REVIEW #213 Avatar (2009)

Avatar follows former marine Jake Sully who is a paraplegic sent to replace his deceased twin brother on a scientific mission on Pandora, a distant planet home to the indigenous species called the Na’Vi.

James Cameron certainly utilised advanced CGI technology to create the most vibrant and creative landscapes, illuminating the screen beautifully for the audience. There is no doubt that in terms of creating scenes entirely made up of computer generated imagery, Avatar broke completely new ground. However, I believe the promises for the ‘film of the century’ that would have a widespread cultural impact on cinema, created unrealistic expectations that were impossible to meet. That being said, this is still a great film that I loved having the chance to watch again on the big screen in its latest rerelease in theatres. The amazing cinematography, combined with the storyline surrounding the impressive Na’Vi culture, is both mesmerising and captivating and that’s a recipe for a great film, especially with Cameron at the helm. I for one love a good training sequence where we see an abundance of character development, so witnessing the progression of Jake Sully as he become ‘one of the people’ (A man of the Na’Vi tribe) was something that I found really entertaining and incredibly captivating, especially run alongside the precious love story between Sully and Neytiri. I did find the main protagonist Colonel Quaritch very cliche, the jar head quick to violence military man is slightly overdone in Hollywood. Although the premise of humans being this disease that ruins habitats couldn’t be more true, especially in this current climate and it hits hard every time it’s highlighted in cinema. When analysing the plot I definitely think the Na’Vi is the strongest aspect, the detail put into creating their culture is amazing and I loved it. However the rest of the storyline is pretty predictable and it certainly wasn’t unique or groundbreaking. The audiences is distracted by that fact by the previously mentioned cinematography and an amazing musical score, it places us right on Pandora alongside the characters and you find yourself lost in this world for the whole duration of the film. The acting is also impressive, to deliver such passion and energy dressed in the CGI suit and surrounded by blue screen is an incredible feat, so credit to the actors. I still love Avatar and it has the rewatch factor for sure, I’m hooked in every time I watch it, I get goosebumps at Jake’s final speech every time and I’m emotional at each of the deaths. I can’t wait the long awaited sequel and I firmly believe it will top its predecessor! 

Overall (8.5/10)

Thanks for reading.
Callan

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