Avatar movie review: Avatar both excites and disappoints at the box office. While most reviews are glowing, some are disappointed with James Cameron's new creation. What are they disappointed with? For the most part, most complaints stem from the story line, which is said to sound like Dances with Wolves. It's also said that as "Titanic" had themes of "Romeo and Juliet", "Avatar" has themes of "Pocahontas."
Still yet, there's one thing everyone agrees on: the special effects are awesome. The Na'vi - the 10 foot tall blue creatures that Sully encounters - are unlike anything ever seen before. The colors, the special effects, everything in this film (which cost hundreds of millions of dollars to produce) are what makes the show so awesome.
Want to see something really great? Go see Avatar in 3D. It is said that the 3D version of the film is phenomenal.
Here are some of the glowing Avatar Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes:
Pay attention to what James Cameron has done with his truly spectacular looking Avatar. This, my friends, is the right way to create a 3D film experience. - Kit Bowen
Pandora is so immersive, its native cultures so well realized that any fantasy novelists watching will surely weep from the world-building gauntlet thrown down. Top this! - Nathaniel Rogers
It stops being a story at all and is instead just a sheer, unmitigated visual and auditory experience, two hours and forty minutes of being exposed to a brand new world. - Tim Brayton
Here are some of the not-so-glowing reviews of Avatar.
This movie takes itself way too seriously; there are no cute or funny moments, no rah, rah, nothing. I didn't love this movie or hate it. It''s one big blurry pile of meh. - Michelle Alexandria
The corniest movie ever made about the white man's need to lose his identity and assuage racial, political, sexual and historical guilt. - Armond White
While visually perfect, Avatar suffers from a story that is unoriginal and a script that lacks emotional connection. However, the last 40 minutes are stunning. - Kevin McCarthy
The only way to tell if you are going to like Avatar is to go and see it for yourself. You can read movie reviews until you are blue in the face, but the fact remains that everyone has their own tastes. If you like video games, fantasy, and sci-fi, chances are you will like this movie a lot.
Those in the Nashville area that would like to see Avatar can do so at the Regal Green Hills 16 or the Regal Hollywood 27. If you are fortunate enough to have seen the movie, please leave your thoughts below.
Read more Avatar movie reviews by clicking here.
Sources:
RottenTomatoes.com
SlashFilm.com
Comments
DDDDDDDDDDDDUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EPIC!!! 3D AWESOME!!! Takes you to a new world and u see it from your eyes as if you're there.
well, you definitely cant ruin the story line for anyone! its exactly what you'd expect. but i wouldn't call it terrible by any means. i think most sci-fi movies have a plot that mirrors our society and its issues IE, star wars and the senate. even our comics. just look @ x-men. that's about racial discrimination. and honestly, i think its funny how nobody says anything bad about aliens attacking earth and trying to suck it dry, but as soon as its earth doing it, everyone gets uptight. i do however think it was corny how the na'vi used bow and arrow and some other weapons, but what ever. for PG13 there was lots of action, most of the film had aliens and/or robot suits, all very intricate might i add. you just really dont get that in other movies. so, if youre like me and wish yoda visited the wookie planet longer, or wished there were more aliens in the movie Aliens and havent seen this movie, dont wait for it to come out on DVD. go see it in the theater! its definitely worth it!
I'll use a word I almost never use - awesome. The point isn't whether this story has ever been told before in a different setting. The point is - does it keep you riveted to your seat, completely immersed in another world? And it does that big time!! I have a suspicion that the detractors of the movie don't like the messages that comes through loud and clear, aggression is bad and taking care of your planet is good. Cameron has a way of taking well-used story lines and making them transcend everything before. He has done that here AND he has done it with a new technology that will revolutionize movies in the future. You forget the 3d - you forget the special effects - you live the story.
Yes the plot is reminiscing of other movies but the story still applies to today's society. We as humans think that we can pillage anything we set our sights on without regards to the connection that the things we exploit and destroy are all interconnected. I think that was one of the point James Cameron tried to drive home in this stunning visual epic.
