Typical Cameron: Dumb Story But Fantastic Visuals

Rating: 7/10 (25 May 2010)

Well, after all the hype - and a chance to see this for free on a Blu-Ray disc - it was an offer I couldn't refuse. In the end, and even though it's a long film (2 hrs, 40 minutes) I watched it all and wasn't surprised at much of anything story-wise. Like a lot of modern-day action films, they start off great but slowly become unraveled and during the last third of movie, you have to totally "check your brains at the door," but this movie, overall, was fun to watch.
For much of it, there were enough visual wonders in here, fantastic colors and special-effects to make up for Director/writer James Cameron's usual Liberal political bias and stereotypical characters. In many respects, you've seen this story before a number of times. In fact, if you've seen "Dances With Wolves," you've seen "Avatar," the main difference being the setting: instead of the Old West you have a futuristic planet. The story is basically the same, the one filmmakers love to present: the evil white military-like corporation men invade the peaceful natives for greed and profit.... and troubles ensue. Throw in the "mixed" romance you saw in "Dances With Wolves" and you have a good chunk of this story. Very little has changed except for the futuristic eye candy. Instead of the American Indian, we have the "Na'vi," which are portrayed in a very similar light except for the blue skin, of course.
The only creativity in this film is in the special-effects department, but - wow - what creativity! The visuals are the attraction to this movie, pure and simple. The amazing jungle scenery, bizarre bird creatures and illuminating small objects everywhere will dazzle you, especially played through a Blu-Ray disc and big HD set. The transfer is as sharp as any you'll see.