Lesbian Geek’s Avatar Movie Review

Well we’re still in our Pandora induced daze, but as promised we’ve got our full Avatar Review for you right here. We’ll try and differentiate this review from the plethora of others online because we’ll make a point of examining the cool female characters within the overall story. Yes, this will of course include – lesbian favorite – Michelle Rodriguez and her part. So let’s get to it shall we?

On the off chance you live under a rock, on an island with no internet and you’ve just returned to civilization, here’s the upshot of James Cameron’s Avatar. The movie was shot in 3D using technology Cameron himself ambitiously had a hand in creating. The story is set on the alien world of Pandora in the year 2154. A human mining colony has been set up to mine for unobtainium, a rare mineral that is worth a fortune to the unscrupulous RDA mining company.

Problem is Pandora is home to a vast number of life forms, including the sentient Na’vi people who have a spiritual attachment to their world and creatures. Enter protagonist Jake Sully a human former marine paralyzed from the waist down who takes part in the Avatar program, in which he takes on the form of one of the Na’vi (mixed with human DNA) so he can roam the planet safely (its atmosphere is toxic to humans). Okay I’m skipping story elements so if this is vague it is because I do not want to give away anything considered spoilery, rather sticking with the overarching premise.

Hero of the piece Jake is then recruited by the military to learn the ways of the natives whilst in his avatar form. In return for this Jake will get his legs all spangly new, something that is hugely expensive. And so our story begins.

At 161 minutes in length Avatar does well not to fall into the realm of numb bum boredom, instead starting somewhat slowly and building right to the end. As a huge fan of James Cameron’s prior works (my favorite director in fact) it was easy to see a few cues specifically from the Terminator franchise and Aliens. These do not detract, rather adding to proceedings for those die-hard fans who may have a smile as they occur onscreen.

So tell me about the women in Avatar…
Sigourney Weaver, famous for her role as the wonderful Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise is cast as Dr. Grace Augustine, a botanist who mentors protagonist Jake in the ways of the Na’vi. There’s even a little touch of Gorilla’s in the Mist here with the character of Grace herself living amongst the Na’vi in Avatar form. It’s a nice touch and though Sigourney Weaver dons red hair, there is little doubt the undertones of Ellen Ripley fighting the huge evil corporate entity are here (only it’s RDA instead of Weyland-Yutani).

Michelle Rodriguez plays the character of Trudy Chacon, a marine pilot with a conscience. Sadly, though the character is pivotal to proceedings, we don’t see her get a huge amount of screen time. That said what we do get is Rodriguez playing the doe eyed, kick ass pilot and she is a cool character. For those that care and are only going to see Avatar because of their Rodriguez crushing, she also wears a white vest and runs – braless – with guns in 3D, you’ll be happy.

The main female character is undoubtedly that of Neytiri, love interest for Jake’s avatar and native Na’vi. She is played to perfection by Zoe Saldana in all her big blue computer generated glory. Neytiri is not only a kick ass warrior, she’s also a bit of a hippy (as are all the Na’vi) mixed with native American overtones (as is the entire premise), thus the “Dances With Smurfs” title flying around the interwebs. Neytiri and Jake are the central love story, though this is not handled in sentimental fashion (as if Cameron would do such a thing) and is a good formula for bringing all the elements together.

C. C. H. Pounder is superlative as Mo’at, the Na’vi queen. Though not a huge amount of screen time, the emotional content of Pounder’s performance is powerful enough that she stays with you (in similar fashion to Rodriguez).

Those female marines who dinged the gaydar. Hat’s off to you ladies, even if you were on the side of pure evil. Shame on you.

So Tell Us What You Really Think…
Avatar was a 3D visual feast, but let’s not get caught up in just the technology. Avatar as a story and film within itself, even without all the bells and whistles is an exhilarating ride. The slightly heavy handed message of the huge mega corporations destruction of an ecosystem – and indeed wealth as more important than nature – is handled in such a way that it may feel as though you want more closure, but that wouldn’t bring us the rumored Avatar II.

Was the 3D really that good?
In a word yes and only spoilt ever so slightly by the decision to play a bunch of upcoming 3D movie trailers prior to it beginning. In a way though this also pushed forth just how stunning these ‘real world’ visuals are. Holographic computer displays pop out, there are windscreens on ships you feel you’re truly looking through and this is without the splendor of the Na’vi homeworld itself. You truly must try and see this in 3D. The only complaint regarding the 3D would be that at points it is difficult to keep up with the overly fast action scenes (though this would stand true were it not 3D also).

If you have dismissed Avatar as an overhyped no brainer, you’ll be missing out. This film will change the way movies are made from this point forth. Cameron has always been a bit of a game changer and Avatar – 14 years in the making from thought to screen – is no different. Whilst not a perfect piece of cinema, there are bound to be those who believe it to be a schmaltzy message on imperialist dangers with environmentalist and anti-war overtones. Avatar is a thought provoking expose of the dangers of such things whilst remaining true to the Cameron style of storytelling, great characters – including strong women – and bundles of action. A Titanic achievement (yeah I know, but what can ya do).

We might finally see a science fiction genre film make it big at more than just the technical achievement Oscars, though it will no doubt clean up there as well when the time comes.

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