"Avatar" and critics

Hundreds if not thousands reviews, opinions and comments have been written about James Cameron's "Avatar". The movie is widely commended particularly for its stunning technical and visual achievements. Just after few weeks after its release "Avatar" has become the most profitable film in movie history, overtaking 'Titanic'. On Rotten Tomatoes "Avatar" has gained very positive reviews (over 80%) => LINK 

However, there is a minority of those who do not like the movie. Some of them coined a new term for ardent Avatar's fans: 'avatards'. However, among harsh critics and opponents are not just perpetually dissatisfied naysayers which can be found on some online forums. There are some more prominent critics who criticised the film as controversial. But then the truth has to be told: it rarely happen a Hollywood blockbuster able to elicit deep emotions and provoke global responses all over the world. Opinions about "Avatar" were presented not only by critics and press but also by Evo Morales, Bolivian president who liked the movie and by Vatican (Vatican's media - Vatican Radio and newspaper l'Osservatore Romano were critical saying e.g. the flick glorifies worshipping nature). Conservative America has been very negative about the movie. Some additional flavour comes with the news that James Cameron; director of both "Avatar" and "Titanic" and allegedly a member of the Masonic lodge took an advantage from utilizing some secret mind-influencing techniques - at least according to proponents of conspiracy theories => LINK. Then still "Avatar" seems to be unaffected by its critics and opponents. The good word of mouth is spreading and many viewers choose to watch the film twice or even more times - especially in 3D. Controversies and discussions just make more people curious.

While viewers vote with their feet, critics point out the similarity to "Pocahontas" and many other movies and books. 'Have you heard James Cameron wants to make "Avatar 2"? He just has to wait for Kevin Costner and his "Dances with Wolves 2" '- reads one of the jokes. Therefore, is that meaning "Avatar" is unoriginal and predictable? And more importantly - is that really bad?

I do not think the use of narrative schemes and archetypes testifies against the movie. In fact, the truth is quite opposite which allows viewers to identify themselves with the characters and themes of the movie. "Avatar" may be not too original in terms of the plot but is originally, beautifully and breathtakingly made. Similarly, opera or theatre goers rarely expect original plot. Besides, it would be really difficult to point out any 'original' movie or book since the repeated themes exist since the first myths had been created. Successful movies in terms of popularity require something people can be related to and something people want to watch. And here "Avatar" delivers.

The further allegation is the characters are 'not deep enough' and their lines are shallow. Well, this is an epic, adventure and action sf flick, not a psychological drama. Would you expect sophisticated language from 'marines'? Its true Avatar’s dialogs serve the main story and some of them are superb. Many side issues are left unexplored, some threads were cut out - but come on, the movie is already 2 hours and 40 minutes long. => LINK

Some people do not like films with messages. As far as I understand, they would prefer 'pure' entertainment and no 'preaching'. "Avatar" is not preachy. It has been hailed as an anti-war, anti-militaristic, anti-capitalistic, anti-American, liberal, green, neopagan, pantheistic, glorifying nature rather than the creator (yes, that's from Vatican) etc. I agree it contains messages which go along well with the screenplay but is far away from 'preaching'.

Some people do not like references to contemporary "war on terror" others say "Avatar" is a racist film with the 'white man's guilt' theme. Reservations for the film had even feminists - in the end why the protagonist is a man? And why always he is the one who saves the day? (Well, to tell the truth not always) It appears people are able to notice in this allegedly simplistic and trivial story so much. For me it is a proof of genius. Moreover, the director (who is Canadian) managed to convince his American audience to Na'vi - non-human inhabitants of Pandora so well up to the point they sympathise with "traitors to the human race ' and blue natives killing 'marines' on the screen.

It cannot be denied the film carries its political, social, humanistic, spiritual, and other messages but they fit very smoothly with the whole plot and action. "Avatar" is a powerful, bold, epic and humanistic masterpiece, the unforgettable experience which simply is a 'must-see' in the cinema - the IMAX or 3D.

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