Overrated films part 25

"I still haven't seen Avatar," I relayed to a few friends.

"Trust me," one of them said. "You have."

I sat down to finally view the movie everyone is discussing, whether they've seen it or not. While most I know at least enjoyed the film, if not rant and raved about how it was the greatest movie ever created, I was curious to see what the masses saw in it, because after watching the previews I had little to no interest in seeing what I basically saw was a James Cameron animated adventure. There were those that reportedly took their own life in the hopes that they would be transported to Pandora and live like a giant Smurf if you can believe it.

I plop in the disc and figure out the plot within ten minutes. A man battling the demons of his past finds exotic culture, which embraces him, and then finds redemption in the new life he's chosen. Yes you've seen this plot at least a dozen times and sometimes better than this film can offer, but I enjoyed Avatar. Yes it was often corny, some of the characters were less then stereotypes, and the story was simple, but I loved the world Cameron created. The lush scenery, the wonderful imagery, and the creation of the utopian society hooked me.

I was impressed with many of the elements, but when the credits started rolling I couldn't help but think why it became so well regarded. Sure it's a technical marvel that deserves accolades in that department alone, but the music failed me in many respects as well as some of the acting. I can understand it being a hit, but an Oscar nomination for Best Picture?

Maybe if I saw it in 3-D, as many have, I would've enjoyed it that much more, but as it holds up as home entertainment it's simply an enjoyable popcorn blockbuster. Like many films on my Overrated list it's a movie I enjoyed, but it doesn't deserve being the hallowed halls of great cinema.

"It's a remote-control movie experience, a high-tech "wish you were here" scribbled on a very expensive postcard." - Stephanie Zacharek