With all the hype, I wasn't sure what to think going in to the movie. What I got was an extraordinary experience.
On the surface this is a sci-fi, noble savage gets beat up and fights back movie. But when you put together good (not great) story & acting with the great visuals you get something amazing. The 3D IMAX is THE format for this movie. The effects were of such high quality that you couldn't tell it wasn't real.
The sound was extraordinary, & the IMAX theater made the experience all I could have asked for. James Horner creates a truly inspired musical score that blends Braveheart & Titanic with a tribal air.
I give Avatar a solid 9/10 because everything just comes together so well.