I really enjoyed the movie seen it twice 3rd time lucky3d.. I think the movie has alot of heart and soul put into it.. I have lost loved ones and could feel the pain in her cries which made it feel real, although its fantasy there world would be a better place if only we could take some of there heart within us and repair our own mother she would flourish and maybe we would stop losing OUR endangered species..James Cameron has a brillant mind creative, beautiful, artistic all the things we want in a good creator of great movies..
Absolutley the movie is a keeper, I to felt like I was there and its funny Im not really into Sci Fi sometimes they can be to complicated lol..But this was so beautiful artistically the colours the animals, the planet there size everything makes you want more yes a little predictable but thats cause our minds want to be able to fathom the event before it happens which is a spoiler the best thing is sit back relax and emmerse your self into the movie..its that great.. best film I have seen in a long time..
Just came back and all I have to say is that don't watch it if it ain't IMAX!!. This movie is Amazing!!.
Definitely one of the best movies that I have ever seen. Whoever say because its story line reminds them the Dance with Wolves, then it is just a so so movie are crazy. If this is not a fantastic movie for them, I really can't imagine what will make them happy. Long story short, this is a movie with Epic Special Effects, a fantastic story line and meaningful messages.
This is a MUST see in IMAX 3D. You have never experienced anything like it in your life. James Cameron puts you inside the world of Pandora, and my girl had to keep telling me to be quiet. I couldn't stop saying, "Oh my God...oh my God, no way!" It was simply astonishing at the IMAX. The world of Pandora was like moving art. There were some shots that made me hold my breath because of their beauty. I believe this is going to force other movies to start using this technology...and could be a big a leap as when movies went from silent to sound...or black and white to color. If the story was to complex, you would have missed things due to the overwhelming visual and auditory stimuli. GO SEE THIS MOVIE AT THE IMAX IN 3D! You will not be disappointed!
I never write reviews...yet felt compelled to do so for this movie. Yes the story is predictable, however, it is told in such a compelling fashion due to the support of 1)the acting and the emotional connection achieved in the storyline's message 2)the as of yet (IMHO) unmatched exquisitely crafted visual effects and 3)the divinely creative and intricately detailed world Mr. Cameron serves up on screen that I was absolutely riveted, bolted down and clamped to my seat the entire time.
I saw it in IMAX 3D and would encourage anybody to do the same lest you miss out on one of life's truly memorable experiences! AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!!
Hey, what to say, 30 years ago or so "Star Wars" were something epic and innovative, which made quite impression on the movie making industry. This is the same. Story is simple, but flora and fauna on the Pandora are stunning as well as the effects. Mr. Cameron has very vivid and poetic imagination. The whole movie is like reading very good SiFi book. I can just imagine how the movie would be watched in IMAX. Too bad I live in a small town. This is a definite yes to have it on blue ray or something even better.
Great movie in 3D any one can leave the planet for a few hours. When we left the cinema my wife and I both said 'Oh no back on earth"
I Challenge all the guys here who have not liked the movie to make abetter movie than this themselves. i bet you niether have the caliber nor the imagination to even have 1% of James Cameron capability.. Stop Cribbing like sore losers and never go watch any sci fi movie again.. You are not worth it.. James Cameron.. You are God in human form... Hats off to you.. Loooooveddd the movie lock, stock, barrel, sticks and stems... Love ya...
I just got back from taking my daughters to see,"Avatar" and it was an EXPERIENCE!! I was blown away by this movie!! It was amazing in 3d and I can only imagine what it would be like in Imax. I did see some resemblance to dances with wolves and even said to my daughters it was Dances with aliens on the ride home, but it didn't take away from the movie to me at all. Heck, I loved Dances with wolves so some similarities didn't bother me at all. The imagery was just immersive and I felt myself getting caught up in it all. Both my daughters absolutely loved it and couldn't stop talking about how much they wanted to see it again. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. It has something for everybody, romance, action, scifi, awesome special effects, even green philosophy on the environment.
Man I'm hood and im picky about what I see. This move (1)is what that is. I liked it from start to finish. Hope they make another one. If you didn't like the movie I think (2)you on that otha ya digg. And my kids loved it too. If you did not walk away with deeper respect for nature you missed the hole point.
