Everything that it promised it would be. Believe the hype !!

Rating: 9/10 (24 December 2009)

After Titanic (1997) Cameron literally disappeared from mainstream Hollywood for over a decade. Apparently he spent most of that decade on this film - developing the technology, the script and a new language polishing it in every possible way. I have always yearned about how all the good old classic films came out at a time when I was just unable to visit movie theaters (either because I did not exist or for some other reason). As such, I was very keen to see this supposedly "path-breaking" movie in its full glory - which is what I did. And I'm certainly glad I did it for Avatar is not just a movie, but (literally) an experience which I will cherish for the rest of my life.
There is no need for me to waste space on telling you the story since by now everybody is well aware of it. Although the story may appear simple, its treatment and translation on screen comes out effortlessly and credit for this must go to Cameron, for his direction is such that you're never left with any dull moments in the film. The movie proceeds at a brisk pace so much so that 15 minutes in the movie you find yourselves on Pandora itself.
Technically, the film just shines on every level, be it the cinematography, the effects and the sound. Although the CGI aliens had a cartoonist feel in the trailers, this is quickly dispelled by watching them on the big screen. As for the camera-work, it looks as if Cameron was able to enter the virtual world of Pandora and shoot just as if he were shooting in a real world - you not only get the overview shots that display the beauty of Pandora but also the shaky cam effect so common in The Bourne Trilogy - only seeing it in a virtual world is an altogether different effect.
As for the planet, it is simply a beauty and in this age of vulgarity and cheap humor it appears as a marvelous piece of art. Most of the CGI sequences are created from scratch but is appears as though this planet has been built separately first following which the actors have shot in the virtual world. The leaves and dust flowing around effects are so seamlessly done that you may be fooled for a second or two into thinking that it's real despite knowing it's CG at the back of your mind.
The movie however shines when viewed in 3-D. As already mentioned by many people, the 3-D is seamless - it is not forced at every opportunity but is created with the purpose of taking you a step closer towards Pandora. Special mention must go to the cockpit sequences - they successfully convince you into believing you're riding in it. I was initially skeptical of the 3-D after viewing the negative comments regarding the glasses, dark unclear images, headaches and the like but I've experienced none of those issues (the very fact that I'm writing this shows that I'm not on a headache). This movie is simply meant to be seen in 3-D regardless of the ticket price.
The only things I found lacking (fans may ignore this) were a little less character development and a little less detail. I loved the scriptment (yes I read it beforehand and still loved the movie) - it had so much detail and everything was explained in a crystal clear manner. In the movie, you're on Pandora within 15 minutes. Because I already knew all the details (I was tracking this movie for the last 3 months) I did not have a problem. Not sure about some others though. I'm now convinced that the future earth sequences should have been included.
In summary, Avatar has everything a movie should have - a story, emotions, characters (albeit a little less developed) and fantastic direction being the prime requisites. The technical achievements only raise the quality of the movie and take it up by many notches. And the 3-D converts this movie into an experience which will stay with you for a long time. The is not just a movie - it's an event. Those missing it experience of a lifetime or compromising on it's quality for a few dollars are definitely going to be sorry 20 years into the future. Those that do not will be smiling at themselves, relishing it and narrating it to their kids with pride. After all, it's not often that a Star Wars arrives which we can catch in theaters. Fortunately, it's our successors that are unlucky this time.
Score: 9/10