OK for kids 13+
Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know this highly anticipated James Cameron sci-fi epic may be too intense (and long, at 161 minutes) for some tweens. There are several effects-heavy battle and hunting sequences that include missile-launching military aircraft, nerotoxin-laced arrows, scary Pandora-dwelling fauna and flora, and lots of explosions -- all of which has more impact when the movie is seen in 3-D. Salty wartime language includes many uses of "s--t" and comparable words. As in his previous epics, Cameron infuses the action-driven story with strong female characters and a morality tale centered in a romantic relationship -- though the human-Na'vi relationship in question gets a bit complicated, because the human is actually in his avatar. The romantic leads' chemistry is made more sensual by the barely dressed bodies of the Na'vi. (Note: Fans of the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender should know that this movie is in no way connected to that show or the movie based on it.)
- Families can talk about the movie's revolutionary special effects. Do they overwhelm or support the movie's story? How does the portrayal of the Na'vi affect the movie's emotional impact?
- What themes does Cameron consistently work into his films? Compare the strong female characters in Avatar, Terminator, and Titanic. Any similarities?
- What political messages is Cameron exploring in the movie? How are its themes relevant to what's going on in today's world? Do you think these messages will stand the test of time?
The good stuff
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Messages: Overall, the movie's message is that we could all stand to learn something from a (fictional) peaceful, nature-loving alien population. Strong environmental and pro-peace themes. Some viewers may see the message of occupying a foreign land to usurp their cultural riches as a political dig at America's involvement in the Middle East.
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Role models: Several characters make difficult but moral choices. Jake chooses to defend the Na'vi even though it's against orders to do so and means he must fight (and kill) fellow human soldiers. Neytiri, Grace, and Trudy all make personal sacrifices to help the clan; they're strong, courageous, and assertive female characters. (In both the human and Na'vi populations, female characters are just as brave and important as the males -- even the Na'vi mating ritual requires that a female accept/choose the male who chooses her.) On the flip side, the Colonel and corporate boss Parker are portrayed as bloodthirsty and greedy.
What to watch for
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Violence: Characters (supporting and extras) die due to explosions, bullet wounds, arrows (some treated with toxins), precipitous falls, and asphyxiation. There are several intense scenes involving frightening Pandoran creatures and plants, as well as tension between Jake's rogue group of pro-Na'vi humans and the rest of the humans sent to Pandora.
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Sex: Many longing looks between Jake's avatar and Neytiri, which eventually leads to kissing and "mating" (only kissing and touching are seen on screen). The Na'vi's humanoid bodies are barely dressed.
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Language: The word "s--t" is said several times (as well as its brothers, "bull s--t" and "holy s--t"). Other colorful language includes "goddamn," "piss," limp-dicked," "hell," "oh my God," "ass," and mild insults like "stupid," "ignorant," etc.
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Consumerism: No product placement in the movie, but there are dozens of tie-in merchandising deals tied to the title -- including toys and books aimed at young kids.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Sigourney Weaver's character, Grace, smokes cigarettes and somewhat glamorizes the activity.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Intervention. by Wesley2048
Exciting adventure in CG. I loved the jungle style culture and how nature and knowledge played out in a ballet of the two intertwined and merged in a spiritual syncopation. Great graphics and a nice love story. Unfortunately sex was labeled mating (animals mate) and the so called great kingdom of the Na-Vi was belittled by this reckless notion. This was an engaged woman by our standards. As a man I related more to the stronger character of the women , then to the weaker man who in my world overslept and then faints when he is needed most. Some segments of the film had opportunity for heroics which sadly never came. The ending was obvious. Avatar made sex O.K. and marriage suitable only after becoming one of them (The Na-Vi).
5
You can't miss this movie! by dwpaulk
I went to see the midnight showing of Avatar last night and I was completely blown away. The one thing that I truly loved about the movie is that it does a great job of building the storyline. Too many movies sacrifice storyline for action and this move provided both in a way that kept you engrossed. Critics are paid to criticize. The story is far from lame, I'd agree that it's nothing that hasn't been told before but not in this scope or with such breathtaking beauty that James Cameron has done. I think there are people out there that just have no sense of good taste or their imagination is so limited that they can't let themselves get swept away by something so creative. As far as hidden propaganda as one guy asked about...respecting nature is one of the few messages I have no problem with my kids hearing. Don't rate 'uh-no' if you haven't seen it. That's just nuts. Go see it!!!!!
5
Ignore the naysayers... GO! by ~Charlie
Just got home from Avatar. What an awesome film! Easily the best CG effects ever. A well written plot that really fleshes out (literally) all the characters. One of the shortest 2 1/2 hour movies I've ever been to. The film may seem to preachy about the raping of the planet but that's what the humans are doing in this film, so from that perspective the film is right on the mark.
