Avatar

A visual orgasm for the sci-fi fan, Avatar is so much more than just a film; it is the journey into pure imagination that was attempted by George Lucas and Peter Jackson (no disrespect). Cameron blends reality with state of the art computer generated animation seamlessly, and with the help of 3D cameras, it is a truly epic journey.

Where to begin? A film of this magnitude will have unreasonable expectations, and will certainly draw criticism for minor aspects that could have been improved upon, but you have to give Cameron credit for following his vision from beginning to end without succumbing to critical pressure or corporate direction. The fact of the matter is that this film is over 15 years in the making. Over $200 million spent. It is the next film in a long line of successes from one the greatest big budget directors of all time.

Avatar takes place on a planet in the not too distant future called Pandora. It is the site of a mining operation of a precious mineral that is the only hope for the future survival of Earth. The planet itself is inhabited by various alien plant and animal life, and the introduction of these species comprise the first chapter of the film. Jake Sully (Worthington) plays a marine recruited to join the Avatar program which is a scientific endeavor using genetic replication to infiltrate the indigenous population called the Na'vi. Pretty outlandish, but Cameron doesn't waste too much time with the scientific details of the program. In fact, he downplays that angle quite a bit, simply getting to the meat of the film.

The second chapter brings us up to speed, learning the Na'vi way and exploring their world. It is a love story at heart, appealing to the Titanic crowd, and although reminiscent of Dances with Wolves and many other films where the outsider becomes one of the tribe, it has a distinctly original feel. The overtones of corporate greed, moral judgment, and environmental impact are heavy in this film, as this beautiful world is portrayed as a kind of Gaia theory, where life is all precious, balanced and intertwined.

The third chapter is what will attract the Aliens and Terminator 2 crowd. Action. War. The fundamental struggle between good and evil, with nature caught in the middle. Colonel Quaritch, played by Stephen Lang is the perfectly cast antagonist. He is a warmonger, but one who is rational and calculated. Cameron has a penchant for casting great supporting players, and Lang is a stellar choice for a film that honestly doesn't need any renowned actors at all. The rest of the cast doesn't matter as there is a magical aura to this experience.

Let's get to the gritty. the technical execution of this film is unlike anything I've ever seen. I had to continually remind myself that this wasn't real, and with the 3D camera, the visuals were stunning, remarkable, unbelievable and near flawless. Colors I have never seen before jumped off the screen. Moments of action sent bullets or rockets flying past my head, subtle burning embers fell around me, and the camera flew through the skies nearly causing vertigo.

This is hands down the best film of the year, well worth the anticipation and wait. It deserves Best Picture and Best Director on the basis of ambition and dedication alone. Much in the way Return of the King served as the catalyst for Peter Jackson's reward for his work, Avatar will reap major awards this year. Technically, from the visual effects to sound editing, and the balanced and emotional score, it will sweep as well.

This film is a must-see with something for everyone. Impressed by the world of Pandora, I was equally entertained by the battle sequences. There is clearly room for a sequel or two, and I think Cameron has the drive and the vision. The only question is if audiences will appreciate the artistic achievement. I certainly did, and despite some of the detractors, this film is absolutely excellent.

If you have a chance, see it in 3D and IMAX, if not, the 3D is a must. I am going to see it again tomorrow, the imprint of the world of Pandora is something that will stick for some time. It will be a travesty if it is not respected for its cinematic brilliance. 10/10.