AVATAR (2009) **1/2 What an incredible, ambivalent achievement: getting American audiences to applaud ecstatically as the American military is defeated on yet another misguided corporate errand: James Cameron couches his disgust at the Iraq War in the same language that was used to sell it, sprinkled in a tale of extraterrestrials sitting on top of valuable natural resources. Technically it's a layered and seamless masterpiece, but that's not really something to get me all that excited-I personally prefer the effects in The Thief of Bagdad (1940) and they were probably as impressive for the time. As far as a narrative, I like what James Cameron does but for me it's essentially an inferior (though with better one-liners) re-write of Ferngully . Lots of indigenous Indian stuff, some fantasy sci-fi, a rodeo thrown in for good measure, etc. There is, unquestionably, greatness in the film and it is in the person of Stephen Lang: his portrayal of the military as courageous, arrogant, macho, intelligent, and totally disinterested to the point of myopia that it's been bought and paid for by corporations is absolutely brilliant. He's where the Oscar nomination belonged. Michelle Rodriguez benefits from some of Cameron's wittiest-and perfectly placed-lines, and brings 'em to life, making them even greater than they are. So it's a good, well done film with a big message, and then Cameron busts out the big, big, big, inevitable battle scene. It follows suit: immense, very well done but not great like The Chronicles of Narnia , but chock full o' good lines, and entertaining to the point where any inadequacies are forgiven, and applause is the only appropriate response.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything