Avatar 3-D

L, my brother and I had planned on watching the 3-D IMAX version, but everything sold out except the 1:15am show. Considering the length of the film, we decided to go for the 12:45 show instead.

Going into the theatre, I did not know the plot nor understood the buzz around the movie. Luis tried to explain that it showcased some new 3-D technology, but I know Edwards has been showing 3-D movies, including Up, for quite some time now. So what's the big deal?

During the movie, I shivered the whole time, either from anticipation, the awe-inspiring graphics, or the cold, I can't tell. I admit that the movie was exciting. However, on an intellectual level, the plot was just another rehash of the Pocahontas story, Disney style, replete with the Na'vi dressed in typical styles of "savages" and the huge technology imbalance along with all the right people dying at all the predictably right times.

The 3-D technology, while less nausea-inducing than Honey I Shrunk the Kids, was, practically-speaking, unnecessary to the overall story-telling. The only two places where it enhanced my movie watching experience were the control panels on ships where I instantly understood just how cool and futuristic they were, à la Vanilla Sky, or the main character walking through a field of falling ash where it made me feel like a part of his experience. Otherwise, the awesome graphics would have had the same effect on me had it been in 2-D.

On the plus side however, I applaud the imagination that went into creating Pandora. The truly beautiful and magical night visuals invoked a sense of child-like wonder and awe. As for the story and message, didn't the indigenous people and their nature-worshipping religion win? On 3-D technology, perhaps James Cameron or others will use it more fully to help the story telling as it develops.