From Skeptic to Tree Hugger: An Avatar Review

*SPOILER ALERT*

Skepticism at first

I must say, that when I heard that James Cameron was creating a movie that looked like a slick CG video game, I was not impressed. Although I'm no video game aficionado, other gamers told me that they weren't impressed with previews either.
As a Trekker, even after NPR featured a story with the linguist who created Avatar's alien language Na'vi, I was rather disgusted by the thought of how much money went into a blockbuster that may flop. However, I did keep listening since they paired him with the creator of Klingon.


WWFBS? (What Would FaceBook Say?)

I started to see Facebook posts about how amazing this movie was, and got curious. One comment read, "I can't imagine seeing Avatar on anything but 3D IMAX."
So I decided to get tickets and see for myself. "Going to see Avatar on 3D IMAX. Hope it's good," my Facebook post read. I received a barrage of positive comments assuring me that I'd love it, and one that was too scared of backlash to respond to them negatively.
She posted, "It's terribad! It's the colonization of America, with a different ending. Not to mention it's blatantly racist *and* sexist - ugh. Pretty, though!"

The Verdict

I went into the movie with all of these "walls" up and Avatar was brilliant enough to shine through!
It's very 'Dances with Wolves' as the outsider becomes a part of the tribe and discovers reverence for nature on a spiritual level or 'Pocahontas' as the beautiful daughter of the Chief teaches the outsider only to be betrayed.
And it's also like 'The Matrix'-- jumping into a virtual self. The Na'vi even have USB-cord tails that allow them to literally connect with nature. Imagine plugging into your horse, so that he/she will understand where you want to go, why you're in a hurry, etc.
I left the movie wanting to hug a tree! OK, so I did lovingly pet my ficus, and I posted a Facebook status update that read, "Just watched Avatar on IMAX 3D. I wish I had a USB cord to plug into a tree."

In Response to "Terribad"

So yes, it is very allegorical to the colonization of America, and yes the ending is VERY different. It is the ending that Tecumseh tried to achieve: the collaboration of efforts of all tribes to fight off a common enemy. I don't see what's wrong with teaching that lesson. Why can't we use a fictional alien story with awesome effects?

Next, what's so racist and sexist about it?
About Racism: It's Earthlings vs. Na'vi, so maybe it's "Bluist?". That's like saying Star Trek was racist. I think not.

About Sexism: The women in the movie are strong, intelligent, and independent. On Pandora, even God is a she, and her name is Eywa.

But let's start with the "Earth Girls" (who are by no means are "easy")
1. Sigorney Weaver plays a scientist who has done research on Pandora for years. The only reason why she is ever belittled by the money-hungry warlords is because she "geeks out" trying to explain to delicate relationship of the Na'vi and nature. She's never chastised for being a woman.

2. Michelle Rodriguez plays a rogue Marine, who realizes how ridiculous it is to annihilate a race of people to take what isn't yours. Just like Resident Evil or S.W.A.T., she is tough, brave, and will risk everything to protect what she believes.

3. Zoe Saldana provides the voice for Neytiri, the Chief's daughter who teaches the outsider the ways of their people (and in Hollywood style falls in love with him.) From the very beginning she is a strong and courageous warrior and is groomed to replace her mother as the spiritual leader of her people.

4. The role of Na'vi females is just as strong as the males: the Chief's partner and spiritual leader is his wife; they are of equal status in their tribal leadership.

Perhaps my friend didn't watch the movie. I don't know. Maybe she read Avatar-chastising blogs? There's enough bloggers in the world to claim that this movie is about neo-Nazi propaganda. Who knows?

What I do know is that I don't particularly like is the fact that the movie is anti-moneygrubbing warmonger, but relies on McDonald's and other moneygrubbing corporate-conglomerates to promote it.

My recommendation

Go see it. Yes, it's more expensive in IMAX 3D. Yes, you may get a little motion sickness. But see it for yourself. Don't support McDonald's, if you don't want to. And if you're compelled to hug a tree afterward, hug your Christmas tree if it's still up.