothing much worse than a poor last quarter (of profits)is lifted right out of the current hatred of Wall Street (both the real one and the film).
I can see why people fall in love with this film and see it many times. There is so much going on and you maybe didn't catch a line here or there the first time. It is worth owning when available. Not the greatest film of the last 10 years but well worth all the investments that Cameron and his crew have laboured at. Terrific entertainment value. A new milestone in cinematic creativity.