AVATAR

James Cameron’s “Avatar” is more than a mere film. After multiple years in the making and a budget of astronomical proportions, the director of “Aliens” and “Titanic” has created a uniquely exquisite visual masterpiece that transcends movie going as a spectator sport and takes the audience on what can only be described as a cinematic adventure experience.

The year is A.D. 2154, and humans are encroaching farther into the dense and dangerous jungles of a faraway land called Pandora for the purpose of extracting large deposits of a valuable mineral found there. Jake Sully, a former U.S. Marine who’s lost the use of both his legs, is to take place in an Avatar initiative that will allow for communication between the human race and the native Na’vi people that call Pandora home. Jake’s deceased twin brother was an integral part of the Avatar program, and only due to their similar genetic makeup is Jake able to control the scientifically engineered hybrid body that appears in every way a part of the local tribe, but is actually manipulated by the nervous system of their human counterparts. The conflict arises as Jake spends more time in the world of the Na’vi, and quickly realizes that he will be forced to choose between the mission he’s been sent to complete and the people that are adopting him into their very culture and family.

Without going into a plethora of hyperbole about how immense the world of Pandora is or how detailed Cameron was in his creation of the Na’vi people, I will simply say I haven’t had more fun at the movies this year. 3D Imax is the format I viewed the film in, and that’s truly how it was meant to be seen. Visuals are light years beyond what other directors are currently working with and the storytelling is kept concise and to the point without drifting off into heavy-handed detail or letting up on the adrenaline shot for a minute.

Regardless of the constant merchandising and product placement in kid-friendly establishments, the use of adult language and instances of action violence will need to be taken into consideration by Mom and Dad before heading off to the theatres this weekend. Yes, Avatar is an amazing cinematic feat, but you may want to view it first before letting the smallest members of the family unit take part.

At the end of the day, going to the movies is an escapist form of entertainment. The directors, actors and production team spend countless hours attempting to transport audiences to another world. Well congrats James Cameron, because I was given a tour of the world of Pandora and now can’t wait to return. I’m giving this my highest recommendation and encourage those that can to see this early Christmas gift, especially when wrapped in an Imax 3D bow.

Grade: A+