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7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2357 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,808 out of 2357
  2. Mixed: 210 out of 2357
  3. Negative: 339 out of 2357

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  1. DerrickM
    Jan 13, 2010
    9
    It is a beautiful looking movie, and overall it is probably one of the best sci-fi movies in a very long time.
  2. RaniS
    Jan 16, 2010
    10
    What I got from the movie was that the story was predictable. I think this was brilliant because the creator wanted everyone to see his point. He did not bury it in confusing themes and double meanings. He meant to make a statement and he made it so that only the truly ignorant would miss it. Pandora was wildly exciting, amazingly creative and beautiful. I would trade my current life in a minute - and I like my current life.… Expand
  3. DevarreaG
    Jan 16, 2010
    2
    This movie is crap if you don't compare it to any other movie by James. But if you do compare it to his other movies you won't be able to find a word to describe how bad it truly is. It's pretty and that is the only good thing it has going for it. Every thing else is below average and just plane predictable. This is one of the most overhyped and underwhelming movies i have ever seen.… Expand
  4. NickG
    Jan 16, 2010
    1
    $300 Million (or whatever crazy amount it cost) would have made "Battlefield Earth" look just as visually good. But a poor story, ripped of from Dances with Wolves, makes it a bit weak.
  5. AndrewT
    Jan 17, 2010
    10
    The story follows a very standard plot. Cliche, simple, and relatively bare when it comes to character development. All of this said, Avatar is still one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. It is rather unfortunate that this movie, in order to become a blockbuster, had to be made for the typical movie goer. If it wasn't for people with overactive bladders and short attention spans, the ideas in this epic could have been more fully explored. I just hope that the sequel, if there is one, will be longer and better planned. The movie has several general underlying themes that are fairly unique and there is plenty of correlation between the goings-on in the movie and the goings-on in our own world, but those goings-on are overdone in film. This movie is a must watch for anyone who is willing to take the time to properly analyze it, unlike those jokers at the Vatican who saw the worship of a tangible spirit as little more than druidism. This movie is stunning, and the world that James Cameron and company made is one that I actually have more of a connection to than the world I live on. Bravo. BRAVO.… Expand
  6. VilhelmB
    Jan 17, 2010
    7
    Good, but with a little more thought put into the script it could have been great. I mean great on a level that would have made this film iconic. Instead, it pandered and borrowed, and used every trick it could to distract us from the fact that the story has been told before. In fact, it was told recently in The Last Samurai, and less recently in Dances with Wolves. That is the films major flaw. There are minor ones as well. If ever there was a film that deserved a magnificent, soaring, original John Williams score that people would instantly recognize, this was it. Something along the lines of Star Wars, Superman, Raiders or Jaws. Instead we get an ignominious James Horner piece overflowing with his tiresome use of choirs and way too much borrowing from his previous scores. I can't imagine he is happy with this effort after creating FAR better music for films like Titanic, Braveheart, The Land Before Time, Willow, Aliens, Glory and probably his best work, Star Trek II. In my opinion, Hans Zimmer would have been the logical choice, considering the rip he's been on lately. At the very least, they should have given Alan Silvestri a shot. A few of the other minor flaws... Too many obvious plot devices (fog that prevents instruments from working, A tree that can conveniently transfer souls from useless human bodies to perfect alien bodies, etc) Too much overt storytelling. Can't you let the audience come to the conclusion that everything is "connected." Why did we have to have it explained to us? Some minor stupidity, like machine guns that can't hit much of anything. In fact, why couldn't they have simply used their gigantic bulldozer to destroy the tree at the end? Floating mountains? How? Anyway, I was entertained enough by the visuals to allow enough of these gripes to slip by without feeling the movie had been spoiled. It's just frustrating at how often films like this only need a little more oversight to avoid these painful flaws.… Expand
  7. JonathanL.
    Jan 17, 2010
    2
    This movie was a 250-300 million dollar remake of pocahontas, and about 2 hours longer.
