Morgan Arnold Avatar (January 29, 2011)

I finally watched Avatar over Christmas break and let me say- I was more than underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong-the visual aspect of this film is outstanding. However, the plot was… well typical and predictable. There were so many underlying messages in the film, ranging from love, trust, and the importance of being “green.” I did find that the film had this Universality feel to it. We watch as the avatars are connected to everything. They are one with nature and one another. This is very much a Universalists philosophy. The film also portrays this concept of multiple ways to life and after-life. Confucius explains this lifestyle as the great man, ““One should live so that one is at ease and in harmony with the world, without loss of happiness, and by day and by night, share the (peace of) spring with the created things. Thus continuously one creates the seasons in one's own breast. Such a person may be said to have perfect talents” (Chang Tzu, Chapter Five). Whereas, the Christianity belief is that the only way to eternity is through Jesus. This film is visually appealing indeed; I just was not thrilled with the attempt to substance and the underlying message of the film.