REVIEW: AVATAR

Avatar, directed by Titanic/Terminator helmer James Cameron is visually stunning, of course. You would expect no less from a master of technology like Cameron. What is surprising is how he can digitally create an entire world and an entire race that is so enthralling and so realistic that you can completely lose yourself and forget that you are not in a real world with a real landscape. It's crazy! The human race has decided to salvage precious resources from the planet Pandora, only to find that the people there, the Na'vi, are not so trusting right away. And rightfully so. As much a commentary on war and who has the right to do what to whom, Avatar explores America's idea of what they have to right to do in the name of survival. The delicious and talented Sam Worthington is Jake Sully, an injured marine who takes over the Avatar left behind by his recently deceased twin brother, who was a scientist. It's also great to see Sigourney Weaver back in a big budget film in a role that fits her like a glove. As the tough talking, no-nonsense leader of the scientific team Grace, Weaver takes command of the screen and gives a depth and believability to the complicated explanations of the life forms and connection between the land and the people on Pandora. The motion-capture animation is breath-taking. Zoe Saldana, of Star Trek, is Neytiri, the Na'vi female, who is at the center of our story. The realism with which the creatures move is in part thanks to the motion of the actors on whom they are based. It is really hard to tell they are not living, breathing creatures. Crazy!! OH, I almost forgot. My favor tie non-lesbian lesbian, Michelle Rodriguez, is a tough-as-nails soldier with a heart of gold named Trudy. (Yes, I said Trudy). Anyway, Avatar is truly and amazing film that I will have to see again to take in everything I probably missed the first time around. It's film making and storytelling at it's finest on par with the world created for Harry Potter. Go see it today, damn you!!!