One of the few and repeated criticisms of Peter Jackson’s magnificent remake of “King Kong” was about the “long, boring part” in the middle of the movie. That was the part on board the ship that was heading to Kong’s island. That was the part where characterizations and motivations and subplots were established.

Whatever, we just want to see the giant ape!

James Cameron knows better. Cut the characterizations, etc., to the barest minimum. When I hear people criticize his “trite” dialog and “obvious” plotting, I just have to say SHUT THE &#@% UP!

Show me the giant ape. Or in this case, the mind-blowing computer generated special effects. And if mind-blowing isn’t enough, it’s all in 3-D.

“Avatar” is an unbelievable-yet-thoroughly-believable mountain of technological eye candy. The simple and familiar plot, stereotypical characters, and very recognizable dialog are well-crafted so that not a single frame of film is wasted on “boring stuff.”

I’ve said this before, but 3-D is old technology and not really necessary here, except to add some form of depth to the 2-dimensional characters. Nevertheless, it enhances the amazing sets, scenes and actions. And as three-dimesional dust motes and fire embers fill the theater, we are pulled into the action in a way that flat imagery could never accomplish.

Anaglyphic Still from 'Avatar,' which is Polarized in Theatres

It’s the sheer richness of detail of the computer generated imagery that steals the show. The creatures and landscapes and battles and love scenes are all completely believable on the visual level.

I have a few little problems with “Avatar,” but these might sound like nit-picking. Still…

Sigourney Weaver’s avatar is not as good an actress as Weaver. Sure, the vocal dub is wonderful and I’m sure Ms. Weaver physically acted out the part, but her CG avatar’s facial expressions do not match the subtlety of her Human expressions. Hey, that’s not a real knock. Sigourney Weaver is so good that she’s nearly impossible to match – even by an entire CGI team. (In contrast, Sam Wothington’s avatar was a brilliant match.)

When the right-handed Humans are in their avatar bodies, they shoot their arrows left-handed. I’m just saying…

I believe I saw a moon’s shadow moving along with the cloud cover of its parent planet while the moon itself held its position. If this is the only tiny little mistake the CGI team made, they are truly miracle workers.

Only one single character in the entire movie smoked, which I find more unbelievable than any other aspect of this science fiction movie.

The rare floating material is called “unobtainium.” My father’s generation used that term since before I was born, referring to any unusually rare material. “Unobtainium” was eventually trademarked by Oakley, Inc. in 1987. I believe James Cameron is paying homage to that time-honored concept. My nit here is that too many reviewers didn’t get the joke (and in fact took the entire plot too seriously).

There are plenty of computer screens and video monitors depicted in the film, and many appeared to display 3-D images. Let’s assume none of the characters had to wear 3-D glasses because the images were holographic in nature.

James Horner’s music is apropos, and does best when underscoring the native scenes. But the closing credit theme song is Muzak to my ears, a cookie cutter pop song that thankfully doesn’t interrupt the movie at any point.

Okay, enough nits picked.

When you get off an exhilarating roller coaster ride, you don’t say “Wow, that was a great story!” “Avatar” is a great roller coaster ride. This movie deserves its One Billion Dollar global sales, and deserves the future billions it will make in secondary markets and spin-offs.

Six-Eye Jackson

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