For those who lack African American vernacular. See Below
1. Was by far the advantageous movie i have seen thus far.
2. Have no sense of tenacity or ethical sustainability at all.
best movie.i will see 100 times.
I Challenge all the guys here who have not liked the movie to make abetter movie than this themselves. i bet you niether have the caliber nor the imagination to even have 1% of James Cameron capability.. Stop Cribbing like sore losers and never go watch any sci fi movie again.. You are not worth it.. James Cameron.. You are God in human form... Hats off to you.. Loooooveddd the movie lock, stock, barrel, sticks and stems... Love ya...
While the special effects are quite stunning, all the flash and glitz contradicts the very heart of the movie and, once again, we see the white man as messiah theme played to the hilt. Sure, in the end he "betrays his race", but he's still the savior. Many of these Science Fiction extravaganzas harbor similar plots of martyrdom and/or messianic tendencies, which is easily understandable considering James Cameron was no doubt fed this old yarn his entire life. He is a product of his experience and so is his movie.
While the movie does not fail to entertain on the level of bombast and virtual eye candy, it really has nothing to offer in terms of real plot imagination. Make a multi-hundred million dollar movie of apocalyptic proportions using the most advanced computer technology to astonish us with the beauty of a planet that does not exist?
I prefer my world and I'd rather watch Baraka.
This movie should just about make you hate your natural born mortal skin and wish to be somewhere else more interesting and freeing...I think James Cameron hit the nail on the head just the way Mel Gibson hit the nail on the head with Apocalypto! Anyone that can mentally manufacture such scenery has already transcended to immortality status above and beyond the negative raves of such tasteless and uncultured critics...
Loved it in 3d want to go see it in imax 3d
Who cares what social relevance the movie had or what story line it supposedly was too much like? Just enjoy Avatar for what it is: all-in-all the most fantastic science fiction movie ever made, bar none.
Avatar....such a nice movie. It is the mixture of action and romance.
I know people have their own opinions and such, but how could anyone not like this movie!? It is now one of my favorite movies of all time and i want the soundtrack and the movie when they are available. The imagination in it is outstanding and the story itself is very fun, at least to me it is.
The guy that made the comment below is just a racist looking for another battle.
"The corniest movie ever made about the white man's need to lose his identity and assuage racial, political, sexual and historical guilt. - Armond White"
Also, yes the plot has been done before, but never to this extent! Complaining about retorical plots is rediculous. There are thousands of good story lines that have been done before, and yet they amaze veiwers with a new twist.
James Cameron deserves credit for making a spectacular movie!
Quit complaining to get attention... "you're like a baby"
It was a good movie overall, but I'd give it 7 out of 10. Don't get me wrong, I loved the special effects, the visual is perfect and the Na'vi mithology was interesting. The actors also surprised me. All of them provided us with great performances, and I don't think anyone could have done better. It was the story that bothered me. We knew right where it would end, and what would happen next because it's Pocahontas story masked. If you know the story, the movie is spoiled. And Na'vi didn't help either. While I consider myself a person who respects nature and got the interesting message, the natives of Pandora were so utterly irritating that I almost wish Colonel Quarich had killed them all. But the special effects and performances by Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang made up for it. So, it's not a perfect movie, but a good one that turns out to be enjoyable.
thanks for the insight maybe i ll get it bootleg...
I enjoyed the movie but it was missing a killer love song (like the one from Titanic for example) and overall missing killer music (you know the movie has good music when you leave the theater humming the songs, this was not the case in this movie). Also, more of a nitpick, but at the end I would have had a celebration scene, (maybe something like the end of the original Star Wars movie) and while the credits rolled, I would have shown the two characters riding around Pandora together on that great big flying crature of Jake's (while the missin love theme played of course!)
Best Movie have seen so far, will definetly be seeing it again. Be sure to view it in 3d tho.
I never write reviews...yet felt compelled to do so for this movie. Yes the story is predictable, however, it is told in such a compelling fashion due to the support of 1)the acting and the emotional connection achieved in the storyline's message 2)the as of yet (IMHO) unmatched exquisitely crafted visual effects and 3)the divinely creative and intricately detailed world Mr. Cameron serves up on screen that I was absolutely riveted, bolted down and clamped to my seat the entire time.
