Movie Insight: Avatar

Yesterday afternoon, Joe and I took some time to finish up the Christmas shopping, and then rewarded ourselves for braving the madding crowds with a nice matinee. We're both big fans of the action/special effects type movie, so we've been very excited to see AVATAR! And James Cameron's latest blockbuster does not disappoint. I should note that we did not see it in 3D, because 3D makes me nauseous, but it was amazing nonetheless.
AVATAR is the story of Jake Sully, a former marine who is offered a chance at a new life. Not a particularly conventional life, though. Jake will be joining the avatar program, controlling a humanoid body and attempting to learn about the culture of the Na'vi people on Pandora, a planet humans would like to be blowing apart and mining. Along the way, Jake will be risking his life every day, with hostile creatures around every corner.

Can you see where this is going? The story is ok, but not terribly original. Within half an hour of starting the movie, you'll be able to tell everything that's going to happen. However, it's a story that everyone likes. Guy falls in love with the culture he's supposed to be helping to destroy and risks everything to save it. Who doesn't love an underdog? AVATAR is a very pretty movie. The special effects have been beautifully used to bring a fantastical world to life. Watching this movie is like having your very best, wildest imaginings come true. Why don't *I* have blue skin and live in a phosphorescent jungle? So cool. I am also asking Santa for my very own flying dinosaur for Christmas. Thank you very much.

There are also tons of fights, action scenes and blowing up of stuff for those of us who live for that kind of thing. I'm looking at you, Joe.

So, if you like action, if you like special effects, if you like rooting for the underdog: get thee to the cinema and buy yourself a ticket to AVATAR! Pure entertainment.