Movie: Avatar

It takes a big person to admit she’s wrong. And today, I am that person. In my pre-holiday movie post, I said I had no plans to see Avatar, and at the time I didn’t. But these d*mn social networks kept saying great things about it and my insatiable curiousity was peaked.

So when my love Jenn was in town this weekend, we planned to go see it together in 3D, because she loved it…and I trust her judgement.

Here’s the review:

Movie: Avatar

Rating: PG-13

Release date: December 18, 2009

Everyday Adventures’ grade: A

Summary: Um, this is a tough one to really summarize but it involves a fight on planet Pandora between humans and the Na’vi race to preserve its trees and energy source that the humans desperately want. I think I’ll leave it at that.

My thoughts: I have to say, I really liked this movie. James Cameron made me care about blue people and even made me cry a little bit. D*mn you James Cameron. Kidding!

The reason I like James Cameron flicks is because he blows sh*t up and makes you care about the characters. And how he does that is creating a layered story of characters that you can relate to in part and really get to know inside and out. You don’t know much about their backstory but you’re along for an adventure with them and can’t help but feel the wealth of emotions they do as the story progresses.

And Avatar is successful at making me care. Sure the Na’vi race is a little offputting at first and you don’t know how to exactly connect with them. But when you do, you feel fear and panic they do in trying to protect what’s theirs. Sam Worthington is great at Jake, especially as he goes through his emotional transformation, and Sigourney Weaver turns in a good performance as Jake’s tough boss. Cameron isn’t known for great storytelling but this story was definitely compelling, layered and entertaining.

But the real star of the show is the movie’s visual element. The effects are amazing, especially the clarify and use of color through the animation and CGI. It’s even more amazing when both worlds mix, you mind is pretty baffled. I’m very anxious to see how this technology is used in moviemaking in the future as it is definitely something different.

At 2 hours and 40 minutes, the movie is long and you do get a bit fidgety. Definitely hit the bathroom before it starts and avoid too many liquids during the show. But despite the long running time, it was still a great movie and I would highly recommend people check it out.

Have you seen Avatar yet? If so, did you love it or were you surprised at how good it was? I have to say, the trailers initially didn’t really sell me on it but I’m glad I went.