Avatar. The Movie, The Myth, The Legend.

Okay, so the first time I saw the preview for this movie I was like "What the hell.....". Then, when I started to have all of the media attention this thing was getting (and is still getting) pumped into my head, I basically told myself that I wasn't going to go see it, ever. Why? Because to me this movie represented everything that is wrong: enormous budget, complete dependence on computer-generated imagery, wall to wall action, media exposure to the point that you'd think James Cameron carries the networks in his pocket. This was not my kind of movie. Then, it was released, and everyone went to see it, of course. And everyone I knew, who saw it, obviously said things like "Dude, Avatar was sick! You have to see it man!", so what am I supposed to do. During this time, I warmed to the idea of seeing the movie somewhat, as more and more reviews came back positive, and more and more people recommended it. When the opportunity presented itself to go, I took it, but to the next level. I thought to myself, well if I'm going to see Avatar, this motion picture event, this pop-culture phenomenon, I might as well go the whole nine yards, so I went for the IMAX 3D. If I see the movie in its apparent ultimate form, and I still don't like it, then well at least I gave it the benefit of the doubt. I liked it. In fact I really liked it. Yes, the budget was enormous, but well spent. The action was wall to wall, but it was in context, and the story was well developed, if not a bit predictable in the early goings. In short it was a crazy smash-hit action blow out, but if your going to do one, then this is how its done right. Cameron gets the credit. The CGI, well its frankly never looked so good. I would not go so far as to say that the nine foot blue woman was sexy, as some have, but she wasn't repulsive. As for the blatantly liberal undertones, well, that's hollywood. I mean, you can't argue with the immorality of the humans on this one, but its not as if this is based on a true story. The impression I am left with after seeing the film is: It is truly an event, and if you haven't seen it, then I'm sorry, but your just not in the loop. You're an outsider. Don't wait for it to come out on DVD, see it now, in IMAX 3D, while you still have the chance. Don't worry about the money, its worth it. Now, was this as big as Titanic? I think not. Not without Celine Dion, and Leo, and "I'm king of the world!!!!". But as far as impact goes, its close. And time well spent. I give it 3 and 1/2 stars, and it might make my top 40. Maybe.