Visually groundbreaking with sometimes spotty storytelling

Rating: 9/10 (9 March 2010)

"Wow!" That's what I first thought just before removing my 3D glasses after having seen "Avatar". This film is a feast for the eyes. I know the Navi and their homeland don't really exist, but the special effects make it pretty hard for one to refute it. "Avatar" reminded me of how I felt after seeing "Star Wars" back in the Summer of 1977. For better or worse, "Avatar" will change the way big budget Sci-Fi movies are made from now on.
As for the storytelling, that left me with both admiration and confusion. Earthlings want the Navi's "unobtanium" (what a lame name!), but why do humans need this natural resource so desperately that they're willing to possibly destroy a race of beings to do so? And if you didn't know that "Avatar" director James Cameron is a super pro-ecology, ultra anti-war guy, then get ready to be hit over the head with his ideology.
Fortunately, the acting is quite good. Sam Worthington was excellent portraying Jake Sully. He presented a genuine character arc. Acting kudos also to Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi and Stephen Lang as the hyper-hawkish U.S. colonel.
When "Avatar" is ready to be released on HD Blue Ray disc, that might be the day I finally break down and buy a Blue Ray Player! Will "Avatar" become the Sci-Fi icon that "Star Wars" is? I don't know. However, when you're the biggest box office hit in the history of movies, I believe 'The Force' to become a classic is strong with "Avatar".