Visually and technically impressive, but staid, hackneyed and uninspiring

Rating: 3/10 (24 January 2010)

I went to see this with no expectations, I hadn't read anything about it and although I hadn't heard much word of mouth, what little I did hear was positive.
The 3D effect was impressive, but it wasn't THAT impressive. In another type of movie(something like Gladiator springs to mind), it might have been mind blowing - but to me, the 3D trickery was effectively neutered by utilizing it on Pandora, a brash children's colouring book of a world.
As for the story and the characters; Hackneyed Lead Scientist using the evil Corporation to try do some good Hackneyed Corporate Executive with no morals or compunctions, complete with military Goon who wants to ride on a helicopter and listen to Ride of The Valkyries while strafing some Charlie. Hackneyed Marine who learns his true self and ultimately redeems himself. And oh look, angry primitive native tribe who are angry and distrustful except for one lone female, the chiefs daughter, who becomes the hackneyed marines love interest.
It would take an amazing writer to make something from these stereotypes of characters, but sadly, Avatar didn't have an amazing writer. The plot was trivial and downright cringeworthy at parts, no surprises anywhere in it, nothing particularly noteworthy or exciting. This was a 152minute long movie that South Park adequately summed up in a 30 seconds sequence.
Go to see it though. It's relatively enjoyable, and it's worth seeing for the 3D just once.