I saw it in IMAX 3D and would encourage anybody to do the same lest you miss out on one of life's truly memorable experiences! AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!!
I actually think this may be the best movie I have ever seen in my whole life. The only reason I even question that statement is because the plot was predictable...BUT I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S AS* ABOUT THAT BECAUSE THIS MOVIE STONE COLD KEPT MY JAW WIDE OPEN!!!
Make sure you see it in IMAX 3D otherwise you'll be paying again to do so! THIS MOVIE KILLED IT! Even with it's pre-used plot...I still found myself ABSOLUTELY EMOTIONALLY WROUGHT with anger and disgust yet brought back to experience pure joy! LOVED IT LOVE IT LOVED IT! James Cameron thank you for sharing your vision with us all!
Despite of all the negative comments I have read in several websites, I do not agree with any of them. This film is indeed one of the great ones that will be remembered for years to come, I saw it in IMAX 3D and I have to say there is not any other film out there in 3D that can compare to this one, James Cameron is indeed a genius with this new revolution in the film industry.
masterpiece.... its a new level of movie making, one man invented a new language, new camera to shoot, new 3D effect its just WOW for the movie, if anyone is waiting to watch it on BLUE RAY then dont coz this is a movie for big screen.
Salute to the Director and the team which worked with him coz without right team this is impossible task.
GREAT WORK GREAT WORK AND bravo
It was a good movie overall, but I'd give it 7 out of 10. Don't get me wrong, I loved the special effects, the visual is perfect and the Na'vi mithology was interesting. The actors also surprised me. All of them provided us with great performances, and I don't think anyone could have done better. It was the story that bothered me. We knew right where it would end, and what would happen next because it's Pocahontas story masked. If you know the story, the movie is spoiled. And Na'vi didn't help either. While I consider myself a person who respects nature and got the interesting message, the natives of Pandora were so utterly irritating that I almost wish Colonel Quarich had killed them all. But the special effects and performances by Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang made up for it. So, it's not a perfect movie, but a good one that turns out to be enjoyable.
This movie was incredible in 3D. Yes, the story line reminded me of a lot of other movies I have seen, but as many directors do, there is always a new twist. The effects are unbelievable. I have already seen it twice and it is worth it. There are no flaws and the detail is superb. If I was a legit critic, I would give this movie five stars.
Absolutely Sucked! Technicalities Galore!!!! – If the atmosphere is toxic enough to cause death in 4 minutes due to lung exposure, why then are their skins exposed during the entire movie. If they lack economy to maintain the planet earth, why then do we have private companies with vast resources mining rocks across the galaxy? If they are all connected thru a network of energy and wisdom and voices, why then did they have to fly around to communicate with the other clans.. and for that reason, why have clans anyway? If they are all woven into the cycle of life on Pandora, why then are so many left standing without a clue until big blue marine rides in on his ultra-colored dragon butterfly (Thats exactly what they look like!) If most of the species on Pandora breathe through gills on their chests, why then can they propel massive grunts and yowls… where is the logic of that? Why did they not reveal the nature of the ribs and massive structures surrounding the 'tree of life'...it sucks!
Incredible 3D effects, remember this is a fantasy movie people. However if you’re an older person you have seen or heard just about everything out there. So it’s hard to come up with a totally different story that will be new and believable for everyone to enjoy. So why are people knocking the storyline? Okay couch potatoes if you can do a better job, then you write storyline that is new and believable? I would love to see a new storyline that will believable. I bet you can’t do it.
While the special effects are quite stunning, all the flash and glitz contradicts the very heart of the movie and, once again, we see the white man as messiah theme played to the hilt. Sure, in the end he "betrays his race", but he's still the savior. Many of these Science Fiction extravaganzas harbor similar plots of martyrdom and/or messianic tendencies, which is easily understandable considering James Cameron was no doubt fed this old yarn his entire life. He is a product of his experience and so is his movie.
While the movie does not fail to entertain on the level of bombast and virtual eye candy, it really has nothing to offer in terms of real plot imagination. Make a multi-hundred million dollar movie of apocalyptic proportions using the most advanced computer technology to astonish us with the beauty of a planet that does not exist?
