The visuals are amazing, but without a deserving story

Rating: 5/10 (30 June 2010)

I will start off this review by saying that as a tech-piece, as an exercise in the wonder of technology we posses, this movie passes all others I have seen. The mastery Cameron clearly possesses for computer wizardry is something to truly behold. However, as anyone who has seen a Michael Bay movie can attest, that does not make a good movie.
In terms of movie-making, this movie falls woefully short in every aspect of its hype. The themes are exceedingly overblown, obvious and childish. I've actually seen children's' movies with deeper and more meaningful thematic elements. The characters are so one-dimensional, they should be renamed based on their role within the story. "Ruthless general", "Bloodthirsty marine", "Greedy Corporate shill", "Caring biologist 1&2", "Helpless but proud natives 1&2". Even the main character has such a lack of crisis, it's impossible to believe he actually ever has a problem deciding on his final side. It's unsophisticated as any dumbed-down summer blockbuster, but has won praise and hype for blinding all of its viewers with science. The visuals are beautiful, but wasted on a clichéd and thrown together story. Next time around, Cameron should hire someone with some actual writing chops to piece together a story as intricate and full as the spectacular world he has created.