  8. DevonC.
    Jan 18, 2010
    9
    It has been the Decade of great Science-Fiction and Fantasy Motion Pictures. Beginning with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, King Kong, and ending with Avatar. And this film fits right in. Avatar is not just a movie. It is the best 3-Dimmensional movie of all time. Instead of knives and shit being throughn in your face, this movie focusses on the look. And for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this movie gets the job done. Director James Cameron has once again gone way above my expectation. The romance, special effects, and wonderous experience of stepping into the world of Pandora through the 3D is exciting enough to surpass any movie for the Best Picture Oscar this year. James Cameron is the only Hollywood filmmaker to realize the beauty and art in 3D, and is the only filmmaker I know who has made a great movie into it.… Expand
  9. BryanK
    Jan 18, 2010
    8
    Twelve years ago, James Cameron created shock-waves in Hollywood with his smash-hit, Titanic. After a year and a half, the film became the highest-grossing film ever made. Now it appears with his new film, Avatar he may top that. Without explaining the plot the film was overall a masterful film which overcomes the thought of it being a traditional film. The film presents an alternate form of conquest when mankind had lost it's passion and respect, demonstrated in how the main characters and the military base they work at appears in a monotone colour scheme of dark greys and greens while the surrounding planet is vibrant in its colour. Acting wise the film had a mixed result. Sigourney Weaver came off as the best in the film with every line she said being sarcastic or semi-humor. Michelle Rodriguez on the other hand, while good in her role, served the basic purpose of being eye-candy. Sam Worthington was mixed, while he did good at delivering his lines, his narrations at parts in the film felt stiff. The special effects worked very well, after a while they become part of the movie and you forget that it is CGI. While the film was overall well-done their were faults. For the first half the film is confusing and does not seem like it will improve. it feels annoying, but improves after the main character is lost in the forest. Some parts such as the general not dying when he should die feels like the editor should have fixed this. Another problem, not related to the film was the 3D process. It used a 1980's 3D process which involved clear stripe 3D glasses and it was not needed for this film. The film has around two to three moments where the effect works, but the whole movie is in 3D so during most of the film it becomes an annoying problem, it would have been better if they has simply not released a 3D version. In the end while these faults are prevalent, the film bypasses most of these faults, expect the 3D faults, and works as an excellently written and visually beautiful film.… Expand
  10. JayT.
    Jan 19, 2010
    4
    I had the same problem with this movie as I did with "9". The visuals are stimulating, but everything else nearly falls flat. The first half of the film was engaging and entertaining, while the second half went on much too long. This isn't to say "Avatar" is a bad movie... At it's worst moments it's just below mediocre. It's just that with such a huge budget, I wish they had focused more time on the story rather than the effects.… Expand
  11. TinaC.
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    This was the best movie I have ever seen. James Cameron made an amazing comeback with this movie ever since Titanic. I believe that the actors in this movie will make it big. If you want to watch this movie you need to watch it in 3D it adds the whole thing up together.
  12. EliJ.
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    The absolute best movie of the last decade. Breathtaking visuals matched with a great story, which is very rare now a days ever since Transformers 2 came out...ugh this movie at least spends its enormous budget wisely.
  13. ray
    Jan 19, 2010
    0
    Could have saved a whole country at that price, i make gifs at home too. real life tells a better story, then again cameron doesn;t seem like a nice person. got out of the dirt went into a rotting urban envirment in town, watching nothing in 2010, who'd a thought.
  14. JoeMcNuts
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    An amazing technical achievement, great flick.
  15. Avatarwassoboring!
    Jan 21, 2010
    5
    Fantastic visuals but boring boring boring! It was brutal trying to get through this movie. I left the cinema half way through to have a break for 15 minutes. Once the awe of the 3D visuals had subsided, then all was left was the storyline, and it was a boring, cliche one at that. The 5/10 rating is purely for the visuals. If this movie was 2D only, I'd give it a 1.
  16. argex
    Jan 21, 2010
    3
    Nice animation. Nothing else. Empty, banal, boring. Story is trite, characters lack of any complexity or psychological depth. Would you compare it with... Star Wars? Or Star Trek? Or Lord of the Rings?
  17. BrandonS
    Jan 22, 2010
    5
    Brilliant special effects, but the storytelling and acting are clumsy and poor. Whereas Toy Story and LOTR matched innovative effects with extraordinary stories, Avatar is solely worth seeing for the magical effects. Worth seeing for sure, but not really a great movie.
  18. DanielV.
    Jan 22, 2010
    4
    I truly did enjoy this movie. The special effects were fantastic, and Cameron made the right move by delaying this movie until Stereoscopic 3D had been perfected. But that was perhaps only one of few right moves made by him. The plot was well overdone, and incredibly predictable. But the lush jungle of Pandora immersed me, and the long run time didn't overstay its welcome. I won';t be seeing it again any time soon, if ever again. But I would not be entirely opposed to buying it on Blu-Ray. Bottom line, go see it, 3D is not necessary, but recommended.… Expand
  19. pvn271
    Jan 22, 2010
    9
    Avatar will totally immerse you in its spectacular,breathtaking world of Pandora till the very end. And although some may argue that its plot is unoriginal and uninspired,if you look closer,there is a very deep,heartfelt message about the special connection that we share with our very own Planet Earth,and about how we have forgotten about it and need to rediscover it.
  20. KurtZ
    Jan 24, 2010
    5
    This is a visually impressive film, but the dazzling effects mask a sophomoric, poorly-written screenplay-- this will age poorly, much as Titanic did, and I think many critics will be embarrassed by the gushing reviews they're giving to this now.
