As a kid growing up, my dad liked watching Star Trek. I became a Star Trek fan myself, and somewhat of a science fiction fan. Because I grew up in a Christian home, I emphasize fiction. The idea that life exists on other planets can be dealt with in the first few chapters of Genesis. So my view of any and all science fiction films are through this lens.
The main character, Jake Sully, is a replacement on an adventure to the planet, Pandora, instead of his murdered brother, a scientist. A wounded Marine vet, Jake is met with much skepticism by the scientific expedition, but welcomed by the military leader with enthusiasm. Jake is a “driver” – who lives out his days within the skin of his virtual reality “Avatar” in an attempt to socialize with the native tribal people, the Na’vi.
On his first day in his “new” body, Jake runs into trouble and ends up separated from his crew. After fighting off wild space creatures looking for their next meal, he meets up with Neytiri, daughter of the chieftain and of the spiritual leader of the people. The primitive people live much like Native Americans, with their own system, religion, culture, and way of life. Due to spiritual “signs” she invites Jake to her tribe and his initiation begins.
The scientific staff, headed by a brash Sigourney Weaver, intends to learn more about the indigenous people and seek a peaceful resolution to the mining of the planet’s wealth. The military rogues seek to use might and brute force to remove the native population, or destroy them if necessary. Jake is forced to decide between a crisis of conscience and his future.
PROS
The film is beautiful – inventive – colorful. If you can withstand the mythical lore, the plot is entertaining.
The characters are fun. Jake is a Marine through and through, and his colloquialisms had me laughing, but that’s because I understood the lingo, having grown up with a Marine vet myself. The curiosity of both the scientists and Avatar people is endearing.
The growing friendship between Jake and Neytiri turns into something more, forcing Jake to confront his feelings about his mission.
CONS
I was very disappointed by the regular use of swear words. There is way too much swearing for this to be a family-friendly movie. The scantily clad Avatar people may offend some, although I looked at them as creatures, rather than humans, even though male and female could be easily identified.
Emphasis on spiritual connection with Eywa (the goddess) and the universe, as well as to the environment were prominent. There are a few spiritualist rituals which were a bit unsettling, even for me. This line of thinking is not out of character for Science fiction, but it is absolutely out of line with Scripture.
The violence is not out of range for this movie, but could certainly disturb young viewers.
A sensual scene between Jake and Neytiri results in their being “mated for life” and they are seen in an intimate embrace, and shown in the morning lying together.
OVERALL
I enjoyed this movie. I’m a fan of sci-fi, so I was not surprised by the humanistic overtones – I expected them from this type of film. The story itself was fantastical, and the characters likable (or disagreeable) in real ways, although it certainly echoed the type of domination that took place with the settling of the American continent. I would NOT recommend this movie for children, unless you can view it with some sort of filtering device.
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