Avatar Review

Cameron’s last film was a little old film called Titanic in 1997 with a colossal budget in excess of 200 million dollars. Avatar is rumoured to have almost doubled that and is, well, not set on a historic cruise liner and no Kate Winslet in sight. What it does have however are some big guns, floating mountains and a set of blue aliens called the Na’vi who would give even Mr.Swarzenegger a run for his money.

Avatar is set on Pandora, a world reminiscent of our own and home to the Na’vi who are in the midst of a human invasion. The humans, under the orders of the money grabbing businessman Parker Selfridge (Giovanni Ribisi) are ready for less diplomatic solutions and are looking to pilfer the rare ‘unobtainium’ that lays safely nestled in Pangaea’s crust. Jake Sully, (Sam Worthington) after the death of his brother is signed up to the avatar program which allows him to take the form of a specially grown Na’vi Avatar. Dr. Grace Augustine, (Sigourney Weaver) opposes this choice due to his lack of any scientific experience. However he becomes the chosen one of the Na’vi, and is to be trained by them as a reward, but has to make the difficult choice - to fight for humanity, or his new found Na’vi comrades.

Avatar is without a doubt one of the most beautiful films you’ll ever see, from the lush lavishing foliage in the jungles of Pangaea to the simply astounding detail of the Na’vi. However, it’s the earthly human touches that make it seem real with references to Jack Sully’s disability and to the planet’s natives that give it that earthly edge.

I must admit Avatar isn’t one of the best films I’ve ever seen, it’s the best! An exhilarating experience twisting and turning, having me sitting on the edge of the seat with popcorn flying on the poor man sat in front of me. I never found myself counting down the clock and ask me right now if I’d go and see it again, I would sprint down there quicker than Usain Bolt. Now with the tag of most ‘expensive movie of all time’ looming ever present, there’s some pressure, but Cameron steps up to the plate with an ingenious concoction of simply fantastic narrative and out of this world CGI, actually making you feel on a different planet, and not just some jungle in Hawaii. Some people have lost faith in cinema, and some believe the new 3D technology is gypsy magic but believe me if you miss this film you should be arrested for crimes against humanity.