Avatar - Thoughts

This one probably needs no introduction; sitting happy after having grossed 2.71 billion (and still counting), it is by far the most commercially successful movie ever. Thanks to Avatar James Cameron now holds the title of having directed the two highest grossing movies of all time (Titanic being in position 2). In Avatar, Jake a paraplegic war veteran is sent to Pandora for a mission, where he is to continue his recently deceased brothers work. The planet is inhabited by an indigenous life form called the Na-vi, who have a strong bond with the nature that surrounds them. Jake’s mission being to infiltrate the Na-vi, learn their ways, strike a deal with them keeping in mind the wants of his capitalist bosses, or provide the military intel required for a hostile takeover.


I’m sure most have seen the trailers and promo material by now; Avatar is visually stunning, and awe-inspiring. Both the technological prowess of the humans showcased, and the sheer magnificence of the alien fauna and flora are breathtaking. While I was initially thinking to myself, wow just about everything here is CGI; the actors must have spent pretty much their entire shoot in a room with a green screen background. I later realized that this wasn’t new, and that George Lucas had already done this with Star Wars years ago. The plot is simple, but very well executed. Besides getting a grasp of the Avatar consciousness-transference technology, there isn’t much to wrap your head around. This probably makes the movie suitable for a wider audience including children of some ages. The main theme in play here is that of supposed modernization leading to the destruction and extinction of tribes, civilizations and their beliefs. Overall an entertaining and scenic movie; feel free to take the kids along, but don’t expect to be intrigued.

Sam Worthington starring as Jake Sully did a pretty good job, both as himself and his Na-vi counterpart. The scenes where he found himself having renewed abilities were realistically portrayed with delight and energy. Zoe Saldana as Neytiri was well cast; she came across as warm and loving, in a simple yet warrior way. Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace was perfect in her lead scientist role; of the cast hers was perhaps one of the best performances. Finally, Michelle Rodriguez was at home in her usual tough gal routine. While it might be a stereotype role, why the hell not when she’s so damn good at it.

I actually saw this movie in the theatre and that too in 3D, with the awkward plastic 3D glasses. Initial adjusting aside, the 3D experience is awesome. The depth of field in the sequences is truly enjoyable. One of the opening scenes where the hordes of sleeping marines on the space ship come out of their cryostasis is amazing. The picture was good all through, and had a noticeably rendered CGI feel to it. Visibility was good throughout though. The regular 2D DVD should be quite good. Sound was decent and served the movie well, with the surround space being used sufficiently to make the imagery come to life.

My Recommendation: Kick Ass (Primarily for the visual splendor, though just a Watch It for most other purposes)