Avatar Mini-review
I was thrilled to go see James Cameron’s new movie, Avatar. Conceived almost fifteen years ago and in production for the last four and a half, it cost in excess of $300m – some sources claim a figure closer to the half billion, mind you. With such impressive numbers, one couldn’t possibly go to see Avatar without expecting it to be larger-than-life. And, with its stunning visuals and wonderfully composed shots, it most definitely is.
The movie astounds: it’s a visual treat like no other, and EVERYONE should watch it in 3D. If you can bear the gigantic (and quite uncomfortable) 3D glasses designed specifically for the huge IMAX screens, you’ll love it.
See what I mean with "gigantic glasses"?
The story itself is a bit trite, it’s true, but the way it is crafted is impeccable and Cameron does a wonderful job of not giving anything away until the right time comes. He wants you to discover things. It’s masterful storytelling.
I was actually impressed with the actors. They’re all absolutely great: the protagonist (Sam Worthington) is a new face, a good looking guy who manages to be both expressive and uninhibited in front of the camera. The marines colonel (Stephen Lang) is a great Duke-Nukem-like character that is exactly what you’d expect: tough, single-minded and.. tough. The “corporation guy” who is on planet Pandora for the money is a personal favorite of mine, Giovanni Ribisi, who always shines with his brilliant acting, even in ‘small’ roles such as this. And, as far as the Pandora natives go, the protagonist’s woman (Zoe Saldana) does a stunningly good job at introducing the protagonist and the audience to the Na’vi culture in a plausible and effortless manner. Really, though, with all the kudos to the actors, I think that where there is brilliant screenwriting the characters come alive almost by themselves. And Avatar is no exception.
So, is it a gamechanger? Yes, definitely.
This movie is what 3D was all about. It is a huge technical achievement and a great movie at the same time. What Cameron did, was effectively sit you down and tell you: “here, let me show you what the future of cinema is like”.