Snippitts of Illusions

Frank's Review of "Avatar"

I know that Avatar has been out for a little over six months now (nearly seven), and it's been out on DVD for nearly a month, but I never had the opportunity until tonight to watch the film. My review is honestly for my own amusement, there's nothing I can say that won't be a rehash of other reviews, but it will be stated in my own voice.

First off: I really liked the film. So yeah, I have to give it a thumbs up. However, some criticism's leveled at the film are pretty fair.
It smacks of "Dance's with Wolves" or perhaps "Little Big Man" (to a lesser extent). Pocahontas? Not so much. Mostly however, the film reminds me of "Dune" a book I read every few years (on average about every 7 or so). Jake Sully is reminiscent of Paul Atredes, or Moa'dib. Neytiri, Chani. A rare commodity that is only available on that single planet. Even a coming of age ritual by riding a giant beast (Sandworms in Dune, the Ikran, and later the Toruk in Avatar.) The hero uniting the tribes to lead an attack on the corrupt powers trying to exploit the resource and the natives. On top of that, stick in the theme's of the hero's journey, and the plot is retread and tired.
None of this bothers me though. It's not an original plot, by any means, but it certainly isn't the last time it will be used. The fact it's a cliched plot line, re-hashed in one form or another for the last many decades (centuries) weakens the film, but not enough to significantly detract enjoyment from it. (Unless of course you're a stick in the mud, or an ass-hat about movies. In that case, get over it.)
The statement that James Cameron has changed movie making? Well, I think that he accomplished that a decade ago in his quest to update 3d technology. Sure, it was for this film, but this film was a result of many. Even if it was the original catalyst for the quest for better film making, it's the result of many films using the technology, and can't be pointed at for changing film making by itself in that regard.
As for special effects and scope of vision? Cameron may have out done himself with this movie. While the plot may be a rehash, the world of Pandora is amazing! The one thing I thought while watching this movie is that I needed to see more of this amazing world. Not just that, but more of the greater universe that the world is a part of. He does something here that many film makers try to do, but few really truly succeed at. Spectacle. The presentation of Pandora is beyond belief! Beautiful! It sucks you in and carries you with it. Cameron has set the bar high for this kind of film making. Peter Jackson gave fantasy the potential for serious recognition (though few have stepped up to the plate since) with Lord of the Rings. Cameron has done the same thing for science fiction here.
Did the film deserve Best Picture?
I can't honestly say. The acting was good. Not amazing but good and consistent through out. Based on that and the plot, I don't think so. Though I haven't seen many of the films that were up for the reward this year, so it's hard for me to make an honest assessment.

Final result. Yeah, this film kicks serious ass. Very enjoyable. One I'm going buy in the near future (hopefully with some special features, unlike the one I borrowed.)

Labels: Movie Reviews

posted by F.G. Shaw @ 2:02 AM