Ryan's Movie Review: Avatar in IMAX 3D

I realize that Devon already posted a review for this film. But here at Heybuddyreviews.com we don't mind sharing from each other's perspective. Perhaps one review might be different from the other, and some films need multiple interpretations. Of our new writers to come on board, Jason White, has also seen the film and we should expect to see his review and take on James Cameron's new film Avatar.

It has been twelve years since James Cameron's last film, Titanic, dominated the box office. Now, finally Cameron has returned with a film that he says is fifteen years in the making. In Avatar, Cameron takes us on a journey to a satellite known as Pandora, a lush and colorful place full of life, mystery, and magic. The narrative is told through the voice of Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington), a wheel chair bound ex-marine who is recruited to the Pandora exploration project because his twin brother was killed and the military needs someone with the same DNA to work the avatar that was created from the twin brother. Sully's assignment is to use the avatar to gather information about the indigenous population known as the Na'vi. He must learn from them and gain their tryst with the intent of relocating them so that the humans can refine a rare and expensive mineral from that area. Sully is successful in completing his task, but soon falls in love with the forest region and with a Na'vi girl Neytri, played by Zoe Saldana. A person could go on for hours describing the film, but than that would defeat seeing the movie.

This film is every bit of the hype that you'll hear about. The animation in this film is beyond incredible as the colors and ingenuity that has been put forth really create a complex and utopia like pallet. People have talked about the film being like a dream, and it is. In large part, most of the film is computer animated, like UP or WALL-E. However, the animation is so detailed and complex that when blended with the live action characters and set pieces, it all seems like one large live action film; except that it is not. They key to the "awe" that everyone has after seeing this film is that the animation doesn't look animated or fake. It is spectacular.

Narratively, the story is that one people most have seen before, and even ripped from the pages of our own American history; aside from the Avatar portion. Cameron uses Joseph Campbell's "Heroes Journey" like a musical template, and he plays every note. Perhaps, the only fault to the film is the lack of original narrative. However, all this is matched ten fold with the way it unravels on screen and the technology behind the film. This film has many of Cameron's signature pieces. Like his Terminator films, the story is told from a character's voice over. The helicopters and human guided robots are remintuants of the Terminator films and Aliens. There is even a part when Sully slides off the wing of a flying copter and grabs hold of the guided missile as so not to fall, which reminded me of True Lies. And like his other films, Avatar pushes the envelope of film technic and technology. Something that many people over look about film making is that it is a process that is both artistic and technical; it relies on art and technology. Cameron is a master at both, and Avatar is truly his opus.

As for the 3D and the IMAX. You could probably get away with seeing the film not in IMAX. Unlike The Dark Knight, this films does not have full picture 70mm scenes in it. Seeing it in IMAX is certainly incredible, but it is not an experience that would be missed having not seen it in IMAX. However, the 3D is an absolute must. If you have already seen the film in 2D, you honestly have only experience half of the film. This film is not a Disney ride that uses 3D for jokes and quick gimmick's. The 3D gives the film a such a depth, that it actually feels like a third dimension is present in viewing the film. With as much flying, jumping, running around, and the overall aesthetic of the film the 3D is a necessity. As James Cameron has said, "This is a movie about a voyage not just to another planet, but to anther state of perception."

This film is amazing. The colors, the story, and the world developed are truly magical. Cameron has done a wonderful job. However, when asked if I consider this film as his master piece, I still have to say, "No." I believe Terminator 2: Judgement Day, is still his masterpiece, and if you disagree than please comment below. I can't imagine this film on DVD or pay-per-view. And unfortunately, one day it will make it to those windows of exhibition. Hopefully, Blue-ray will still hold a little of the magic from the film and I hope that 3D glasses come with it. The poster for the film says, "Experience it," and the film is certainly something that is experienced and not just viewed. The hype is real, the film is amazing, and Cameron has again delivered.

Grade: A