Eh....

Rating: 5/10 (14 November 2010)

Let me caveat this (short) review with the fact that I *didn't* see Avatar on the big screen, and definitely not in 3D. The visuals are spectacular even on TV - and I'm sure they would have been positively mind blowing in IMAX.
Yes, the visuals are beautiful - and the creatures of Pandora well realized (a little too similar to Earth creatures, but still very well rendered.)
But as for the story and acting? Mundane, average, and seen it before. (Which is a shame - I'm a huge fan of both Titanic and Aliens, which I consider one of the top horror/action films ever made...both of which are proof that Cameron can put both amazing visuals *and* story into a film with amazing success.)
But in Avatar's case, the story was basically Ferngully, and had all the obvious, old and overdone stereotypes - from the evil big business profit mongers and the unfeeling military to the eco-conscious and pure native species. Oh, and a 'love story' that was obviously in the works from practically the first scene. No characterization depth at all.
It's a shame. Cameron can do amazing things. But Avatar isn't one of them. Except visually.