  21. AidanC.
    Jan 24, 2010
    10
    This is the best theater experience I've ever had. If it wasn't in 3d, I'd give it an 8. In 3d, this movie gets deserves an 11. Do yourself a favor and go see it in 3d. If you've seen it in 2d, go see it again in 3d. It's that much clearer and better.
  22. MattB.
    Jan 24, 2010
    8
    I didn't realize it was Dances with Wolves but with blue aliens instead of red Indians.
  23. KellanJ.
    Jan 25, 2010
    7
    The movie was fine. Visually it was spectacular. The pacing was good and i was entertained the whole way through. Plot and character wise i found the film to be quite lack luster and unoriginal. It often relies on the "noble savage" character trope. Not bad. For all of its high social cometary aspirations Avatar just came off as really shallow.
  24. AspenT.
    Jan 26, 2010
    7
    At some point you have to have faith you have made a good movie and people will come based on the good story. What is the point of spending so much money to only make a film so cliché? It was entertaining but I donâ??t think anyone left the theater totally impressed and that is the shame considering how much extra $$$ was spent on the making of the movie. Probably if this was Scary Movie â??15â?… Expand
  25. PatrickB.
    Jan 26, 2010
    1
    Avatar should have been rated G and released under Disney. Seriously, why trick me into watching a kiddie movie? I expected so much more due to the media hype and the director, a movie's revenue is directly proportional to how much it sucks these days. I would have rather spent my ten dollars watching a remake of The Happening.
  26. DP
    Jan 26, 2010
    5
    Getting past the awe of a fast panning 3D environment--which is difficult for many sci-fi junkies--I grade the movie on what we'll think outside of our temporary giddiness. When we come back to this movie, the lack of depth in the characterization, the weak attempts at philosophy, and the over stated Gia-Green Earth message will not only bore us, it will insult us. Remember Jar-Jar from Starwars Episode 1. We tolerated him on the first viewing, but has made repeated viewings intolerable. Once the shiny green is gone; the movie will be as well--or we'll just stare with pitiful regret at a box on our shelves.… Expand
  27. TomazoP.
    Jan 31, 2010
    9
    Loved the atmosphere in Pandora. I had a great time being there. I would like to stay the rest of my life there. Can i have a ticket? Cinemaexperience at the next level, no doubt. If only the last 20minutes would have been a little less war-bombastic and not that predictable I would give it the highest rate. Still a movie to keep in my mind for a long time.
  28. PaulD.
    Jan 31, 2010
    10
    Absolutely incredible. I've read it in other reviews and I must agree on the fact that the plot isn't amazingly good or original, still works though, it's really the way it's being told. Cameron tells his story in such an incredible way, surpassing all other sci-fi movies when it comes down to putting emotion in a film. I literally felt happy for Jake when he was accepted as a Na'vi, and felt sad when their Home Tree was destroyed. This movie will suck you in and take you on an amazing tour around an alien world, where you will live, laugh, cry and mourn with its natives. Keep it up!… Expand
  29. RalphT
    Feb 12, 2010
    10
    It's one of the best movies i have seen yet, the graphics were great, the scene's was great, the movie had a impact to it, it was great.
  30. KateM
    Feb 12, 2010
    8
    James Cameron gets all the credit for this decent movie, when all the good stuff, ie, the visual effects, were done by Weta Workshop, a company which every NZer knows the name of, and yet gets little credit for taking up the slack for the weak plot.
  31. josephr.
    Feb 15, 2010
    8
    It's really good, by that i mean the special effects, the story is okay but nothing to hold you in, it is still a really good movie if you forget the plotholes.
  32. JasonB.
    Feb 15, 2010
    10
    Best movie experience I have ever had.
  33. ZachS.
    Feb 16, 2010
    2
    This movie made Beowulf look like Brown Bunny and Last Tango in Paris combined with Flatliners.
  34. DavidD.
    Feb 16, 2010
    9
    Amazing graphics in 3D, really pull you into the story. I just wish the story line wasn't so predictable.
  35. hugor.
    Feb 18, 2010
    10
    Excellent, great message and superb special effects.
  36. CE
    Feb 18, 2010
    1
    Horribly derivative, poorly acted. Visually amazing, but if I want to be wowed by visuals I'll buy one of those Magic Eye books. I saw FernGully: The Last Rainforest, and it told the same exact story but with 100% more rapping bats and lizards. I did not enjoy this at all, but now I have a sweet pair of 3-D glasses. Great.
  37. Ryanj
    Feb 19, 2010
    2
    Avatar's plot is basically the American Indian's struggle with European colonists. The reviews from magazines and such praise the 'stunning beauty' of it's CG, but have they ever heard of a movie called Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children?
  38. LeeS.
    Feb 21, 2010
    2
    Wow, what utter garbage. The massive budget for this film should have gone into something that would actually benefit humanity.