Look, I'm a conservative guy, but anybody who whines about this film being " too political" is quite simply too jaded and probably wouldn't like Disneyland either!
Go see the film on the big screen as it was intended... you'll never get the same feeling at home on your big screen tv.
Just GO!!
~Charlie
2
Pocohontas meets Fern Gully meets Martian Blue Cat People ? by a sleeper
I lost all respect for Cameron as a director....I am an artist so I loved the special effects but it was not enough for me to forget that our military is portrayed as dumb, killers , even the quote " Shock and Awe" is used , If you have a patriotic bone in your body, you will be appalled by the climax of this film ..... NOW WE ARE KILLING MARINES ???...... I say , GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS !!!.....
If you love senseless cinema, than make it a point to invest $12 or $14 as soon as possible, to see
a cliche in every way .....
1
Dances with Aliens by wefdwefwer3
HOW much did they spend on special effects? Well, every penny shows...in the script budget--clearly there was no money left over. Never mind, no need to hire writers, the movie had already been written anyway
many times. White man hired to fight the Indians finds himself attracted to the noble savages and takes on their way of life. At first he is a bumbler but soon becomes a better Indian than any of the Indians. He wins the hand of the Indian princess and uses his superior white man ways to lead the savages in battle against the oppressors. Search and replace ?Indian? with ?Alien,? add a butt load of special effects
move over Titanic, Cameron needs more space on his Oscar shelf.
5
Avatar by Javah
It's 3:30 in the morning, I just returned from viewing this spectular movie. The 3-D experience is the best I have ever encountered. It is packed with adventure, a love story, and most important the need to preserve one's environment. It illusrates how man can destroy the one thing that substains them and that is the earth. The graphics and colors were so vivid. This truly amazing movie. One that everyone in the family should see, it is long but very enjoyable.
5
Avatar: An Allegory to the European Invasion of the New World by JayViz
Storyline - I agree with others in that the story wasn't original, as it draws themes from Pocahontas, Dances with Wolves, and Last of the Mohicans. However, what story is every original? Bottomline is that Cameron told the story of Native Americans in a futuristic tribe called the Na'Vi in 2154. I thought it was solid.
Acting- Zoe Saldana, Sigourney, and Sam Worthington were all solid. Some of the character development and lines could have been more elaborated (which is why I'm interested in seeing a director's cut in the blue ray/dvd when it comes out). However, all in all well done.
Visuals - The best damn movie I've ever seen, and I watched it in regular 35 mm film format! My goodness, you feel as if you're actually within Pandora. I gotta see this on the IMAX.
Overall - A fantastic experience from one of the best directors in our modern era. The movie flowed so well that it didn't feel as if you were there for 160 minutes. That's a sign of a very solid movie.
5
Get Over It! by tekwonder
Go ahead and get it all out of your system. Yes, the movie is long, yes James Cameron alludes to a political agenda, yes Pandora is an over the top planet with glowing trees, floating mountains and blue people..blah blah. Dig up all the negative aspects of the movie from friends and reviews then THROW THEM OUT.. WHO CARES? THIS MOVIE IS ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING AND YOU WOULD BE A FOOL TO MISS OUT. I sincerely believe it is on par with how it felt in the 60's when color film was introduced. Amazing.
Nuff said.
5
What's up with the Oh No's? by genkidesu
I am completely upset with the number of Oh No comments that have dragged down the ratings of this movie.
Regardless of your feelings about tree hugger movies. This is a "Must Go" and see movie. Yes, I often get upset myself at movies that portray man as entirely thoughtless "who cares about the environment"; "rape and pillage it and get our share". I give the movie "Fern Gully" as an example. But this is an entirely engaging film that will keep you spellbound from start to finish.
Forget about Hollywood trying to preach to you about the evils of mankind. Let yourself be immersed in the world of Pandora and believe that it truly is REAL for 2.5 hrs. You won't regret it.
5
Avatar - A Great Movie! by davkins2
I was very much impressed with the visual affects and reality of this "new world" that was created. The story lines were absolutely wonderful and the realistic, heart wrenching issues that relocated the Na'vi, forcefully, hits all too close to home for me. As a Native American, I heard stories from relatives about relocation and have seen it in other movies, but the intensity brought to the cinema for this movie, gives credit to what a race will do to save it's heritage and how people can only be human and get caught up in the struggle. I felt like I was in this new world with all of the new creatures flying around and the "bonding" that must happen. To be "One" with the world and to maintain harmony is so absolute. There are so many messages in this movie and thoughtfully told, I think kids will love this movies and teens will enjoy not only the special affects, but understanding the underlying storyline.