Reviewed by Kate Rodger
It has been 12 years since Titanic, and director James Cameron has been tinkering away on his latest 3D epic ever since, waiting for the technology to catch up with his imagination.
Cue the genius of Weta, and we have, finally, in all its 3D glory, Avatar.
The futuristic story of a wheelchair-bound soldier who finds himself on an outer planet we greedy humans are mining for a resource worth a fortune, this story is full of environmental allegory and nicely packaged messages of love thy neighbour.
And if none of that tickles your fancy, then just know this.
I quite simply have never seen anything like this on the big screen. Ever.
Our story is set on the planet Pandora. It’s a breathtaking wonderland full to the brim with florescent flora and fauna, and weird and wonderful creatures. It’s also home to the Na’vi, a local population who are an extraordinary mix of tall blue hippy and gifted natural athlete, who mate for life, respect their environment, and are in grave danger of being added to the endangered species list, as the marauding “Sky People” strip the forest of all its resources.
Australian actor Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation) takes the lead role here, as soldier Jake Sully. He’s sent to infiltrate the locals, in the body of a special “avatar”, a little bit human, and a whole lot Na’vi. It’s an exhilarating opportunity for the paraplegic, a second life, and where he discovers his inner hero, and falls in love.
The lucky woman – or lucky Na’vi as it happens - is Neytiri. Played by Star Trek actress Zoe Saldana.
Cameron also re-unites with Ripley, casting his favourite Alien star Sigourney Weaver as Grace Augustine, a free-thinking scientist studying the Na’vi via an avatar of her own.
Avatar is a little bit The Matrix, and Dance with Wolves for a new generation. If the story lulls in parts, then just sit back and let your other senses take over for a while. You’ll forgive those moments I promise.
Avatar was over decade in the making and allegedly the most expensive movie ever made, it’s worth every single minute and every single penny.
Do it in 3D, you will feel like you visited another world and lived in another culture,
This is what the big screen was invented for, don’t miss it.
Five stars.
Avatar
:: Director: James Cameron
:: Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
:: Running Time: 165 mins
:: Rating: M - Battle Violence
:: Release Date: December 16, 2009
:: Trailer: Click here
