Avatar - Movie Review

Definition of 'Avatar'

Avatar has smashed numerous box office records, including being the first film to gross more than US $2 billion (currently the highest grossing film). This is however not surprising, as it is also the most expensive movie ever made – with the official budget figure standing at US$ 237 million. This science fiction epic is written and directed by James Cameron, famous for producing films such as The Terminator (1 and 2), Aliens, True Lies and Titanic. The script for the film was started on in 1994, however Cameron did not want to start production on the film until technology was advanced enough to portray his vision. This is not just a film, it is an experience. Once you have the 3D glasses on, you will find yourself immersed into Cameron’s captivating story.

The story is set in 2154, Jake Sully a paraplegic US Marine veteran has been sent to conquer the planet of Pandora, in place of his recently deceased twin brother, with very little training. Pandora is inhabited by a primitive race called the Na’vi. The Na’vi are towering feline looking blue ‘stretched humans’ with tails! Jake is sent in to understand them and relocate them, so the humans can exhaust the universe’s most valuable resource, called ‘unobtainium’. I cannot yet fathom whether this is intentionally humorous, or just purely unimaginative!

Cameron has produced a masterpiece. The visuals surpass expectations, and are unlike anything seen before. The planet Pandora has been created with such splendour; with every droplet, leaf and creature having been created with such impeccable detail. Cameron has managed to immerse every viewer into his creation, with the 3D effects heightening viewer’s senses. The detail has been weaved so beautifully into this film, you should enjoy the sensual ride, and it will often feel as if you are on Pandora. The way Jake switches between his human and Na’vi personalities is another clever way Cameron encourages the audience to become more involved in the world of Pandora, which strangely feels both distant and familiar.

Jake, unsurprisingly creates his own mission, and the thrill takes over. He has been able to swap his ‘broken human life’ for something he could previously only imagine. It must feel so exhilarating for him to be able to walk, let alone everything else he encounters! As with many of Cameron’s films the storyline includes a forbidden love. This time it is not due to class or time, it is unusually due to dimension and species. I still can’t figure out whether it is curious, yet moving or just plain weird!

Avatar, as I stated earlier is not just a film. It reinvents the whole process of film making. Cameron has pushed the limits, and totally recreated 3D vision. It is a must-see for this reason only. The storyline is a little predictable, but hey I really am nit-picking! I’m worried that this film is however a massive contradiction. Let’s face it, Cameron is mimicking the harsh realities of the world that we currently live in – exhausting a vulnerable culture with exhaustive force for natural resources like oil, coal. However this film cost US$237 million to make. This is however a moral debate! My other concern is that there are not enough screens around the world to share this silver screen wonder, in the marvellous 3D. However, I would still urge everyone to see this visual masterpiece, whether it be in 2D or 3D!

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