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James Cameron’s mind-blowing 3D epic relies on minimum star power and maximum story power.

Avatar

What it’s about:

On the planet Pandora, humans are in conflict with the indigenous Na'vi population for access to a precious mineral, unobtanium. Jake Sully, a marine in the Avatar programme, which links his mind to the body of a Na'vi, finds his loyalty torn between the human race and his newfound tribe.

What we thought of it:

James Cameron, budget-buster extraordinaire of the Hollywood director circuit, has again been given the film industry’s most expensive toys to play with. The result is Avatar, a $400m sci-fi fantasy shot in three glorious dimensions.

While 3D specs don’t lend the movie all of its power, anyone in driving distance of a 3D cinema should make the trip and see Avatar the way it was intended. Precious few of us are used to seeing so much action popping out at us all the time, and there is a good chance the first few minutes of 3D viewing will make you naar. Eventually, you’ll get used to it.

Which is a good thing, because Avatar is a story made for the big screen. It follows the exploits of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), an Avatar pilot on the mineral-rich planet of Pandora. Jake is linked to the body of a Na'vi male via computer and can use its body as if it was his own. His mission, along with the other Avatars, is to reach a diplomatic solution to the human-Na'vi deadlock over Pandora’s minerals. Without divulging too much, we can say that Jake becomes far more involved in the Na'vi than he expected, and when the conflict inevitably escalates, his allegiance is called into question.

Like many of Cameron’s films, Avatar clocks in well over two hours but rest assured that from start to finish, it never neglects to entertain. The flora and fauna of the Pandoran jungle offer some unforgettable visuals, while the epic conflict swirling around Jake Sully as he becomes more and more embroiled in it, puts recent blockbusters like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Terminator Salvation to shame. Those with a weakness for mounted warriors charging into battle be warned, you will be bawling your eyes out when the robotic fist hits the fan.

With a minimum of star power (Sigourney Weaver and Giovanni Ribisi are less of a draw than, say, The Jonas Brothers) and a maximum of story power and eye-popping visual trickery, Avatar is both an important film for its technological achievements and an endlessly entertaining spectacle for you and your popcorn-munching friends and family.