  39. JohnL.
    Feb 26, 2010
    6
    I thought this movie would be awesome. But the only good thing was the eye candy. The story sucked balls and the movie was too long and everything was boring until the battle at the end. I was literally sleeping in the cinema. Basically this movie is a waste of 2:30 and 20$ (cinema ticket + bus ticket)... District 9 was so much better. Again I repeat: this movie is an overhyped piece of shit that looks nice.… Expand
  40. GiulioF.
    Feb 28, 2010
    3
    VIsually speaking, this movie is great, one of the best experiences for my eyes, the best special effects i had ever seen... but visual is the least important thing in a movie. I'm sorry but this movie lacks of storyline, it's the same thing we saw in pochaontas, dance with wolves etc, nothing new, nothing fascinating, noting interesting, all boring. Giving it a high mark is like giving an A to an essay because of the writer's handwriting. Visual and sounds: 3/3 Acting and directing: 0/3 Plot: 0/3 Other: 0/1 Total: 3/10.… Expand
  41. AndrewB.
    Mar 11, 2010
    4
    CGI is great, acting is okay, but the story is downright awful. I could guess exactly what would happen next, very predictable, and not interesting. If the story had been more original, then I would give it a 7.
  42. DanP.
    Mar 21, 2010
    7
    The visuals are excellent. However the characters are a little two dimensional. Also the storyline,especially the ending, does not ring true to the logic of the movie. The bad guys are winning then all of a sudden the good guys start to win.
  43. GarrettN.
    Mar 25, 2010
    4
    The movie was a visual masterpiece, but just didn't have many original parts,and when it did, they were kinda stupid (ie, the hair things).
  44. JackC
    Apr 14, 2010
    8
    I liked it. However, Neytiri was too obnoxious, and I noticed Sam Worthington speaking with an American accent half the time, and with an Australian accent the other half of the time. I know the actor is Australian, but isn't he supposed to be an American in the movie? Anyway, good movie, I really wasn't bothered by length.
  45. JustinN
    Apr 24, 2010
    1
    I was shocked at the level of anti-American sentiment and the naked vitriolic hatred that this movie showed for the American military. How could someone who was a Marine who betrayed his country be the hero? How could a general's death be portrayed in such a positive light? Granted, I was expecting this film to be the typical Hollywood drivel that America is bad, the military is evil, and corporations are the spawn of satan stuff, but this a frightening new low. That said, the special effects are cool. If only Cameron used decent scripts instead of using special effects as a crutch, my rating would be higher.… Expand
  46. KenC.k
    Apr 25, 2010
    10
    You don't have a 9.7 voting option so I think to be fair to the movie I'll go the full 10 rather than a 9 which I think is a bit harsh. Cameron has produced a unique world that lives and breathes and who's alien inhabitants we end up genuinely caring for. My criticism is that yes, the story and dialogue are a bit simple in places, and the "human invaders" are caricatured in such a way as to make it easy to detest them - so Cameron's crime is perhaps to underestimate the sophistication of his audience and shove the moral message down our throats rather than create a more believable villain and leave us with more to chew on.… Expand
  47. Marc.D
    Apr 25, 2010
    0
    Aren't these reader reviews for the DVD/Blu Ray release of the show? I'm surprised that they had the audacity to release this movie with NO features. For that...I give this piece of crap nothing.
  48. AaronP
    Apr 27, 2010
    10
    TEN because pocahontas, dances with wolves, and fern gully are 20 years old or close to it. Lets move out of past favorites with a open mind.
  49. te
    Apr 29, 2010
    10
    Easily the best film of last decade. Amazing CGI, 3d, motion capture, and are direction. Despite what people say, this is a completely original movie. Great story. Cameron is the best when it comes to showing you world through someone else's eyes, and entering that new world with the protagonist. Only flaw would be the dialogue. Easily the best directed film I have seen since Titanic.
  50. erikas
    May 15, 2010
    9
    It's a decent movie, and it does fall in the catagory of having lots of symbolism comparing the US to pandora and oil to unobotanium whatever it is. I don't think James Cameron was trying to copy he story of pochahontas or anything of that sort, I think he was trying to show us what America is doing right now, and what we have been doing in he past two-three centuries. and I really hated it when that redneck wouldn't die until the very end. like he could've died earlier in the movie but NOOOO, he just wouldn't die xP but that's alright. I was good movie :) it deserves a best story/plot award or something.… Expand
  51. LucasK.
    May 29, 2010
    7
    This movie was good. They're was so much hype about it, but I could not see why. I loved beautiful visuals and breath taking effects. The story did not interest me and I the dialogue was akward some moments. O ya and James Cameroon stole this story from Indian Religion.
