(Preface: I know it may seem odd to have a movie review on a RPG blog, but the story and the world it takes place in could easily be made into a game setting. Something to think about.)

(No worries, absolutely no spoilers here)

This past holiday weekend I took my two boys to see the much acclaimed Avatar movie. If you haven’t heard of it, you may wish to move out from that rock you must live under… or not. Anyway, my sons and I braved the crowds to see this cinematic spectacle, in 3D no less.

In my humble opinion, while the 3D effect was kinda cool, I think James Cameron could have used that technology to better use. Some aspects of the movie cried out to use the 3D affect and for, whatever reason, he chose not to. AND it costs you an additional 3 dollars each to see the 3D version! So next time I see it, and I will since my wife was sick and didn’t get to go, I will most likely save my money and just watch the regular version.

But, enough of the ranting, on to the movie itself. I could use the word Awesome, because by it’s definition, this movie does inspire awe. But, that word is so overused and misused, that I’ll simply use the word Amazing. And Avatar truly is, on both counts. It is epic in scope and visually stunning, to say the very least.

I’m sure there are nay-sayers out there grumbling that the plot is somewhat typical, there are numerous developmental troupes and that it was relatively predictable. And I would have to say that they are right, on many counts. But I don’t care. These minor complaints are forgivable in light of the sheer majesty and spectacle that Avatar is.

This movie has so much to offer. Characters that I could relate to and actually care about, a very rich world that made me want to visit and explore it’s depths myself and the story has a great message, as well! One of the marks of a great movie is if it draws an emotional response from the audience and I’m man enough to admit Avatar pulled an emotional response from this cynic. Needless to say, despite some minor criticisms, I loved this movie and look forward to seeing it again.

I give Avatar:

4 1/2 Floating Mountains of Pandora out of 5.