The human race is exploring deep space and has discovered a planet with rich reserves of a mineral that is extremely useful. However, the planets atomosphere is totally unbreathable for us and it is inhabited by a race of blue aliens that are one with their ecosystem.

The only way for us to communicate with them is to breed "avatars" which are alien bodies that can be remotely controlled by a human host. The main guy, who is disabled in the real world from the waist down, takes the place of his brother who was killed in action.

As he explores with the team who are seeking to make a deal with the natives by peaceful methods he becomes accepted by the chief's daughter and learns to live and hunt as they do.

His boss, however, becomes increasingly impatient. They see the natives as below them and eventually feel forced to take the mineral by force and evicting them from their home.

My description of the storyline does the film no favours and its true that the film has a lot in common with the story of Pocahontas, albeit set in space.

However, the effects on this movie are really quite breathtaking - especially in 3D. Once you get past the fact that the main characters are giant blue people with tails this film has a lot to say and clearly parallells the experiences of native Americans during the days of the first settlers.

This really is an awesome film and one that everybody should see. 5 stars and it really should have more than that.

see also:
Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, X Men: First Class, Star Trek, I Am Legend

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photo © 20th Century Fox.