AVATAR

(G)            Although this 3D epic, (written, directed, produced) by James Cameron opened a few days earlier than the Christmas Day release of several other blockbusters, lines were still long and tickets sold-out for many showings when I viewed AVATAR last evening. It used to be that my family went to the movies or to amusement parks on Christmas or other holidays because that was the best time to be entertained without having to stand in these annoying lines, but that is no longer the case. Anyway, I’ll try not to let my annoyance cloud my judgment on this one.

            Yes, it is largely animated but is not really a children’s film (although it received a PG-13 rating). For me, the draw was largely in the 3D animation. I have not really ever seen an entire movie wearing those funny glasses, until now. I remember, in the past abandoning those glasses because the number of scenes that were in this new technology were few and didn’t require wearing the goggles for the entire film.  That is not the case here. AVATAR was  made to be viewed in 3D.   In fact, much of the technology was literally created for this film and I kept wondering as I went along, “If I wasn’t wearing 3D glasses, would the film have kept my interest?”  I don’t know.

            There is a basic Cowboys and Indians theme to AVATAR.  Earthlings (represented by Americans, and especially U.S. Marines) populate an alien planet in search of the usual, natural resources that we find irresistible. In this case, there is some sort of rock (I was never quite sure of its function or value) that the American engineers, scientists and military all want to try and exploit and are willing to label a whole race as “inferior” and “primitive” to get the stuff. Sound familiar?  The twist is that a marine, Jake Sully (a name reminiscent of the Northwest Airlines pilot-hero) gets caught up in the culture that he originally agrees to try and destroy. This is a kind of intergalactic Little Big Man or Man Called Horse. Jake also has a somewhat complicated motivation since he is wheelchair bound paraplegic who is replacing his recently deceased brother in the project. Jake’s motivation is that he wants new legs and is promised them IF he goes along with the plan.

            I felt a little uneasy to see the whole audience rooting against the U.S. marines at certain points, but in the end there was an interesting message. One must also appreciate the creation of an entire world, including language and all flora and fauna, much the way we have seen in the past with both Star Trek, Star Wars and other Native American films where we learn about subtle differences and similarities of people and beliefs through language. I would have to give this one four binoculars.

(B) I did not see this film mainly because I have a vision problem that doesn’t allow me to appreciate 3D (I only see well our of one eye). But, after hearing Gordon’s report, I think I may see the movie, either without 3D enhancement (whenever that takes place) or in the IMAX experience, with digital 3D goggles. I’m not sure that it will make a difference. In my case, maybe we’ll see and maybe we won’t.