...Right. Ok, so I'll be honest. The first time I saw this I thought it was a technological masterpiece and was blown away by what I was watching. I rated it 4 stars.

Now, watching it at home on the small screen, I had to struggle to finish it. I was bored out of my skull. Sure, it is still a feast of well made CGI and innovative technology and I applaud Cameron for it. But he should have thought about the plot a bit harder. Just a tad.

Still, the plot is what it is and doesn't do justice to the visual achievements, but that's not what irked me about it now. This film's ego is too big. It…

100

Theatrical Cut

Interconnected humanism. Arguably Cameron's strongest in regards to his immaculate blend of tech fetishes, romantic sweep, high-concept ideas, and classical structure/discipline. A big brain and brawn and heart collage, and just plain ravishing adventure. Cameron is a pro at basic, fundamental mechanics; fluid, gripping, efficient exposition, gradual succession of set-piece intensity, sturdy characterization, and mixes of genre. "It's just Pocahontas!", they say. Excuse me, but does your precious Pocahontas (ignoring the common knowledge and reliance on the mythic idea of the 'hero's journey' for centuries) have giant-bowie-knife-wielding-mech-suits battling alien creatures? Or massive native arrows plunging through mean little men as they desperately try to uphold their capitalistic escapade? Or dragons, connected and controlled through nature's constant flourishing…

James Cameron's Avatar, above all else, is a transporting and utterly breathtaking experience. Let's face it, whether you were for or against this movie from the beginning, you cannot deny the miraculous and wondrous scope of the entire project. In terms of the hype and build-up for the film's initial release, there has never been a film that was as-talked about and water-cooler friendly than Avatar. Hell, I remember going to see the film opening night on the biggest screen possible in 3D, and at least three people that I knew were there. It was an event, one that brought the collective moviegoing audience together for a ride that hasn't been bested in modern cinema.

Now, I'm just going to…