Rating
5.0

Since becoming the Lumberjack film critic in January 2007, I have made it a point to review what I expect to be the top movie at the box office. Since the start of this semester, however, I have been avoiding a review of James Cameron’s Avatar because I figured it would be old news by this point. But the clamoring of readers, the insisting of my editors and the fact that Avatar was — after seven weeks in theaters — still No. 1 at the box office made it necessary for me to write a review of the flick.

But what can I say about Avatar that hasn’t been said by every other film critic? The plot is no more complex than Pocahontas meets FernGully, yet it has still managed to emotionally resonate with moviegoers around the world. More importantly, the film is a visual delight, entertaining the most special-effects-resistant moviegoers.

Simply put: Avatar is the best movie of 2009.

(AP Photo/20th Century Fox)

You, the reader, may not think Avatar deserves that distinction. If you fall into that camp, you have to at least admit it is the most important film of the year for three factors:

1) The Visuals: Everyone who sees Avatar can’t deny it’s a good-looking film. If you hate the entire movie, you can’t help but admire its popcorn virtues. It was designed — and should be seen — in 3D, but there are enough details to warrant a 2D viewing, if for no other reason but to admire the expertise of the CGI. When the humans and the aliens finally appear on screen together, the pairing of the real and the created is practically seamless.

2) The Controversy: I already said Avatar’s plot was no more complex than two fairly simple animated films; still, this story has managed to rile up the Catholic Church, religious objectors, feminists, anti-smoking activists, environmentalists (on any side), racial commentators, pro- and anti-military advocates, and the Chinese government.

I say it’s easy to find controversy when you’re looking, but whatever the case may be, you can bet Avatar (and any potential sequels) will be an important part of popular culture for years to come.

3) The Return of James Cameron: After becoming the “King of the World” with Titanic, Cameron decided to step away from mainstream filmmaking. While there were highlights in his absence, most mega-budget filmmaking was bland, raining lots of fire and brimstone that hit the audience with an emotional thud. It was up to Grandpappy Cameron to put his boots back on and show his boys (Lil’ Emmerich and Mikey Bay) how it’s done.

Was he successful? The proof, of course, is in the critical and commercial pudding.

Avatar may actually represent all of the reasons people love movies. Great films tell human stories, allowing us to laugh and cry, to experience the lives of others, or to simply escape the monotony of our own. They challenge, provoking debate and making us consider beliefs we’ve never previously regarded. They astonish, showing viewers worlds they’ve never dreamt and sights they’ve never seen.

More completely, great films entertain us. I can make a million different cases for why Avatar is a great film, but the masses watching and rewatching the movie are evidence enough.

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