Avatar is an outstanding achievement in filmmaking, no two ways about it. The unrelenting hype is for once met with a final product that is everything you could expect from this kind of film and more. Director James Cameron continues to demonstrate why he is one of the greats in creating popcorn action thanks to a thrilling experience with unexpected depth and substantial political commentary. Initial fears of this looking too much like a video game are allayed once you witness the awe inducing CGI scenery and characters in all their realistic 3D glory. Predictable plot twists aside, Avatar has truly revolutionised the potential for the genre and in a world of sequels and remakes it’s comforting to see that someone in Hollywood is having an original thought.  

Fifteen years in the making and supposedly costing over 300 million dollars Avatar marks Cameron’s first foray into fiction since 1997’s incredibly successful Titanic. The film is set in a distant future where humans have all but destroyed Earth and are looking to pillage alien planets for their natural resources. This time they have decided to poke around the savage beauty of Pandora, which is a luscious and dangerous planet inhabited by the Na’vi. In an attempt to build relations with the natives, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is recruited as part of the Avatar program to remotely operate genetically-bred human-Na’vi hybrids. Through the use of this body it is hoped he will infiltrate the hostile indigenous population and gain their trust. Clearly nothing is ever that easy and Jake soon finds his loyalties tested as the threat of all out war escalates.  

The great:

There is something truly marvellous about entering the world of Avatar. Thanks to the wonder of the 3D glasses you are submerged into this strange reality that is moving and exhilarating in equal measures. Cameron has created a unique world of sheer beauty and the detail is astounding as it feels like a never ending cavalcade of native species and scenery to wonder at. The Na’vi, who are all fully CGI creations, are astonishing but in particular the character of Neytiri (Zoe Zaldana) who is of unparalleled realism even in comparison to my fondest memories of Gollum.   

The spectacle is balanced with epic battle scenes that recall the greatest confrontations from Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.  A comparison I do not make lightly. As was proven by T2, Aliens and True Lies, the man certainly knows how to stage a fight scene.  

The good:

The story itself continues the great recent resurgence of science fiction and fantasy with political and social commentary. While some seem to have interpreted it as green propaganda, the film feels more like a critical analysis of the plight of indigenous populations the world over that draws harrowing parallels to the atrocities committed on this very land. As is the trend with so many of his films, corporate greed is once again placed as the ultimate bad guy and the downfall of humanity. These are not commonly the concerns of big budget action films so Cameron is to be commended for grappling with such issues. 

The performances across the board are strong with Worthington continuing to prove a serviceable actor with substantial screen presence, despite substantial difficulty in adopting an American accent. It’s always pleasant seeing Sigourney Weaver on screen and she instantly adds credibility given her history in the genre. 

The not so good:

The film stays well within the confines of the fantasy genre so do not expect much originality in the way of plot development. Avatar relies heavily on CGI and some scenes do lack an organic feel that may serve as a constant distraction for some viewers. While a vast improvement over the unconvincing creations of Episode I the film does lack the flawed charm of other epic cinematic tales.

All up Avatar is an amazing experience that needs to be seen on the big screen in 3D with surround sound for full effect. While it may not be to everybody’s taste those with a penchant for action and fantasy are in for one hell of a ride.    

Avatar opens in cinemas on Thursday (December 17).
You can view the Avatar movie trailer here on TheVine.