Avatar, A Breath of Fresh Air

Movies are a dime a dozen nowadays but it really takes something special to captivate the attention of cinema-lovers. I really enjoy watching movies and am willing to give almost anything a shot. And it's even more rare for a movie to make my Top 10 list. But James Cameron's 2009 film, Avatar, has done just that.

I'm not going to do a full movie review but rather share my thoughts about the film. I was fortunate enough to get into, for the third weekend in a row, sold out showing of Avatar in IMAX 3D at the local theater. It's rather funny because this was my very first IMAX experience to begin with and the first movie I see joins the ranking of my favorite movies of all time. Awesome.

I don't know if you've ever been in an IMAX theater but the screen is amazingly large and the surround sound is top quality. Unfortunately, because we arrived five minutes before the show started due to traffic, we sat in the third row from the front. Ouch. Yes, it was not the greatest seat in the world, but it wasn't the first row. I could still get the 3D experience but the depth of the 3D is diminished because of how close you are. I will definitely be going back (and getting there quite early) again to get the full 3D-effect.

The movie is around 2.5 hours long (I think 162 minutes to be exact) but doesn't feel like it. You know those movies that seem to drag on and on and you wonder when it's going to be over? Well, it was nothing like that. Before you know it, you're 2 hours into the movie and ready for more - and you get more! This movie encompasses various theatrical elements to keep you entertained, no matter what type of movie-goer you are. There is love, comedy, drama and even political elements.

If you're leery about spending the extra money for IMAX 3D, don't be. Let the numbers speak for themselves. This movie has grossed over $1 billion worldwide and it's only in it's third, well now fourth, week. Spend the little extra for the goofy 3D-glasses and go enjoy some great cinema.

About Shane Holland

I am avid web developer and techie. Your all-around, not so typical, geek.