REVIEW: ‘Avatar’ With Photos

By Germain Lussier on December 18th, 2009

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“Avatar,” the first feature film by director James Cameron since he was crowned The King of the World with “Titanic” in 1997, is easily one of the most highly anticipated films of this rapidly ending decade. It opens today and – some minor gripes aside – will be THE family film of the holiday season.

Set in a future where humans have pretty much destroyed the Earth, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is assigned to the far away planet of Pandora. There, scientists have figured out a way to put his consciousness into an Avatar, a vessel of a body resembling that of the native people called the Na’vi. Jake’s mission is to infiltrate the tall, blue, naturalistic Na’vi, learn about them, and do his best to help the humans take the rich energy source their home is built on. Predictably, Jake grows a consciousness and the film slowly becomes a love letter to nature in an epic war.

Right off the bat, as a parent you are probably thinking, “That sounds a little too confusing for my kids.” And it is. The film is rated PG-13 for “intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking.” So parents should definitely be aware that while the movie is purposely devoid of a lot of questionable material, it can get very intense, has some confusing jargon and a lot of religious themes. Plus, younger kids might be confused that – in the end – the human race becomes the enemy.

However, if your kid can compartmentalize those things, the action in this film is unbelievably exciting and, actually, not too violent. Your kids are going to walk out of this movie and want the toys asap. And they will probably want to see it again too, especially if you see it in 3D. And really, since this film is going to be one of the largest 3D releases in Hollywood history, there’s really no excuse not too. See “Avatar” in 3D. Trust me.

As an adult, you too are going to enjoy the film. Cameron is on the ball much like he was in his non-family friendly films “True Lies,” “Terminator 2″ and “Aliens.” Unlike those films, though, “Avatar” lacks a truly original story. It’s basically “Pocahontas” or “Dances with Wolves” with an alien race. You aren’t going to talk out of the film blown away by the story. The visuals and action, on the other hand, will do just that.

“Avatar” is in theaters today. Click here to find out where it’s playing and to get tickets for those coveted 3D screenings.