  52. BenjaminB
    Jun 12, 2010
    10
    I saw Avatar at the beginning 2010 and at the and of Avatar I felt something i ever felt in a movie. Cameron Made this movie to the best. Avatar is the most grosing box office movie. It"s box office is 3,1 bilion dolars but this movie is so gooooooood that I believe he will get 4 bilion. I believe in you James Cameron and I can"t wait no longer for Avatar 2 and Avatar 3.
  53. RandomAnon
    Jun 24, 2010
    10
    Visually stunning and a true masterpiece. Anyone who says otherwise has fallen victim to the cult of "backlash".
  54. RobertoV
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Avatar has its weak dialogues and simple and clich�© story. But, otherwise, it is absolutely strong visually and "storytellingly", what TOTALLY supress its flaws. Avatar has a perfect execution, and a strong and emotional story. The characters are one-dimensional but likable. There's no other rating than 10 to this awesome movie.
  55. RazvT
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    A sensational movie that has it all. Good acting, great feelingsstoryline and probably the best graphics ever. The movie not only takes you into a incredible world, it also makes you love and live among the characters . Everyone should go to the cinema and enjoy this movie.
  56. JoeS
    Dec 18, 2009
    8
    The story is the most unoriginal story I've seen in a movie in a while, but the visuals and sound effects are easily the most gorgeous I have ever seen outside of the real world. If I hadn't seen this movie in Imax 3D, I would have walked out half way through out of sheer boredom, but thanks to the visuals and sounds, I will likely go see this a second time in theaters just to get that full body experience one more time.… Expand
  57. JoshuaA
    Dec 18, 2009
    8
    Stunning visuals... Check. Great experience... Check. The next cult movie following next to Star Wars, Star Trek, or Harry Potter for that matter... Not so much. I liked the actors and their roles I just felt the story line didn't give them the room they needed to connect with the audience. It simply didn't achieve greatness. At any rate it's nice to have you back Jim. I�39;m ready to go back to Pandura.… Expand
  58. PeterV
    Dec 18, 2009
    0
    It was a great movie! The visual effects were stunning, the story was a bit longer than it needed to be, but I'd rather have a complete story go a bit beyond than to have a story that has some major holes in it. The message was great and the acting/3D universe was, again, amazing. I rarely go to movies in the theaters any more (because it costs so much) but this one will warrant another viewing on the big screen. I saw it in the 3D version and it was definitely worth the extra $3.00. Go and enjoy this Action/War/Love/Sci-Fi Movie, you won't regret it.… Expand
  59. BillJ
    Dec 18, 2009
    6
    Visually stunning, very short on story. Cameron keeps amazing, but one wishes he would stop being peter pan and maybe stick to serious movie making and one woman in his life.
  60. jenj
    Dec 18, 2009
    9
    One heck of an expecience! One point off because the story was rather thin and some of the dialogue had me cringe. I believe however, that a more complicated and deeper story would have resuted in an overkill. There are only so many sensations a human being can process at once, and AVATAR gives us more than enough!! What a ride!
  61. MiKE
    Dec 18, 2009
    0
    The special effects, are great. But the movie is nothing more then eye candy, also I found it extermely boring to watch. Small plot with ALOT of filler. See "dances with wolves" and just imagine that being set 200 years into the future and that is exactly what you get! There are numerous silly/dump ideas thought out the whole movie. I really enjoyed Camerons movies from the past, But this is the worst one.… Expand
  62. LlanderW
    Dec 18, 2009
    6
    Nice graphics the theme of Nativie American Indians didnt work well for me. Why would an alien race sound like warriors on a warpath?
  63. ClaudioC
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    "Wow" were the first words that came out of my mouth after watching Avatar. The movie was spectacular. It created such an immense world that i could have spent those 3 hours just looking at the jungle. The acting could have been better at parts, but it was overshadowed by the beauty of the scenery. Great movie, saw in 3D btw.
  64. SergiyU
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    To all the critics stuck on the story portion of the film...Have you watched Harry Potter 6 lately? It is a wonderful example of how too much "story" can seriously obliterate a movie experience. If Avatar's idea is a copmilation of what we've seen or read before, well let it be so, It is a 100% wonderful!
  65. GilbertR
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Wow...stunning film. Some of the scenes made me gasp they were so realistic. A new age for computer graphics. Highly recommend you catch this one.
  66. TroyP
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    (IMAX 3-D seen) Yes, the story and dialogue are not 10 worthy. But the end result of what Cameron has done is. I have not had my jaw drop in amazement since Jurassic Park's dino reveal, and it dropped at least five times tonight. Nobody, no one, has ever made a movie this flat out stunning. This is spectacle wrought larger than ever before. In the grand tradition of Cecil B. DeMille, this is WHY we go to the movies instead of sitting on our couches. There may be better scripts this year, but there will not be a better movie.… Expand
  67. JonathanV
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    This is a visually stunning movie that has all the traditional aspects of an action-adventure love story. Especially well done are the moral choice moments integrated throughout the film.
