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 Avatar opened this weekend, in both flat and 3D formats. Of course, you have to pay extra ($3 more per person) for the privilege of seeing it in 3D. Since I'm a bit of a skinflint, and there were 5 of us watching it, we settled for the flat version. It was 160 minutes (3 hours with previews), and I would have gladly sat through another 160. I was, quite simply, enthralled.
The story occurs on Pandora, an alien planet where a human corporation discovered a mineral they desperately wanted--unobtainium. (Silly name, I know.) This corporation has employed scientists and paramilitary to convince the natives to move out of their home so the corporation can mine the area. Supposedly, the deposits directly beneath their home (a massive 200ft or higher tree) has the largest deposits.
The science team has created alien bodies (avatars) with the DNA of humans who will serve as their "drivers." With identical neural pathways as their drivers, the drivers will simply be in another body--an alien body that allows them to more easily interact with the natives. The science team who "drives" the avatars had to undergo extensive training in the native language, culture, and environment before being allowed access to their avatar. The story begins with a hitch in their plans. A scientist who's been preparing to join the avatar team dies. Fortunately, he's a twin, with interchangeable DNA. His brother, Jake Sully, is an ex-soldier, who was paralyzed during active duty. Though he grieved over his brother's death, he (figuratively) jumped at the chance to do something worthwhile. The scientists are scornful of him--a jarhead--but the paramilitary forces see him as their inside man.
He takes to the avatar quickly. On his first mission, he's separated from his team and forced to stay overnight--a deadly proposition in the unfamiliar jungle. This is where the story takes off in earnest. Although he starts out as a spy, his loyalties begin to shift as he begins to understand the natives and their lifestyle. He ultimately turns against the corporation, but his shifted loyalties make no impact upon the corporation's decision to do whatever is necessary to obtain unobtainium (I roll my eyes every time I say that word. Geesh. Couldn't they have come up with something better?). Realizing the natives can't be bought or swindled by so-called "diplomatic solutions," the corporation resorts on force, sending in their paramilitary units to chase out the natives.
This story has some obvious weaknesses. The theme is an old one: big bad corporation hiring mercenaries to squash resistance, regardless of who gets hurt. What keeps it from feeling trite, however, are the special effects, the mystical nature of the planet, the natives themselves, and the way several people (instead of "one good man") decide to do something about the travesty happening on the planet. There were things that reminded me of other movies: the Matrix, Independence Day, and Braveheart being just a few.
This story also had strengths. For one, I thoroughly enjoyed the alien love interest, Neytiri.She was a strong woman, a hunter, who exhibited both compassion and steel in her personality. The fact that she referred to him as "moron" because of his ignorance of nature is a good example of that. I also thought the animation was outstanding. I never felt like I was watching animation. It was very realistic, and had I watched the 3D version, I have no doubt I would have felt as though I was right there. The movie was paced beautifully. I never felt as though the story was plodding or jumping too quickly. Instead, I was given the chance to get to know the characters--meaning I cared about what happened to them.
And just an aside...I enjoyed seeing Sigourney Weaver in another movie.
I highly recommend this movie. It was intellectually and emotionally satisfying and visually stunning. It's rare I attend a movie that makes me think, long after the movie is over, but this one did. I'm actually looking forward to going to sleep tonight. I hope to rewatch the movie in my dreams. |
