When it was released in 2009, James Cameron's Avatar broke numerous box office records. It has been ranked as the most successful movie of all time and received nine Academy Award nominations. However, more than ten years have passed since its initial release, and throughout that period, moviegoers' opinions of it have cooled considerably. Nowadays, it's common to hear the phrase "overrated" used about the movie. This makes it worthwhile to revisit the film to determine whether it is actually overrated or simply receiving unfair criticism.
When the movie first came out, critics praised it for its revolutionary special effects. To properly immerse moviegoers in the stunning world of Pandora, James Cameron developed groundbreaking 3D technology. Over a decade later, it's still one of the most visually stunning films, so it paid off. However, many who didn't love the spectacle claim that the only aspect of the movie that people genuinely like is the special effects. They think that the stunning aesthetics cover up a terrible film.
People who hold Avatar in low regard frequently point out how closely its main plot resembles that of Dances with Wolves or others. The premise is unquestionably the same, that much is certain. When outsiders invade a foreign and unfamiliar land, the original inhabitants fight back with the assistance of strangers who support them. But at the very least, Pocahontas in Avatar is still a fascinating and amusing character. Regardless, historical events continue to inspire media, as seen in the obvious inspiration for the Joker from Taxi Driver. There's no need to get upset about it happening with Avatar because it's something that happens regularly.
These reviewers frequently overlook the fact that Avatar has fantastic world building since it informs us about the fauna and flora of Pandora as well as the Navy way of life. Along with excellent action scenes, it also has a tonne of amazing science fiction concepts, such as the notion that humans may inhabit and control genetically manufactured "avatars." Sully, the protagonist, is a paraplegic who uses avatar technology to be able to walk once again, and the central relationship genuinely feels natural, so there's no lack of heart either (which is often a miss with many sci-fi actions flicks).
Was Avatar deserving of the publicity it garnered in 2009? Maybe not. It can therefore be argued that it is a little exaggerated. But it's a fantastic movie. It has amazing aesthetics and great world building, and it is really enjoyable. It appears that the main reason it attracts as much animosity as it does is due to how excessively acclaimed it was at first. It is also utterly despised. If the movie hadn't been so overhyped, maybe not as many people would have detested it. Because of this, it is simultaneously overvalued and over despised.
Although it's not the best movie ever, it's also not at all bad. Once more, it's a really good science fiction action film (that happens to also have stunning visuals). People on all sides of the "Avatar" controversy need to sit back and understand that the film is just a good one, not the best or worst.
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