Looked like a walrus wearing a three piece. I'm sure it was nothing...

As of 9:30 PM (Central) on December 28, James Cameron's AVATAR has grossed  $623,575,721. 
 
In just over a week it has grossed over half a billion dollars.  I know what you're thinking.  "Oh Dan, your standards are too high.  Avatar was fun."  It was that kind of attitude that gave Hitler Austria.  We need to stop and think of the consequences.  What kind of example are setting for the next generation?  "If it has explosions and 3-d, why not make it one of the biggest films of the decade?"
 
Why?  Monkey see, monkey make a similar movie that is even more generic because there was no reason to pay a script consultant to doctor the screenplay; I mean, look at Avatar.  Cameron wrote it 15 years ago (probably ripped off the idea from Harlan Ellison) and then gave it to some SFX guys to play around with.  While the idea of the white man attempting to destroy an "inferior" culture for some random source of profit seems to be timeless, it was as stupidly basic as it could possibly be.
 
"I dunno Jim, hasn't this story been done to death?"
"Then make them blue!  I just want to blow stuff up and overtly criticize the Bush white house!"
 
I believe the children are our future... because I haven't figured out a way to Benjamin Button myself.  So let's show them how much we care by supporting filmmakers aren't actively trying to damage brain tissue.  And yes, I am a hypocrit.  I payed eleven bucks to see this 3-hour long monstrosity.  But I did it for you!  Also because we needed fresh fodder for the podcast.  But mostly for you!  I want what's best for you and seeing this movie succeed will only hurt you in the future.
 
And your Mom and I don't fight because of something you did.  We fight because I saw her kiss Karl the Christmas party.  Don't tell her I know, I'm saving it.  Now off to bed with you.  You've got a big day tomorrow.

Avatar in no way reinvents cinema.   Not with its story or its visuals.   If you have seen Dances with Wolves and/or Pocahontas you know the story of Avatar.   Just picture the Native Americans with blue skin.

Avatar was two and a half hours too long. After the first forty five minutes you know exactly what is going to happen which lets your brain relax and enjoy the visuals.   …if you like that sort of thing. I for one have had it with CG and 3D movies. If most people disagree with me here I understand.   I won’t argue that James Cameron didn’t create an interesting world with some interesting creatures; though if he did it with live people, real props and costumes, I would have been much more impressed.   I would like to see Guillermo Del Torro’s Avatar. I think that would be a movie I could get behind.

The story was stale.   The dialogue was awful.   Sigourney Weaver seemed out of place. And the blue people smelled funny.   If you’re interested in seeing Avatar because you think it looks amazing, go see it. Ifyou’re going because you’re interested in the story, skip it.