Avatar, director James Cameron’s first film since Titanic, is now in theaters, and many in the industry are expecting it to draw the crowds this weekend — and perhaps break some records along the way. Reviews have been mainly positive for the film (Currently at 82% on Rotten Tomatoes), which Cameron says is a reflection of environmental destruction here on Earth. Others have likened it to a rehash of the classic themes from Dances with Wolves. That latter comparison led one let-down critic to declare that “Cameron’s signature achievement may have been to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the oldest of all Hollywood maxims: all the money in the world is no substitute for fresh ideas and a solid script.”

Still, if the “corporate bad guys vs. treehugging natives” plot may seem a bit worn, it’s the jaw-dropping visuals that others can’t stop talking about. “About 30 minutes in to the film, you realize that the marketing has undersold the movie,” writes Gizmodo’s Mark Wilson. “In an era when every great moment of a film makes its way to a trailer, Avatar surprised me with an endless amount of unparalleled optical overload. Every single shot is just so full of detail that you literally open your eyes wider to take as much in as you can before each cut.”

I’m sold. How about you? In the mood for some tall blue aliens this weekend?

Categories: Film/TV.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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