Avatar

I know I'm a bit behind the times, but I finally saw Avatar this week.
Not to say that it wasn't good or that there wasn't an important message buried (or rather, smacking you right in the face) in there, but I had some questions. For instance- WTF?
Well done with the special effects. Everything was gorgeous. Great. Brilliant.
But, for originality, way to fail. That was like the hippie bastard child of Dances with Wolves and Apocalypse Now. They even got a Ride of the Valkyries reference in there. Not sure how many ways there are to say predictable, but that movie was an ode to cliche plot lines.
Also, frankly, blaming everything on the US military was unfair. First he establishes an amorphous corporation, but he ignores them entirely and focuses on the Colonel. Everyone is referred to by military ranks, even though they are supposedly retired, and is wearing camouflage gear. Just for the sake of not beating up on people fighting for freedom and their lives in the real world, it might have been nice for Cameron to show someone somewhere in a suit making a decision.
Nevertheless, I like the movie. It did run a little long but not excessively so. Apocalypse Now definitely felt longer (read: it never freaking seemed to end), so if you want the short remake, here it is. Titanic fans, this one is right up your alley (and if you cried for Jack: one, you should be ashamed of yourself; two, you'll probably cry for Jake). If you are into language, anthropology, or just want to stare at something pretty for a while, this is for you.
Especially if you don't mind getting hit over the head with the Symbolism Stick.