- Avatar Movie Teaser Poster - Photo by 20th Century Fox
Avatar is definitely a movie that must be seen several times to fully enjoy. Luckily, that isn’t a problem with such an enjoyable story, even though it’s over two and a half hours in length. At first glance many skeptics insist that without the 3D element, there isn’t an original plot to keep viewers’ interest, but that is merely a misguided opinion. Having only seen Avatar in 2D, this reviewer can unequivocally state that it is a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging adventure. Watching the movie in Blu-Ray is a must though, since some of the 3D elements seem to jump off the screen. The colors are vibrant and beautiful, and it’s very hard to distinguish what is real and what is CGI.
If there can be any flaw in the movie, it would have to be the casting of Sam Worthington as the lead character, Jake Sully. There is nothing even slightly charismatic about the actor or his acting. Luckily, most of the movie is shown with his Avatar, who lights up the screen, and that can be more attributed to the CGI than the actor he looks like. When he smiles, the viewer can’t help but smile right along with him. The same goes for Neytiri and Grace, portrayed by Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver respectively. The Na’vi are immediately a very likeable species, and viewers can’t help but hope they triumph over the humans, which of course they do.
Humans are Like Children Next to Pandora's Na'vi
One of the most profound moments of the movie is when Neytiri saves Jake’s human body, and she cradles him in her arms like he was a child. This scene is so incredible because Neytiri doesn’t exist outside a computer, but there she is holding a real life human. The wonders of CGI are breathtaking. Considering that she is about four feet taller than Jake, she appears massive. This is a strange comparison, since she looks so small and delicate while standing beside Jake’s Avatar.
The Avatars are a human/Na’vi hybrid, so there are subtle differences between them and the full-blooded Na’vi. The most notable difference is they have five fingers, where as the Na’vi have only four. This could help explain why the Na’vi can identify them as being alien, who they call dream walkers, since they have no problem shooting them on sight. Jake’s avatar almost dies at Neytiri’s hand until she has second thoughts and decides to help him instead.
Unoriginal Moments Can Still be Considered Original
There are of course a few unoriginal aspects of Avatar, but they cannot take away from the movie’s splendor. When a bulldozer comes through the forest, tearing up trees and forcing Jake to attack, it seems like a scene straight out of Ferngully. Though considering there are plenty of endangered forests on our own planet, it doesn’t really necessitate the need to be original. The drama of Neytiri attempting to wake the sleeping avatar is more than enough to fuel the action.
The original aspects far outnumber the unoriginal. The most interesting concept of the Na’vi is that tendrils from their brains grow outside their bodies and can be linked to other Na’vi, animals and even trees. This connection unites the two beings so they can share feelings and thoughts. These tendrils grow from the back of their heads and reach below their buttocks. To help protect them, their hair is braided around the fibers, which extend when they are needed.
Imagine Sharing Thoughts and Feelings During Intimacy
Some initially might wonder how they can cut their hair. The answer is simple; they cut only the hair that is not within the braid. Naytiri’s hair is to her shoulders, except for her braid. Jake, of course, has the same braid covered tendrils, and he learns to use them with the Pandoran direhorses and banshees.
Though the scene was removed from the movie, he also links his tendrils with Neytiri’s during their one sexual encounter. One can only imagine how that would intensify those strong feelings. The missing scene (along with 8 minutes of additional footage) will will be restored in the Special Edition of Avatar, which will be released to theaters on August 27th, 2010. The DVD/Blu-ray was released in November, 2010, and it also includes a Director's Cut with even more added scenes.
Love Conquers All, Even on Pandora
The unfolding love story of Neytiri and Jake is what helps make the movie a success. His love for her and the Na’vi helps him save them all. This movie has it all: love, action, adventure, science fiction, drama, stunning special effects and lush scenery. Avatar is definitely a must see and a great addition to anyone's DVD and/or Blu-Ray library.
- Twentieth Century Fox
- 5 Stars
- 162 minutes, SE 171 minutes, DC 178 minutes
- PG-13
Judith Lee - Judith has been a writer for over two decades. She is also a blogger and book/movie reviewer.
