James Cameron’s Avatar
I just saw the best movie of 2009.
Plot Summary for “Avatar”: When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge’s intentions of driving off the native humanoid “Na’vi” in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na’vi people with the use of an “avatar” identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand – and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. Written by The Massie Twins
When I first heard that James Cameron was going to direct Avatar I thought to myself, “Great just what we need a live action version of an anime.” When I saw the teaser trailer in April I was glad it wasn’t what I thought. The trailer showed what looked like a good Science Fiction Movie. After going to a 1:30 AM showing of the movie The trailer did not do the movie justice.
What James Cameron has created is a throwback to what Science Fiction was in the beginning, in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature. This story is not only believable, but also beautifully shot. The opening shot a panorama of a lush green jungle sets you in the world of Pandora. What could have turned into a story preaching about the evils of deforestation and racial genocide, turned into a story of love and one man’s journey to find himself.
James Horner’s music just added to the whole feel of the film. He not only had the huge orchestrations and themes of an epic movie but also included the rhythmic chanting of an ancient tribe.
Stan Winston’s creatures were the best ever designed. My favorites have to be the Leonopteryx , a the king predator of the sky, striped scarlet, yellow and black, with an 80-foot wingspan and the Titanothere, the ferocious Hammerheaded rhinoceros-like herbivore with a bad attitude and a head like a sledgehammer. The effects were so wonderfully done that it wasn’t like it was created but someone truly visited Pandora and brought back notes.
The acting was superb.
- Sam Worthington — Jake Sully
- Zoe Saldana — Neytiri
- Sigourney Weaver — Dr. Grace Augustine
- Stephen Lang — Colonel Miles Quaritch
- Michelle Rodriguez — Trudy Chacon
- Giovanni Ribisi — Parker Selfridge
- Joel David Moore — Norm Spellman
- CCH Pounder — Moat
- Wes Studi — Eytukan
- Laz Alonso — Tsu’tey
- Dileep Rao — Dr. Max Patel
In closing the best way to see this movie is in 3D and in the IMAX format if possible. I give this move 5 phantoms out of 5.
