Make no mistake - the story in Avatar is predictable and trite. But it provides all the excuse you need for a fully realized, immersive enviroment that makes Lord of the Rings look like an Ed Wood Production of the Muppet Movie. The images and textures are phenomenal. See it in 3D, and you'll believe you're on Pandora.
I was very pleased to see how well the film preserved all the parts I loved most about the book, while seemlessly trimming out the somewhat out-there ending. Anyone who's ever been to Rome needs to see this movie, if just for the nostalgia. And anyone looking for a smart thriller would really enjoy it, too.