Monday Movie Review #9 - Avatar

Monday, March 22, 2010

There wasn't too much exciting releasing at the theatres this weekend, so I decided to see Avatar again to review it. I saw it back when it first released, and I was blown away, but I figured maybe a second go would allow me to be more critical.



When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.
Taken from IMDB.


The film features an all-star cast from Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, and Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine. Set on a distant planet, Pandora, Avatar is the story of our civilization's endless greed and conquest and another civilization's desire for basic survival. The Na'vi believe that Pandora has a life force that sustains them all, but the humans on Pandora are threatening their lives and homeland with relentless drilling. Dr. Grace Augustine created a series of Avatars to assimilate into the Na'Vi people, understand their ways, and convince them to leave peacefully, but the humans running the Avatars grow attached. They see the beauty of the Na'Vi ways, and they decide to help them at all costs.

Ok, as I said, this is the second time I've seen this, so I can finally organize my thoughts a bit better. I went in the first time not knowing what Avatar was about, but I'd seen the trailer and thought it looked incredible...not to mention all the hype surrounding this film. James Cameron, legendary director of Titanic brought this film to fruition. And, while I wasn't so much a fan of Titanic, I can honestly say I loved Avatar. It's a brilliantly tragic and heartfelt story, somehow merging reality and fantasy into a story and plot that is completely believable. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about blue people the first time I went to see this, but I can honestly say I wouldn't mind having an Avatar of my own!

I give Avatar a 5 out of 5 for the stunning visuals, amazing acting, and incredible portrayal of something I could never have imagined. The only thing I would have changed about this was the length...it is verrrrrrryyyyyyy long. I loved it, but I shouldn't have had a soda first! ;) Below is the trailer I first saw...the one that made me want to see Avatar, though I had no idea what it was about.

22 comments:

  1. I still haven't seen it, and am not sure if I ever will. I loved Titanic, but this one just seems to be special effects. Glad to hear it actually does have a plot. Would you recommend it for children?

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  2. Stina, there's one sort of implied scene, but my little cousin didn't understand it. She was just mesmerized by how pretty the visuals were. There is some violence, but nothing too bad. I think it's fine for children - though I wouldn't recommend 3D with them :)

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  3. I LOVED this movie. There was so much to look at and it kept me entertained, but yeah, it was pretty long.

    Great review!

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  4. I am so glad that you still loved it the second go round! Sometimes you don't feel the same after all the hype! I loved it and would love to see it again, but first I'll re-watch Alice in Wonderland!

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  5. It was great eh! Have you ever seen Fern Gulley? Avatar reminds me SOOO MUCH of that kids movie, it was one of my favs ha

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  6. Thanks for this. I might just go see this before it leaves the multiplex. :)

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  7. great review! i love avatar!i would give it 5/5 too.it's so beautiful the story.and superb!

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  8. Great review, I honestly haven't seen this one yet, one of the few who haven't!

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  9. Loved the review! I have seen this movie too with my BF and I loved the ending. Isn't it great!! :)

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  10. Oh wow amazing review Melissa! I also absolutely loved Avatar, it was so refreshing and different. I totally agree with you about the length though, it was very long. Your review makes me want to go see it again! :)

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  11. I can't believe you saw this twice. I LOVED it, but I cried so much during the first time I saw it, was so traumatized, that I think I'd have to wait at least a year to see it again.

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  12. Have yet to see this, but really I should before it leaves the theaters, I doubt if the visuals will be all that great on my TV.

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  13. I loved it so much and saw it twice in a week : ) I'm definitely getting it on DVD the day it comes out! Great review too.

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  14. This was a great movie! I really want to buy the soundtrack... the music is so beautiful.

    Emidy
    from Une Parole

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  15. I saw this in 3D and while I wasn't overly impressed with the story, I was blown away by the special effects, just wow!

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  16. I must be one of the last one's who does want to see it and just haven't yet. I know I must go. Too many people are saying it's good.

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  17. I really loved Avatar - the special effects just blew me away but I enjoyed the story too :o)

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  18. SUCH a good movie - and indeed, really really hard to write and talk about. Not sure why? Well done, Melissa!
    SB


    not too serious i hope

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  19. I'm still in complete awe regarding this movie's visuals...stunning! But you're right, it really was a looooonnnng movie! Great movie review :D

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  20. I loved this movie too. It is so rare for a visually spectacular movie to actually have a compelling story that lives up to the special effects!

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