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With six simple letters James Cameron has forever changed the face of the moviemaking industry. His latest epic, Avatar, melds a primarily computer-rendered fantasy world with real-life action so seamlessly that viewers come to believe the depicted parallel universe truly exists. The humanoid characters he creates appear as if they have always existed, just beyond the scope of our ever-searching telescopes. Pandora, the foreign planet on which this film takes place, provides a new definition of the word “beauty” with its majestic mountains, twisting forests, and cascading waterfalls. Among all this Cameron somehow manages to intertwine a cast of characters both endearing and lifelike, with complex emotions and identifiable situations - though with blockbusters such as Titanic and The Terminator on his record, this is not completely astonishing. The breathtaking wonder of Avatar's beautiful setting and the intricate yet intriguing plot both captivate and astonish viewers, but a few firmly pressed viewpoints chip away at some of the film's magic.

 

Cameron chooses to center Avatar around the life of a Marine named Jake Sully, who dwells sometime in the future of our world. Paralyzed from the legs down in combat, this confident and cocky young soldier longs for a chance to walk once more. A large number of Marines, meanwhile, have been hired to occupy and conquer a distant planet called Pandora, in hopes of extracting vital minerals from its surface. However, the peace-loving natives (the Na'vi  - willowy blue creatures literally and inextricably connected with their environment) who dwell on the largest deposit of this mineral resist all efforts for negotiation or relocation, frustrating the strangely bloodthirsty Marines to no end.

 

New technology allows soldiers to occupy and control the bodies of a few Na'vi, from a vegetative state, with their minds -  all in an attempt to gain their confidence and trust. Jake leaps at an opportunity to become part of this endeavor and soon finds himself running, hunting, and fraternizing with formerly suspicious natives. As the plot winds on (and, with a running time well over two hours, it certainly does wind), conflict begins to arise between the impatient Marine general, desirous only of money and bloodshed, and Jake, who begins to appreciate and sympathize with the peaceful, nature-loving Na'vi.

 

To do this film justice, one must highlight the special effects along with the plot, for they play an equally important role in Avatar. As many have said before and will certainly say in weeks and months to come, James Cameron takes computer generation to a previously unreached level of awesomeness (pardon the adjective, but this situation requires it). The beautiful planet of Pandora seems hardly animated because Cameron renders it so realistically. Down to the individually unique features of the Na'vi people, this film looks and feels as if it presents the happenings of a true story rather than portraying a world born simply in the minds of several humans. Needless to say, Cameron has created a movie that will almost certainly develop a cult following, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, for fans have been given a host of characters to analyze and emulate and an entirely new language to learn.

 

However, along with many positive elements, several negative ones have found their way into this film. Perhaps the most obvious flaw presented in Avatar is its brutal depiction of the military. Cameron chose to make his soldiers harsh, rough, and full of pure evil. Every decision they make is for their own good, their language is rarely kind or clean, and their lust for blood almost sickens viewers. As a result, almost all servicemen will disagree with their Avatar counterparts. Although some soldiers may have a few rough edges, nearly all work for the best of their nation, utilizing weapons and violence only when necessary. This glaring flaw of painting the military in a bad light penetrates many parts of the film and, while effective in providing strong antagonists, attacks the character of many an innocent soldier. Also, the scantily clad nature of the Na'vi, while not overtly inappropriate, can distract viewers and is another unnecessary part of the film.

 

Avatar earns its PG-13 rating for unfortunately frequent profanity and almost nonstop, intense action. Despite this, however, the flick still offers some messages and truths for Christians. Jake Sully, through his time with the Na'vi, learns many important lessons that apply to us as well. His intense loyalty to his cause, even in the face of disapproval, danger, and death, shows the exemplary commitment many Christians struggle to give to Christ. Clinging fast to his beliefs and never giving up hope, Jake in his own way both challenges us and gives us footsteps to follow in. Additionally, Christians can find an example in Jake's strong aversion to evil and his desire to do right, not for only for his own good but also for the good of others.

 

With its strong plot, captivating special effects, and applicable messages, Avatar has garnered four and a half out of a possible six ELVES (Evaluation of Levels of Variety and Entertainment Standards -  see previous reviews for more in-depth information on this groundbreaking new movie rating scale). This flick certainly provides an excellent viewing experience, even with its few flaws and restrictive rating. Though not necessarily a family film, Avatar will continue to delight teens and adults alike in years to come. James Cameron once more manages to deliver a delightful and spectacular blockbuster, proving that he still is, as one of his Titanic characters exuberantly put it, “the king of the (movie!) world.”

 

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