Just got back from Avatar.
I am NOT a fantasy fan by any means, but wow this movie held my attention from the beginning to closing credits. It is excellently paced.
Let's get to the big selling point first, the stereoscopic 3D. Yes, it works well, and yes, I will happily admit that I want to see this in some of the bigger action movies / sci-fi movies we're going to see in the coming years, it was very effective at immersing me inside the movie's universe, and when used correctly, as Cameron did, is able to conjure up a greater tension in action scenes, as well as beautiful wonder in these fantasy scenes. I cannot recall how many times I moved or ducked my head during the final battle, that is what I want from this new system, and that's what Cameron said he was going to deliver.
As for the CG, the performance capture works well, once inside the context of the film, you do literally forget that the Na'Vi are CG. Performances feel like they have weight, and emotion has no problem being translated. Worthington's accent wasn't as slippery as it was in Terminator Salvation, I thought he was great in the role, and yeah, Stephen Lang was sheer badass.
Cameron is still the benchmark director when it comes to directing an action scene. There is NO ONE better.
For the bad, yes, like most reviews say, it is very predictable, but if you couldn't tell where the major plot points were going to occur let alone what they were, you should check your IQ. Did I think it hurt the movie? Not really, because you're enthralled during every second as it is.
I give it an 8.5/10.
Better than Terminator? no
Better than Terminator 2? no
Better than Aliens? no
Better than True Lies? take your pick
Better than The Abyss? again take your pick
Don't want a sequel.
