Wow. I can't remember the last time I was so impressed by a film. After Titanic, the critics lamented the demise of their well crafted albatross jokes. With Avatar, they'll be doing the same with their smurf jokes. Where do you start with a review of something this good?
The plot was better than I was expecting, with surprises and originality. The characterisation was excellent, you really felt for these people and wanted them to come through. But the themes within the film were the highlight for me. I have never seen such a film in harmony with nature as this one. Everything about the film seems interwoven with nature, with an intensity and passion only a pagan, or indeed a naturist, would ever set out to embrace. It leaves tree hugging at the door, and takes an intelligent and original view on the environment, with no traditional "tree-hugging", but with a genuine and honest affinity with all living things. Oh, and there's a horrifying 9/11 moment as well.
And as for the effects, you ain't seen anything like this before, ever. With not a single gimmicky "in your face" shot in the film, Cameron has brought 3D in adulthood, using it to immerse you in his environment. For the first time, the 3D is perfect, with not a blurry image or exaggerated perspective to make it seem odd. In one scene, burning embers engulf you to make you feel a part of the action, feeling very real and never gimmicky. Like all good effects, it compliments what the director wants to achieve, and is never the star itself.
I'd hate to be a director right now. The Peter Jacksons and JJ Abrahams of this world must be feeling very nervous, especially after the astounding final battle (which, I can openly admit, moved me to tears in one scene). An old master has returned to show these newcomers how its done.
See it. See it today. And see it in 3D!