Avatar

Lately, I've been really debating whether to see this film or not. (Had many conversations back and forth with my tweep ReelTalker about the film).

After seeing the movie trailer the first time, I still wasn't sure. So, I read a couple reviews - they were mixed. Some people enjoyed the film, while others did not.

Being James Cameron's next big film after Titanic, I was really intrigued. There was a lot of hype about the amount of money and time put into this film. Apart from that, I've heard James Cameron is a really great storyteller.

After much debate, I decided to go ahead and fork out the money to see the film. There is the option of seeing the movie in 3D - I wasn't quite sure which route to take. Though, I decided to go ahead and see it in 3D since the film was made for it. I'm glad I did.

Let me just say, seeing the film in 3D really was an awesome experience. Not just because the film was made for 3D, it was also because the film was a futuristic type movie. Being a film set in the future, watching the film in 3D just gave for a better movie watching experience.

I felt like I was right there in that world the entire time - I felt a part of it. If you plan on seeing the film, I definitely recommend seeing it in 3D.

Speaking of 3D, the special effects and animation were great. In a way, it was a different type of animation - very different from what I've seen before. The characters and animals in the "Avatar" like world were very different and unique. Each character and/or animal had very detailed and unique features. Even the language(s) spoken were very unique in their own way.

Watching the film, it felt like Cameron put a lot of thought and time into this film. It was very aesthetically pleasing to the eye - the scenery and the "Avatar" like world alone is breathtaking. I could tell there's a lot of details in the film to make Cameron's world come to life.

As for the storyline, it was very unique in its own way. Some aspects of it reminded me of this film. (If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

The story itself is really about perspective. Throughout the film, you see the situation from different points of view. This is what sets the tone of the film. And, from the different perspectives you learn more and more about why they are there in the first place and each character's purpose for being there.

Though you are presented with different perspectives in the beginning, the main story is told through the main character's, Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington), viewpoint.

However, his perspective begins to change once he puts himself in the shoes of the very beings (aka The Na'vi People) he is sent to seek out (and if need be destroy) in the name of claiming their precious mineral, unobtainium.

The story unfolds as Sully learns the way of The Na'vi People, and learns they are not the ones who are "savages." (aka the term the Humans have given them). He learns of their ways to live simply and preserve nature - their way of life really opens up his eyes.

Though, not everyone sees what Sully sees. And, this is where the conflict begins. There are those who just want to take and claim the precious mineral for their own in the name of greed and power. And, the question then is posed - who are the real savages here?

Overall, I enjoyed the film. I felt entertained for the entire movie. Though, I have to admit - this is not a film for everyone. After seeing it, I can understand why this may be a film for those who are very interested in the "fantasy" and "sci-fi" type genres. It's a good movie, but I can't say it's a great one. Though, I'm glad I went and saw it.

If you're in the mood for a fantasy and/or sci-fi type film, I recommend seeing it (and in 3D). Though, if you don't consider yourself a "fantasy" and/or "sci-fi" type movie goer, I'd say it's a toss up if you want to wait until it comes out on DVD. For me, I'm glad I went and saw it - it's definitely a film that kept me entertained.

(Note: For other perspectives on the movie, check out the following reviews from my tweeps:

Action Flick Chick - Review Link
Just Chick Flicks - Review Link
Kelly Whyte - Review Link
Reel Artsy - Review Link
Zen - Review Link

Happy movie watching!



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