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(Comments may be edited or deleted at the Channel24 editors’ discretion)
Camron 2/21/2010 7:35 PM
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There is always another to one thriller
osiris 2/21/2010 5:59 PM
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perfect 10 movie, subtley it represents eastern philosophy, avatar itself is a sanskrit word, beautifully representing the concept of transmigration of the soul - where a soul migrates from one body to another, communicating with the plants and animals through telepathy, the world of avatar is so beautiful that is totally enchanting....
Debbie 1/25/2010 3:50 PM
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I left the theatre dumbstruck by how amazingly beautiful and captivating it was. I was also left feeling seriously irritated because the movie once again reminded me of why humanity and earth are in the states they're in. All in all the best movie I have seen. Ever. And I don't say that often. Sure, the storyline is all too familiar but then again it closely resembles real life in how people arrogantly assume they can hurt and kill others purely because they want what they feel is theirs. It gave me a glimmer of hope as a small group outpowered could stand up out of the ashes and fight for what is theirs... Job well done Mr Cameron!
Ina 1/25/2010 12:19 PM
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I've seen it twice in 3D and then again on Imax! Fantastical! See new stuff every time, there is so much to see! Best movie I have ever seen in my life - I'm 52!!
Hemant 1/19/2010 1:43 PM
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Watched it in 2D, Thought it was great, hope to get a chance to watch it in 3D or IMAX soon, would love to experience the flying scenes in 3D.While the storyline was copied from other movies, the way it was presented had everyone gripped.
c0ld 1/18/2010 3:51 PM
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The movie is visually stunning. Like nothing you've seen before. It's a pity though that the story could not quite match up.
Pat 1/18/2010 11:52 AM
Has anyone else seen Avatar on both IMAX and 3D? I saw both versions. I say IMAX was much better. I must stress, in my opinion!
Ray 1/18/2010 11:28 AM
I watched it on IMAX, brilliant! I felt like I was riding the dragons.
Jake Scully 1/18/2010 8:04 AM
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Hi i must say i watched this movie last night it was ok an average movie.....People are just making a big hype about nothing.....I still think that 2012 was much better.....
Jorja 1/7/2010 2:27 AM
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i saw the movie last night it was the best movie i have ever see in my whole life. I loved it! I really liked the atmosphere of the movie and the animals. I wish pandora was real!
Thembi 1/6/2010 12:27 PM
I loved the movie is great and it teaches a lot I can't wait to see the 3D!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn't who didn't see this movie they should go and check it...
Shaheema 1/5/2010 3:05 PM
Ok Steve, let's not leave our manners at the door. The movie set the studio back $400m. Possibly more. Do you think the promotional budget doesn't count? 20th Century Fox would disagree. The review doesn't claim that this was the production budget alone - hence the full amount cited.
Steve 1/5/2010 2:13 PM
@Shaheema no the budget was $230m. Thats how all movies are. No one takes into account the promotion IDIOT!
Shaheema 1/5/2010 9:46 AM
@Steve: According to the studio, the full cost of Avatar is around $400 million - $230 million for production + $150 million for promotion. It all adds up!
Steve 1/5/2010 8:41 AM
$400m?? Are you drunk? It cost $230m to make. Get your facts straight.
usaamah 1/4/2010 5:43 PM
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In the newspaper Avatar got 4 stars so it's good i can't wait to see it!
Awestruck 1/4/2010 10:22 AM
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I literally sat with my mouth open the whole movie. I got 'n little "naar" in the beginning, but soon enough the action grabbed my attention and I completely forgot about it. The storie might be an old one, but so relevant and this was the best R60 I have ever spent.
Allan 1/4/2010 9:09 AM
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Found this to be the best entertainment coming to a cinema for years. I love 3D and will see anything that is filmed in 3D. Probably the best movie I have ever seen. To those that say the story line is copied, get agrip every story in the world has been re-told a million times and to the 1 fellow, my namesake - sheez you must be the saddest man on the planet if you couldn't see how wonderful this was.
Jimmy 1/4/2010 5:12 AM
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Yes, the visuals are mind-blowing in 3-D, but beware of sitting too close to the screen. If you suffer from motion sickness, as I do, you could feel more than a little queasy. And things are not helped by a storyline which is taken straight from "Dances With Wolves". It's a pity James Cameron couldn't come up with something more original, story-wise, to match the astonishing execution.
derek 1/3/2010 12:10 PM
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Saw it at IMAX last night - unbelievably fantastic - what an experience! Already booked 3D later this week!!!
kooper 1/3/2010 7:26 AM
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I'll be honest, I thought this movie was brilliant. Get in your car, get to your nearest cinema showing the movie in 3D, pay your R60 and see this movie. Go, do it now. Better yet, rather book online now in case it's fully booked. Yes, certain parts of the story has been borrowed from elsewhere (Braveheart/ Aliens/ maybe a bit of Lord of the Rings), but the sheer epicness of the effects alone make it worth while. Again, get in your car and go see it.
Sinudeity 1/2/2010 2:46 PM
District 9 and Avatar, the best and most original movies of 2009. The one cost 30 mill to make, and the other one 300 mill. Respect to both.
Theza 1/2/2010 11:48 AM
Its precisey what movies should be, sheer entertainment. Its the best to come out of Hollywood in a long time!!
Mike 1/2/2010 11:27 AM
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Excellent visuals and graphics combined with a unique storyline....a must however in 3D. Whats also significant is the spiritual message how man,animals etc, are in reality interconnected with nature.....
Keith 1/1/2010 2:34 PM
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Don't bother unless you can see it in 3D. Avatar is a stunning visual accomplishment that kept me spellbound for its duration. Without the 3D it would merely be a good Sci-Fi movie with a particularly corny story-line. I've just got to give it high-fives though. Amazing!
Roger 1/1/2010 11:07 AM
Absolutely brilliant !! Wanted it to carry on. Thank god for this movie to end all the rubbish i have seen lately coming out of Hollywood.
Alan 1/1/2010 10:14 AM
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Boring homily on just how bad the corporate military complex REALLy is, how unfeeling the corporate executives and their military dogs REALLY are and then the indiginous people are one cliche after another. They even copied the Zulu greeting "I See you" as a profound reflection of just how pure the N'Avi are. Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit. Dont waste your money.
eedgan 12/27/2009 4:50 PM
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Enthralling movie - I did not want it to end!The special effects were simply breathtaking.
Shawn 12/27/2009 10:35 AM
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Excellent production and mind blowing imagery.. The story line is fantastic and they way the characters are portrayed is realistic, I really think James Cameron may have been in for an Academy award until the movie became quite anti-war/ anti-american occupation of "Tree hugging savages", the "green" message is strong through out the story line, but over all the best movie I have seen this decade? And of course has to be seen in 3-D to get the full effect of the story. Cant wait to see James Caeron next movie, should be about 2019?
Nazeem 12/23/2009 9:35 AM
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The movie was absolutely fantastic. I unfortunately did'nt manage to see it in 3D. The very clever ster-kinekor employee who took my booking messed it up. So I had to be satisfied with 2D. But nevertheless, the movie draws you in and makes you feel part of it all. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Anton 12/23/2009 1:56 AM
Pocahontas, Dances with Wolves etc, etc. It's true, but don't let the story put anyone off. It is just a vehicle to demonstrate the most amazing visuals that has ever been put on a movie screen. Don't even bother with 2D, this has to be EXPERIENCED in 3D. This movie will change the way future movies are made! I can already see another Star Wars remake, even Lord of the Rings.
Shamiel 12/22/2009 11:20 AM
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Did anyone think that this was retelling of Pocahontas...like Pocahontas on steriods..
Johnathan 12/22/2009 10:12 AM
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The best Movie I have ever watched
Sasha 12/22/2009 9:31 AM
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Saw it last night, already considering going for the3-D version as well!
Liezel 12/22/2009 8:15 AM
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I already saw it and loved it. Will go and see the 3D version tonight...
Sarietha 12/21/2009 2:44 PM
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Loved it!
Mike 12/20/2009 11:44 PM
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Great effects, rubbish acting and story.
Will 12/18/2009 9:11 AM
Seeing it tomorrow night and looking forward to it. And boy am I glad the Jonas Brothers AREN'T in it.
Sam 12/18/2009 9:07 AM
Seeing it tonight in 3D, can't wait!!!!
shaun 12/18/2009 8:56 AM
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absolut brilliant, truely worth the money and time, mindblowing
Jane 12/18/2009 7:41 AM
CANT WAIT TO SEE IT!!
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Related Video »

Avatar
click to PLAY
Cast
Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriquez, Zoe Saldana, Giovanni Ribisi, CCH Pounder, Stephen Lang, Joel Moore, Laz Alonso
Director
James Cameron
Time
161 minutes
Genre
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Age Restric.
13 MVL
Release Date
December 18, 2009
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