MOVIE REVIEW: AVATAR

ENGLISH - PG13 - 17 December 2009 - Action/Adventure/Science Fiction

Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Running Time: 163 minutes
Director: James Cameron
Producers: James Cameron, Jon Landau
Writer: James Cameron
Casts: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriquez, Giovanni Ribisi, Sigourney Weaver
Plot: "Avatar" is an emotional journey of redemption and revolution. The story tells of a wounded ex-marine, who thrust unwillingly into an effort to settle and exploit an exotic planet rich in bio-diversity, and eventually crosses over to lead an indigenous race in a battle for survival. Thus, combining the elements of massive spectacle and intimate character that made James Cameron's "Titanic" the highest grossing film of all time.

The Verdict

Green Tea Bern says:

It has been 12 years since we last saw James Cameron helding up his title of King of the World. 12 years ago, he redeemed himslef with that title after his "Titanic" was a mega-blockbuster, grossing the highest in the history. 12 years later, his brainchild of futuristic epic Avatar has finally come to alive. It was reported that he had wrote the script for the last 15 years but had to hold it on until a modern technology made things possible. The wait is now over.

Avatar tells the story of a US marine, Jack Sully (Sam Worthington) who is paralysed, is recruited to settle in a rich-biodiversified extra-terrestrial planet of Pandora in the year 2154. In Pandora, lives a group of indigenious tribe known as Na'vi, a ten-feet humanoid with blue complexion and live with bright light and glow in the dark environment. Jack soon embarked in an Avatar programme where a human driver will consciously control a genetically-engineered Na'vi hybrid. Although initial mission has that Jack to infiltrate the community and gained their trust, it was soon learnt that the human are planning an attack on the peaceful planet in order to collect their natural resources to solve Earth's energy crisis.

The story is a bit reminescence to the one portrayed by District 9. No more the usual superiority in technology and intelligence that has made the alien in advantage. In Avatar, human are portrayed as "alien and invader" and having the upperhand grasp on exploiting the natural resources. We are the invader! It was obvious that James Cameron is trying to incorporate the greed in humanity and environmentalism into this movie. Well, those efforts work. The ideas and themes with using these two elements had helped to create a brilliant and extraordinary film to watch.

The plot is divided in three parts - first, the narrative attempt to introduce what is Avatar. The part of introduction is catchy and self-explanatory. We see every characters start to evolve around and we are well told about their background and so. The Avatar programme is an imaginary products of modern science may head, it is not a fresh conceptual - no thanks to The Matrix, where consciousness and technology helps human to drive another vehicle body of our own. However, experiencing Cameron's uniquely designed Avatar made a different story. Those are simply exhilirating.

The second part - have Jack been sent to the Na'vi civilization, portraying an agent for human to learn the culture of the Na'vi and to gain their trusts. This part is very interesting considering because the story is no longer the essential anchorage. Instead, the movie brings you to explore and to experience yourself the amazing world of Pandora with over-the-top performance on effects and cinematographic. Watching in 3D is a bonus advantage, but do bear in mind, you will not have that much of pop-out effects though.

The final part of the plot was in fact the most intense. The war between human in machine and the Na'vi in bow and arrows, was a reminiscence of how contrast the civilization for both side. But to sum it all up, the plot is strongly presented with a great accessory sounds and visuals. The pace of the movie is balanced, compact and well-driven. Although you need to endure 163 minutes of 3D experiment, the story is very much well-received and easily approachable. However, I need to point out that the narrative attempt is the weakest part of the whole story-telling.

It is undeniable that Sam Worthington, the Aussie actor who also made Terminator Salvation and the upcoming Clash of the Titans, have did so well for the movie. He plays Jack sully, a down-to-earth, brave, loyal and full of compassion US Marine and the character develops so well but retain what is most close to his heart - to spirit to believe and have strong faith. Zoe Saldana, who plays the Na'vi princess Neytiri is strong-head and patient advocates is simply endulging. The villain role by Stephen Lang, whom in Avatar, he played Colonel Miles, is a perfect example of villain with his own greed and he managed to get the audience to really hate him. These three actors do what they best off without even submerging their performance below any standard or bar.

Visual effects are stunning and no doubt, all the money Cameron has put in for the production, possibly US$ 300 million has definitely paid in very well. There is no flaws but I can only hear people telling in excitement how they were mesmerized by the effects presentation Cameron had gave. The rich biodiversity with an immerse glow-in-the-dark beauty of Pandora are magnificent and immaginative. Certainly a two thumbs up for the technical aspect.

With award season is coming in near, the top world critics have already showered the film with praises and great review. Oscar nominations seem possible and a definite instead. No doubt the King of the World has step up to another level. Perhaps with this Pandora adventure, he will be now known as the King of the Universe. What do I think? Could Avatar became the best movie of the year? Yes, it is a definite one.

THE RATING...

STORY - 4.5 stars

CASTS - 5.0 stars

CINEMATOGRAPHY - 5.0 stars

EFFECTS - 5.0 stars

OVERALL - 5.0 stars

Green-Tea-O-Meter: 19.2