The 3-D is technically brilliant, especially with the absence of "throw it in your face" effects. It is so good that 15 minutes into the movie you stop noticing it and just sink into the space of the image.
The audience actually cheered at one point and stood up and applauded at the end.
Avatar is probably too intense for children but when the "buzz" gets going on Avatar they will beg to see it. Parents! Go with the kids to hold their hand.
It has three very strong female characters and two well played villains. The hero is laconic, his avatar is a warrior.
Is this all a metaphor for our tragic misadventures in the middle east?