James Cameron's Avatar

Would you like to know one of the first things my dad said to me after he, my mom and I had returned from James Cameron's Avatar?

"Are you going to post this on Tomato Sauce?" Real smooth, dad. A little bit saucy.

So, since I'm apparently obligated to post about it on "Tomato Sauce", here's my thoughts about James Cameron's new sci-fi magnum opus, Avatar.

This is one of those movies that fall under the category I like to call Twinkies. They're horrible for you, with no value for nourishment, and probably don't have a single iota in them that came from nature. However, you eat them anyway by the bucketfull because they're just that good. The Matrix, Transformers, Iron Man, both Hulk films, and Die Hard are also Twinkies.

It's no secret that Avatar, a tale about a paraplegic granted a second life in a sythetic alien body in order to be a military dog and infiltrate a tribe of blue-skinned aliens called the Navi, has great special effects. Let me tell you, when people say that this is the future of modern CGI and animation, that's no hyperbole. This is one of those films that you NEED to see in the theatre, if you plan to at all, and in IMAX 3D at that. The stunning level of immersion that binds you to the Navi's world is nigh-impossible to break free from, thanks to the amazing visuals. There were times when I literally forgot I was in a theatre, and was jerked back when people sneezed. The best fiction takes you to a world so fantastic that you can barely remember the one you're really in. This is one of those times.

PROJECT PEBBLESTORM. 1/1/10

Hey, shameless Hype-O-Matic, get out of my review!

As I was saying, the effects are amazing. And you know what? The plot's actually passable, and has some tearjerker moments. You can tell James Cameron really put his heart and soul into the Navi's world. He cares about what he's created, as does everyone else involved, particularly Sigourney Weaver, who plays a snide government scientist. This was as much her story as it was the main guy's, and it's because of her stellar acting.

Overall, Avatar is a must-see film, despite minor shortcoming. I give it an 8/10.

PROJECT PEEBLESTORM!

Also, Looney Tunes are due to lose their CN slot starting in January. There's something you can do, however. There's going to be a New Year's Day :LT marathon, and maybe if that performs well, Bugs can return home for good.

Tomato