Avatar

 Release Date: Dec 18, 2009 

Runtime: 2 hr. 30 min. 

Director: James Cameron 

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez.

If ever there was a film that sets standards and leaps new bounds, it's James Cameron's latest dream project, "Avatar." So much hype and speculation has surrounded this film for years before we even saw any indication of what it was about. Now, we've become acquainted with a new and spectacular world that rivals even the greats such as "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings." While the story itself focuses on a simplistic goal and purpose, the characters and their surroundings are really what make this film so engaging. From beginning to end, the visuals are absolutely breathtaking, allowing you to immerse yourself like never before. Every detail, every movement is so believable that in anyone's mind, this fictional world of Pandora and the Na'vi really exists. James Horner's score is beautifully crafted as a backdrop to each scene. The only negative, if I had to nitpick, is the story in which the originality falls a bit short. Having watched "Ferngully" as a child, this film greatly draws from similar themes. Nevertheless, "Avatar" easily surpasses expectations and is quick to become a cult favorite. With two more sequels on the horizon, James Cameron will have fans in the palm of his hand for the next few years. 

Rating: 4½ stars