  68. BobZ
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    I was shocked by watching in IMAX. everything is so real and the storyline is good as well. Its visual effect is so awesome that I could not describe.
  69. RobertoS.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Amazing! If you have ever liked any of James Cameron's movies, this is a must see!
  70. Bill
    Dec 18, 2009
    0
    I have not yet seen it, but does this smack of Hollywoods' attempt to bash the US military again? The timing of Iraq and the making of this film cannot be a coincidence.
  71. NathanS.
    Dec 18, 2009
    9
    Very entertaining. The story is cliche but reasonably well told. And the characters are stereotypes but relatively easy to connect with, particularly the leads. Even when events occur as predicted, a number of scenes still have a great deal of emotional gravity. Overall good acting (even with some silly lines), with a knockout performance by the female lead. The setting is engaging and visually stunning. Highly recommended for those looking for imaginative escapism.… Expand
  72. DaveJ.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Great movie! with wonderful special affects that blend very well with the story. I'll probably see it again next week. Be sure to see it in 3D, it adds to the overall positive movie experience.
  73. KB
    Dec 18, 2009
    8
    After a somewhat disappointing summer (I'm looking at you, T:Salvation) I left it up to Avatar to bring me the closure to the year that I so deeply required. The film delivers. I saw it tonight in 3D, and if you see the film I say that is the only way to go. The movie isn't perfect (disappointing characterizations mostly) but it has a hell of a lot to offer, and I am 100% certain I'll be seeing it again within a few days. So go, enjoy and know that Avatar will earn a high place on any DVD shelf sometime next year. I can't wait to bring it home.… Expand
  74. AndrewT.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    This is one of the greatest movies of all time just as it gives u someone to like or an idea it makes you question why you love it or weather or not it will be around much longer, it is a thought provoking all engulfing ride that is worth every cent you can possible spend on it, and though there some, albeit very few parts that seem unrealistic, it is in fact a science fiction movie so let it have a bit of fun. one of the best movies of the decade and you have absolutely no reason not to go see it again and again.… Expand
  75. Tyler
    Dec 18, 2009
    5
    I dont know what to entirely think of this film. The CGI through most of the film is breathtaking, while some parts do look cartoonish, its still quite remarkable. The first half of the movie moves at a rather dull pace. The plot is rather loose and at its core, is nothing more than something we've seen 500 times before - evil men forcing out the local natives. Its worth a watch, but probably only a rental. Nothing really interesting happens until the last 30 or so minutes, which is very well done tho. But nothing unusual happens and it tends to be predictable. Just an average movie with great CGI. I dont know about others, but i was ready to ask Marcus Theatres in Green Bay for my money back, not because of the film, but because of the rediculous 25 minutes of commercials before the film. That probably didnt help my attitude going into the movie.… Expand
  76. AlexD.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    It is the BEST MOVIE EVER and nobody is going to change my mind about that. I believe this movie is...somewhat rewriting history in this movie by the natives of Pandora fighting off humanity just as the native Americans fought off the Europeans, except this time the natives won. CGI is incredible. 3D animation in real life footage is a huge step up from Jurassic park. Deserves 100 awards and beyond. This movie will no doubt, will win an Oscar or two.… Expand
  77. AndrewW
    Dec 18, 2009
    5
    Giving it a five since the CGI makes up half the film and was amazing. However the story was dull,shallow and tried to copy too much from Dances with Wolves. Also the last 15 minutes of the film was a huge political and environmental statement which wasn't needed...
  78. DanC.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Wow! Best animated/CGI movie I have ever seen. If you are even remotely interested, go see this movie! It was awesome in 3D.
