Tuesday the 29th of December my friends and I went to the IMAX theatre in Cathedral City to see Avatar. The film was sold out for the 12:15 showing; it was in a 3-d format, so the 3-d glasses were used. Avatar is something that goes beyond verbal or written explanations. The film is supposed to make the movie-goer experience something that has not been attempted. I must say I am hooked. Mr. Cameron is a genius. The film is visually beautiful; I love the color blue and Avatar's blue hues are cinematically gorgeous.
The story hits a little too close to home. For once, the bad guys are humans from the good old USA, trying to take a planet from its indigenous inhabitants. Sound familiar? As my friend Jon noted that it could have been in the wild west, the Warsaw Ghetto, ancient Britain. To fight for one's homeland; to protect one's environment. Some scenes made me think of what we are doing to the Amazon Rainforest.
The actors bring this story to life and must have been Mr. Cameron's dream cast for this ambitious film. Sam Worthington, as James Sully, is fantastic. Zoe Saldana as the female Na'vi who guides Sully in this strange world is a joy to behold, somewhat unrecognizable in her Na'vi guise. Sigourney Weaver as a scientist who is sympathetic to the plight of the Na'vi, is wonderful. A versatile actress indeed. The music by James Horner, at times was reminiscent of Titanic, but nonetheless added that magic touch to the scenes. And a few tears were shed. It was emotionally cathartic.
I must say it is a refreshing change to see an "alien invasion" film where this time WE are the aliens...with the same intents as the aliens in other classic invasion films have.
Go and see this wonderful cinematic epic. Relish it the first time and then enjoy it a second and third time.
