This weekend we took the older two kids to see Avatar.
We drove half an hour or so to the only true IMAX 3D theater in the area to see it and I feel that it was worth all the effort to see it. Sure we had to get our tickets on Tuesday to see it on Sunday and buy them over the Internet (and pay the stupid Fandango service fee… heck that’s worse than the old Ticketmaster fees.)
First of all, we had to wear the same kind of 3D glasses you have to at Disney World for their 3D shows. They aren’t bad but I was left with a red mark on the bridge of my nose. My oldest, who just had to start wearing glasses for near-sightedness full time, had some issues with getting a bit queasy. But my daughter, who is notorious for getting motion sickness was unaffected.
I hate writing reviews because I am too afraid of ruining the movie for those who have not seen it so here is the summary from IMDB: “When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge’s intentions of driving off the native humanoid “Na’vi” in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na’vi people with the use of an “avatar” identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand – and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. > Written by The Massie Twins“<
Ok, with that said… yes, it is a pretty simple story line. The best way I could come to describe it is that its Fern Gully meets Dances with Wolves. I mean, come on people, this is a James Cameron movie, not Shakespeare.
This is a visually STUNNING movie! One of the local morning DJ’s described it basically as a basic story line to let you enjoy the visuals. After hearing that, I knew exactly what I was expecting and was not disappointed. Sure many/most of the plot points were predictable but I didn’t care because the IMAX 3-D got me as close I could be to being in the movie to make up for it.
I for one is someone who can throw themselves into the story and let the less than major plot holes fall to the way side. If you can do that, then this is a movie for you. I enjoyed getting transported away from the real world for a few hours (yes hours – run time is a whopping 162 minutes). Hubby also enjoyed it but also acknowledged that this was not a unique story but a cool way of telling a story.
As a mother, bringing her kids to see this, first of all the movie is rated PG-13. There are graphic battle sequences but no major amounts of blood or gore at all. There is one, um…. mating scene but its more kissing than anything. (Top Gun’s major love scene was worse.) There is some nudity but its GC nudity and appropriate since they are the locals and not in need of real clothing, just the “important” parts. We did not bring our 4 year old but our 9 and 3/4 year old was fine with it, battle scenes and all.
I’m glad I went to see it and it was a nice outing with my kiddies. I am looking forward to getting this on Blue Ray when it comes out.
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