Movie Review - Avatar

Synopsis

On the lush alien world of Pandora live the Na'vi, beings who appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the planet's environment is poisonous, human/Na'vi hybrids, called Avatars, must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully, a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Na'vi woman- Neytiri. As a bond with her grows, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world. He must help protect Pandora from the imminent danger of the humans who want to destroy the forests to collect a rare mineral - unobtanium. As the war grows closer, he must figure out where his allegiance lies and how to protect the ones he loves.

Cast

Humans

Sam Worthington - Jake Sully (a paraplegic former Marine who joins the Avatar program in place of his brother)

Stephen Lang - Colonel Miles Quaritch (head of mining operations who has a complete disregard for the inhabitants of Pandora)

Sigourney Weaver - Dr Grace Augustine (head of the Avatar program)

Michelle Rodriguez - Trudy Chacon (a combat pilot who helps Jake and Grace escape)

Joel David Moore - Dr Norm Spellman (a xenoanthropologist who is part of the Avatar program)

Na'vi

Zoe Saldana - Neytiri (daughter of the Omaticaya clan chief who is Jake's love interest)

CCH Pounder - Mo'at (Omaticaya's spiritual leader and Neytiri's mother)

Wes Studi - Eytukan (Omaticaya's clan leader and Neytiri's father)

Laz Alonso - Tsu'tey (Omaticaya warrior and heir to the chief)

Extra Info

Current Gross Revenue: $2.7 billion (considered one of the highest-grossing films)

Premier Date: December 10, 2009 (London, England)

Worldwide Release Date: December 16-18, 2009

Rating: PG-13

Length: 161 minutes

Director: James Cameron

Reviews & Ratings

Violence

"Characters die due to explosions, bullet wounds, arrows, falls, and asphyxiation. There are several intense scenes involving 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."

Positive Representations/Role Models

"The females (both Na'vi and human) are portrayed as strong and courageous. Neytiri, Trudy, and Grace all make choices to help the clan and are willing to die for them. The females are just as important as the male characters in this movie. Some characters make some hard choices but choose based on their moral codes. Jake opts to help the Omaticaya although it means he'll have to fight his own people."

Language

"Some colorful language and mild insults like 'stupid' and 'retard' are used during this movie."

Positive Messages

"Overall, the movie's message is that we could all stand to learn something from a peaceful, nature-loving alien population. There are 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."

Drinking, Smoking, and Drugs

"Sigourney Weaver's character, Grace, smokes cigarettes and somewhat glamorizes the activity."