I prefer my world and I'd rather watch Baraka.
A commenter asked, "How could anyone not like this movie?" For me, a movie has to have more than visual effects. I saw it in 3-D and thought the effects were nice, but they did not come close to making up for the terrible, outdated script. Lines like "Shut your piehole!" and "This is just going to ruin my day" (Sigourney Weaver after getting shot), along with calling the precious energy source "unobtainium" made me grind my teeth at the inanity. Sigourney Weaver and Giovanni Ribisi are good actors, but their acting skills could not overcome the overly simplistic plot and writing that should have not made it through the first edit. Four stars out of ten. All stars for the visual effects.
Avatar misses the mark of excellence with diaglog that exhibits unnecessary and inappropriate cursing and swearing.
Mr. Cameron's, "Titanic", was beautifully done in all aspects and has joined the list of all time favorite and distinguished movie classics such as, "Gone with the Wind", "The Wizard of Oz", "ET",etc.
In my opinion, Mr. Cameron shot himself in the foot by making a spectacular, very entertaining, high tech movie production with substandard language content.
I would say this one of the best films, i have seen of this kind great work by James Cameroon and his team. Mr Cameroon if you are seeing this, i hope for the 2nd part and thank you for this wonderful movie
Its a creativity of a (or group ), of people.
The film takes us for 2.5 hrs to a different world.
Awesome film, dont go for the critics, let them do their effortless job.
Cameron is washed up. He has shown his age! Bluh
Avatar is probably the best movie experience i have ever had. I'm not saying its the best movie, but just most fun I have ever had at a theatre. Sure, we have seen the story before...who cares? It is still exciting, and the special effects are so intoxicating in 3D, you really don't care. The story is good enough, and the special effects take over the rest.
By the way, I was very affected by the story. I don't see how anyone could see the movie and not be significantly affected by it.
This was the greatest movies i have ever seen. The visual affects are amazing and the story line is great. The only comlaint I have is why did it have to end.
Just the fact that you tend to think the blue creatures are actually real (not CGI made) is enough to watch the movie over and over again!
these reviewers have missed the message in the movie - the movie reflects what is happening here on earth - we are destroying the natural world that our species relies on and we need to change our ways and live in harmony with the earth or the human race will suffer due to lack of resources and lack of healthy ecosystems to keep the planet healthy for human life. The cgi effects in 3d are also fantastic!
Omg stop complaining about the plot. Yes it's been done before, and so what? Think we should stop after Shakespear? No, we keep going saying the same old lessons over and over with different characters, story twists, and different worlds. Within another some years there will probably be another Indian, Pocahontus, Dances with wolves, and Avatar movie coming out. And we of this generation will say seen it, and smut the script. While the new generation, who has not will love the movie and the script. Do you relieze yet that we must keep new movies coming out with the same story? Its a story we like, or some do, and its still a true message. Dont hate the movie just because it didn't have a story that was "OMG AMAZING NEW AND EXCITING!!" the story is still a good one. Stop critiquing and trying to figure out every little bit of where the story will go, and just enjoy the ride, let it catch you by surprize and awe when it can.
this was the movie of the decade and i dont mean because of the cgi (which was great too) - many reviewers didnt get it because they have the same mentality of the conquistador that said 'they are just trees' - maybe your children will understand it better -peace
i loved it! and, as for all of you who are saying that the plot was similar to previous movies...i have to say, @ least its not a total remake of a previous movie IE, G.I.Joe, spider man, transformers, lord of the rings, superman, speed racer, Astro boy, a Christmas carol...AGAIN, Rambo part 4, etc... it seems like lately holly wood has been doing just that w/high budget films. this film is its own. if you want a rich plot, see a mystery. if you want funny, see a comedy. you want strange creatures in a surreal world, see avatar. i don't think the problem is the movie, i think theres alot of people who don't enjoy good sci-fie movies going to it.
i don't see the reason they complain about the plot! its not ALL Dances with the wolves, there are some great twists in the plot! adding something new and AMAZING to the old Dances with the wolves story! he had a completely different reason for saving them other then falling in love!!! because it was his mission!!! other then that! the movie was the best movie i ever seen!!!!!!
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