Avatar

When early reviews promised Avatar would change the world of movies, they weren’t kidding. The moment the film starts, you are no longer watching a movie but taking part in an epic journey of the future. You are introduced to the stunning world of Pandora (a distant moon 4.3 light years from Earth) that is brimming with interesting creatures and brilliant scenery. You meet the Na’vi people who are the graceful, blue-tinted cat-like creatures who inhabit Pandora. The Na’vi’s lives revolve around their interactions with nature and Eywa (their planet’s god and protector).

Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is an ex-Marine who is deployed to the RDA Mining company’s base on Pandora to take part in their Avatar program. The Avatar is a human-Na’vi hybrid that can be linked to a human’s mind and “driven” around Pandora. Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), the RDA’s head security/military general, assigns Sully to get to know the Omaticaya (a Na’vi tribe) who live above a generous amount of unobtanium; a precious mineral the RDA came to Pandora to harvest. As he learns their culture, Sully must discover what will make the tribe leave their home so the RDA can begin mining.

As Sully begins his mission, he struggles to adapt to the Omaticaya way of life, but is helped by Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), his Na’vi guide. While he discovers the intricate workings of this alien world and just how deep they “see” life, his focus begins to blur. Can he fulfill his orders or will the mesmerizing story of the Omaticaya sweep him over to the alien side of the battle?

Overall, I absolutely loved James Cameron’s latest film. The characters are compelling; I fell in love with the purity and appreciation of nature the Omaticaya exuded, and I understood Sully’s inner battle as he struggled to choose which side to fight for. Throughout the movie I found myself in awe at the visual aspect of the film.
The computer graphics of the Na’vi were groundbreaking: their facial expressions and the depth in their eyes were alive, not just animated black circles. The transition between human life and life in Pandora was seamless- that’s how real the Na’vi’s world looked.

The deeper plot within “Avatar” was evident but not overwhelming. The theme of environmental awareness and appreciation flowed within the story, but didn’t distract from the overall adventure. If anything, this science fiction tale became more real and involving when you realized what message was trying to be told.

If you’re looking for a great film to celebrate with after finals, this is the one for you. There won’t be a moment when you aren’t entertained or at least intrigued at James Cameron’s visual masterpiece. Check out “Avatar” and find out what people like me are raving about.