  79. BillH.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    As seen in IMAX 3-D, I have to say that this is the most physically beautiful and awe-inspiring appearing "movie" ever made. Whoever is responsible for the look of Pandora is a genius of the highest order. The visuals and the sound are at a level that no other movie has ever even been near to. In fact, I refer to this as a "movie" because I think of it as an entirely new art form, that happens to be displayed in a movie theater. Unlike others I think the story is wonderful. To call it a conventional love story is to ignore the slightly important facts that it is love between two different species in a circumstance where that love may literally decide the fate of two different worlds. The final five seconds of this movie, once you realize what has happened to the Jake Sully character, are perhaps the most emotionally powerful moment in any movie I have ever seen. But even if you think the story is boring and stupid, this is a must see for the sight and sound of it. How will it fare on Oscar night? I think it is a cinch to win several awards. Stephen Lang deserves an Oscar for best supporting actor in an entirely non-CGI role. The two lead characters deserve a nomination, but the debate about whether CGI characters can be nominated will be a fierce one, even where, as here, the CGI beings facial expressions are actually those of the actors, captured and put into the computer. James Horner should win for best original score. It will win for best special effects, best sound editing, best film editing and, more than anything else, best art direction.. Cameron deserves a nomination for best director, although directing this "movie" is not like directing any other movie ever made. And with ten best picture nominations, this should at least get a nomination. Whatever this thing is, it is a work of real magic. It will leave you uplifted, shaken and longing for a revisit.… Expand
  80. KyleW.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    If you don't see this film you will be missing out on one of the most phenomenal, powerful, moving, touching, and all around amazing piece of cinematic history. I was weary at first, the "smurfs" (which I called them before seeing the film) I found to be very stupid and shallow based off their depiction in the trailers alone. It seemed to be a turn-off for me at that time. Boy was I wrong. Do not let negative preconceptions flood your mind before seeing this. I was going in expecting a so-so film, but what I got out was one of the definitive cinematic experiences of my life. I can't put a rating on this film. 10 is such an understatement when describing this powerful piece of cinema. James Cameron is legendary. How he creates an amazing story, setting, soundtrack, characters, plot, and CGI experience is mind--boggling. Nothing I can say can put how I feel about this movie into words. The only thing I can say is this: Get off the computer and go watch it (in 3d). You will be dazzled.… Expand
  81. BrintonC.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Wow! How could you not give this movie a 10! It is by far the best movie ever made. He is by far the most brilliant mind in Hollywood. No one and i mean no one has ever come close to this movie. The reason why there arn't all top rating for this movie is because people are always being to picky in every way possible. Anyone who rated this movie under 90 "For the critics", or 9 "For us non-important people" then you need to be slapped back into reality.… Expand
  82. KennyS.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Brilliant visuals, great storyline, and incredibly engaging. If you're going to see it, don't see the normal version. See it in 3D. See it in Imax 3D. It's amazing, and should silence all skeptics of 3D. It works.
  83. AbbudA.
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    This is a save the planet I can live with. It will have you thinking about what we are doing to this home of our and for what? Great story!
  84. JA
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Really a great movie... the special effects not only were absolutely amazing, they added to the story, which is very unusual in movies nowadays. The 3-D was surprisingly very cool, and not at all annoying. The plot wasn't perfect, but it was solid. I think I'll definitely be seeing this one again.
  85. joshL
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Truly one of the most incredible cinema experiences you will ever see. This is a game changing film for anybody who remotely enjoys movies. In 20 years this film will be considered a technical achievement on par with Star Wars or King Kong. But on top of that its a damn good telling of a tried and true story.
  86. RonnieR
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    This movie is absolutely amazing. The story is epic, the CG is the greatest ever created, the world of Pandora is breathtaking, and the list of amazingness could go on and on. If you like movies, then you owe it to yourself to go see this.
  87. TonyL
    Dec 18, 2009
    4
    "Dances with Avatar" Cameron steals the plot of "Dances with Wolves" and changes the environment to a futuristic newly discovered planet. The special effects were amazing, but at times made me dizzy. You've seen the storylines, themes and character development in a dozen different movies. At times I cringed at the the dialogue. If you love special effects then this is the movie for you. I suggest going to a red box renting Dances with Wolves for a $1 and watching it through a kaleidoscope.… Expand
  88. ArtM.
    Dec 19, 2009
    7
    Nice movie, despite being essentially a fairy tale for modern audience driven by abuse of flattened New Age pseudoreligion and delivered as cutting-edge 3D demo for game-like silly plot and somewhat boring characters set in an alien world that you may like or not. Also, it is more or less similar to "Battle for Terra" (which is lacking voodoo avatars, targeting younger viewers and by now below-than-low-end 3D), and yet that one I found strangely more powerful than this "visionary"... cash-mashine? Alright, IMAX 3D is still worth your money, so go see it.… Expand
  89. JimboH.
    Dec 19, 2009
    8
    Visually a great movie, however, the 1-dimensional and cliche Colonel character is the Jar-Jar Binks of the film. Michelle Rodriguez also brings her character from Resident Evil/SWAT/etc into the film without changing anything, which also drags things down. Saw it in IMAX 3D and the action sequences and camera movement at the beginning of the movie was just blurred and unwatchable (and it wasn't just me). I dont know if there was an issue with the reels, the movie, or the theater's technology, or if it was simply my (our) eyes adjusting but it improved later in the film. The 3D seemed to be full of glitches, for example, VTOLs in the background (many of them in a scene, not just one) appearing depth-wise in front of glass that they were actually behind, but it was pretty good in many spots. Would be a good movie to own on Blu Ray 3D. My wife says the plot reminded her a lot of Fern Gully.… Expand
