H. T. Davey Reviews

Review by H. T. Davey

Avatar (2009)

★★★★

Director: James Cameron

Avatar is more than just an epic science fiction movie. It is a spellbinding beautiful piece of cinematic creation. This story was developed and created by James Cameron using stunning visionary motion capture technology and animations from a story Cameron wrote himself.

The story, which is set in the year 2154, follows a team of scientists gaining insight from a distant world called Pandora where they aim to understand more about the Na’vi indigenous species of the planet. However, the longer they stay there, the more develops a mining cooperation’s plan to steal Pandora’s land, to dig it up and mine the highly expensive and rich materials found beneath Pandora. As the humans begin their plan, so does the Na’vi people’s quest to protect their lives, home, and culture. Avatar plays a very deep narrative while also exploring a beautiful world with uniquely made creatures, land, and characters.

The motion capture technology and visual effects is visibly a huge strength in this film, winning three Academy Awards in art direction, visual effects and cinemaphotography. Film reviewer Roger Ebert once referred to this movie as “the greatest movie ever created” and upon viewing one can understand why. The visuals and scenery created is exceptional to view with every small shade being picture-perfect, even a slither of grass visually speaking, is flawless.

This movie is beautiful. However, it is not a perfect film when we take the script into account. At times, the script has poorly written lines at very dramatic moments. Some themes in this movie can be uncomfortable to watch, as genocide is heavily explored in this movie, quite brutally. From a visual and critical standpoint, this movie is a well done and praised piece of cinema.

Avatar is a visually magnificent movie which has become one of the world highest grossing pictures of all time. With the new Avatar: The Way of Water movie coming out in December of 2022, we will have the opportunity to see more of this splendid movie and narrative.