spectacular but mediocre

Rating: 7/10 (23 December 2009)

The visual effects are impressive and ground breaking, but the story is ho hum. Scout goes native after immersion in their ways - leading to the ultimate conflict of loyalties and rebellion from father figure. Etc.
Also, the big, "I Luv You This Much" eyes of the Nav'i, oi.
But overall, as with previous Cameron outings starting with Terminator, the details are very well coordinated and plausible. The low gravity and the magnetic flux fields etc. explain/account for a lot of weirdness (giant size creatures, floating rocks, etc.).
The only disconnect is at the end - no explanation of why kicking the current crop of humans off the planet would avoid their return in force. If the Unobtainium was so precious/vital/rare, then one would expect it would not be given up that easy. Some kind of explanation of a negotiated agreement would have been good.
Sequel opening, mayhaps? Nav'i learn human technology just in time to repel return attack? As with all technical advances, this virtual world technology will need a much stronger story to really show it's power.