  90. JohnnyF.
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    I didn't know what to expect coming into this film but by the time I left this instantly became my favorite movie of all time. It's got something for everyone from action, romance, deep characters, action and the most beautiful visuals ever created. I'm a huge fan of Star Wars and this one singular movie is better than every star wars movie combined! I really hope the mythology of the Na'vi and the Avatar universe is further explored in books because I want more of the mythology and the universe. We went and saw this movie at a full digital theatre, in 3-d with stadium seating and it was just a delight. James Cameron proved to me that he hasn't lost his touch and is only getting better with age. I have never seen a world so beautiful and captivating in my life. It really is a modern day Citizen Kane in terms of the quality of the story and dialogue. My fiance does not like action movies or CG movies that much at all (she prefers indie films and period pieces) so it was pulling teeth to get her to go and see it. Yet when it was over she was as mesmerized as everyone else in the theatre. This is the only time I've seen a movie that everyone stood up after it was over and applauded. There was such a buzz in the theatre after it was finished. Also, for a movie that was about two and a half hours it had perfect pacing (unlike the horrid movie 2012) and I never had that feeling that I wanted it to end or that I could guess what was going to happen next. Do yourself a favor and give an early Christmas present by going to see this treasure. This movie was the epitome of a fantastic movie. visuals: 10/10 audio: 10/10 cinematography: 10/10 acting: 10/10 dialogue: 10/10 story: 10/10 I don't have a bad thing to say about this film. It instantly became the greatest movie ever made in my eyes. Whether you like CG, aliens, sci-fi or not won't effect your enjoyment of this film. It transcends gender, age, preference, race and whatever other type of bias exist inherently in humans. Best. Movie. Ever. Made. I feel blessed to have had a chance to absorb myself into this movie. This is a day 1 blu-ray purchase for me and we plan on seeing at least two more times before it's out of theaters.… Expand
  91. JesseD.
    Dec 19, 2009
    9
    Very good movie. The native people on pandora are actually representative of many indigenous people on Earth who get screwed royally by people who know a better 'way'. I especially liked how the Na'vi rode on reptilian birds because it's a very little known fact that Native Americans used to ride pterodactyls.
  92. OwenP.
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Saw this film in Digital 3D, it was amazing.
  93. SimonS.
    Dec 19, 2009
    9
    Found the dire prediction for humans and earth to be alarmist...other than that I loved the movie.
  94. IrisB.S.
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Feels real! The movie is awesome. Giovanni Ribisi is ineffective however. I never see movies twice right away but I will see this one a few times.
  95. FilipeR.
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Succinctly, there was cinema before Avatar and there is cinema now after Avatar. As it is customary with JC, this cinematic experience is the latest and perhaps the greatest of all entry in the history of the audio-visual arts. Unparalleled!
  96. JeffV.
    Dec 19, 2009
    9
    Definitely a groundbreaking movie with a seamless interaction of real life characters and digital animation. The first 90 minutes are breathtakingly beautiful.
  97. kyleT.
    Dec 19, 2009
    9
    Great movie all around! While James Cameron is a master in creating a fantasy world on screen, the only reason I could not give this movie a 10 is because of what another critic had said regarding dialogue and screenplay. He has definitely raised the bar when it comes to CGI. I just got done watching it for the second time (once in 3-D, once in 2-D) and it is marvelous. I've heard some women thinking that it's going to be to "sci-fi" and that is not the case. This is truly a love story and while Peter Jackson had better material to work with when it came to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Cameron is up there with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg when it comes to creating a movie that never gets boring and always has a message bigger than the movie itself.… Expand
  98. JeffreyD.
    Dec 19, 2009
    5
    Just beautiful CGI. Not much else. Every Hollywood cliche in two hours that felt like four. Worth renting for the new world of Pandora.
  99. SR
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Astonishingly beautiful and emotionally involving. Avatar managed to exceed the hype. A simple story, yet timeless, wonderfully told by James Cameron, Avatar presents a new kind of Cinema. Complete immersion. Even the motion captured CG characters present incredible performances, especially Zoe Saldana as Neytiri. A must see movie in 3D IMAX. Avatar is nothing short of incredible
  100. KielB.
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Creativity triumphs.
Page:

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    100
    A fully believable, flesh-and-blood (albeit not human flesh and blood) romance is the beating heart of "Avatar." Cameron has never made a movie just to show off visual pyrotechnics: Every bit of technology in "Avatar" serves the greater purpose of a deeply felt love story.
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  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Chris Hewitt
    100
    It's been twelve years since "Titanic," but the King of the World has returned with a flawed but fantastic tour de force that, taken on its merits as a film, especially in two dimensions, warrants four stars. However, if you can wrap a pair of 3D glasses round your peepers, this becomes a transcendent, full-on five-star experience that's the closest we'll ever come to setting foot on a strange new world. Just don't leave it so long next time, eh, Jim?
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    90
    Avatar is all-enveloping and transporting, with Cameron & Co.'s years of R&D paying off with a film that, as his work has done before, raises the technical bar and throws down a challenge for the many other filmmakers toiling in the sci-fi/fantasy realm.
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