Avatar

Yes, I realise I'm about a few months behind most of the population of the planet in seeing Avatar but I finally finally have.

Basic story if you too haven't seen it: Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a disabled ex-Marine, replaces his dead brother on the Avatar scheme on a planet called Pandora. Essentially, certain scientists take the form of natives of the planet in order to explore it. The scientists are lead by Dr Grace Augustine (wonderful name, played by the wonderful Sigourney Weaver) and Sully is joined on the ground by the trained Norm Spellman (Joel Moore) and in the air by the pilot Trudy Chacon (Michelle Rodriguez). However, whilst the scientists are wanting to explore, the army-under the control of Colonel Quaritch (Steven Lang)-are working for a company (managed by the weedy Parker [Giovanni Ribisi]) who are after resources from the planet of Pandora. Sully agrees to help them, but once on the ground falls in love with the planet, the beliefs and the people-especially Neytiri (Zoe Saldana).

James Cameron seems to be making a huge point about people destorying cultures-especially references in my view the Native Americans, the people of Pandora even make similar cries. However, in all honesty, the message of the film plays second fiddle to the incredible effects. I saw it in 3D and the immersive impact of the experience was wonderful, you almost felt like you were in the film.

The graphics also take away from some fine performances, especially by Weaver and Saldana, but also allows for some not so great performances-although the character is probably meant to be so, Lang just seemed to be playing stereotypical navy man. Even Ribisi got more out of his character, and he was only in a few scenes. Speical mention also goes to Laz Alonso as Tsu'tey the usurped (kind of) tribe leader and Neytiri's intended match.

Avatar is favourite to win the Academy Award & BAFTA for Best Film. Whilst it didn't really feel like an Oscar winner to the likes of There Will Be Blood or No Country for Old Men (I've seen neither but they strike me as 'best film' contenders) it may just be a nod to the stunning work that must have gone into make it.