Film Review...

Caution: May contain spoilers, harsh language, and logical thought. Or maybe not.

"Avatar", the most recent James Cameron flick, could reasonably be subtitled "Dances with Wolves...IN SPACE". First-person narrative, our hero talks directly to the audience for at least some of the film, you have to read the bottom of a fair amount of it (unless you happen to speak Blue Space Kitty), and it's rrreally predictable. Certain major supporting good-guy characters even wear red shirts for your convenience.

All that said, the graphics are amazing. Cameron turns in a truly remarkable visual experience, particularly if you see the 3-D version. I sat in the first row so that the screen was literally wider than my field of vision, and the effect was incredible. You find yourself sucked into the action and graphics despite knowing what's going to happen next...kind of like "Apollo 13" except due to the visuals instead of the acting.

The acting is not bad either. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana are very believable, and Sigourney Weaver is just plain awesome as the grouchy, old-yet-still-hot scientist. The supporting cast does a great job of starting with the audience's support and losing it during the course of the movie (this is entirely intentional).

More importantly, this movie answers the burning question, "What would happen if the Imperial Space Marines attacked the Dragonriders of Pern?" I know I've wondered that for years.

I'm kind of torn as to whether to give the automatic one-star deduction under the Joe Bob Rule. You see...well, it's too hard to explain. You'll just have to see for yourself.

3 (or maybe 4) stars. Ted sez check it out.