The original reaction to James Cameron's Avatar - still currently the highest grossing movie of all time - was phenomenal. A bonafide success with audiences and critics alike back in 2009, it also stands as the definitive movie to be associated with a "backlash" of sorts. That's to say, whatever happened with this bold, visionary sci-fi epic in the months after all the hype had died down, it's safe to say that Avatar's reputation has taken a nose dive in recent years. So what happened? Partly, it seems to do with the fact that this environmentally-minded flick - which had humans entering artificial bodies in order to communicate with an alien species - was likened to the story of Pocahontas, with many later accusing Cameron of "ripping" off everything from the Disney adaptation to similarly plotted movies like Dances With Wolves. There were also complaints that although Avatar was a visual masterpiece, the script was bland and poor. What can't be denied is that the majority of movie-goers really praised Avatar when it first came out - how else did it become the highest grossing picture of all-time, 'less good words were being spread via word of mouth? The fact remains that this was a phenomenal movie-going experience, and is nothing close to a "bad" movie. Worse of all, much of the "bashing" associated with Avatar seems to neglect the fact that millions of people stepped out of the theatre in total awe. And now, for some reason, it's "cool" to hate on Avatar? It's not perfect, of course, but nowadays we seem to talk about this movie as though it's one of the worst crimes in recent cinematic history, and not simply as the innovative, fun blockbuster that it totally is. A masterpiece? No - but it's certainly not the hacky slice of amateur filmmaking that so many would like you believe. No matter your opinion, if you're yet to see it again, give it another shot. At your own risk, of course. Like this article? Got any to add? Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments section below.
