Avatar

Release Year: 2009

Director: James Cameron

Review: A film that can only adequately be described as memorizing.  'Avatar' took its hits leading up to its release.  I was not enticed by the gimmicky, awkward looking blue aliens featured in the trailer.  I was all set to declare it a massive failure by director James Cameron.  A major blunder, by one of the greatest.  There was all the hype in the world leading up to its release, and I was expecting it to fall completely flat.  I was wrong.  Never doubt James Cameron.  This is more than a movie, it's an experience, and one that needs to be witnessed in all of its glory, in 3D, and in the theaters.

 I'll admit that the story is the weakest part of the film.  The corny dialog and, at times, weak plot points never get in the way however.  It's about spectacle.   It's about completely immersing the audience in this vivid world, and it works on every level.  Drawing you in, and connecting not only visually, but emotionally, propelling the story on a level that doesn't rely on witty lines and clever twists.  At some point you forget that what you are watching is CG, and start caring about these ridiculous blue aliens, which suddenly aren't so ridiculous.   When a tree is cut down, you feel it.  When a creature dies you mourn it.  This is powerful cinema.  It is why this film is "game changing".  To pull off the visuals so well, that you can get past the technology and focus solely on the environment is a huge step for film.  At no point does 'Avatar' get boring.  I left the theater with a giddy feeling, having just had a fantastic time at the theater.  Its not the best film of the year, but it might be the most entertaining, if for no other reason than it is a visual feast that will leave your mouth agape from the first scene until the last.  This movie is the reason you go to theaters, and that means something.
Rating: 4.5/5

Award Consideration:  'Avatar' is a blockbuster if there ever was one, but its one that is also garnering some award buzz unlike most of its contemporaries.  The major category that it is in contention for best picture  Most of the movies I will view will most likely at least have an outside chance at grabbing a nomination since the field has been expanded to 10 films.  'Avatar' is the prime reason why this was done.  More mainstream films are going to be recognized and it is going to be interesting to see how they fare in the new award format.

There is no question that 'Avatar' is milestone in cinema.  Its impact will be felt in the filmmaking process for years to come.  Does this justify the award for best picture however?  I'm going to say no.  I certainly would support its nomination, as an aknowledgment, but when it comes down to it, its not the best film of the year.  It's a lot of fun, and certainly entertaining, but if a film is going to be singled out as the "best" it needs to have more.  The bottom line is, just watching this on DVD it may still be a half way decent film, but its not nearly the best.

Where it should win is in the technical categories.  The technological advancements that went into making this film are astounding, and it has earned each one that it will win.  Unquestionably.

There is also some minor talk about a possible nomination for Zoe Saldana as best supporting actress.  This is interesting since her character is entirely CG.  It would definitely be a first for the academy and a sign of changes the film is bringing to the table.  After watching the performance, I wouldn't think its undeserved.  The technology definitely makes CG acting a plausable contender.  She is convincing, and is responsible for delivering much of the emotional impact of the film.  given a weak field, she just might make it in, and it would be interesting to see how that pans out.