I went and saw it in 3D on Friday and was very disappointed - I knew the story wouldn't be much but I was expecting to be blown away by the special efftecs and 3D but both were average.

So everything was pretty much blue or pink and everything bright but what did James Cameron do? Go to The Warehouse while he was here and buy 50million fibre optic lights?

The 3D was also average in that there was very few thigns that came out of the screen - I was expecting to be blown away with the big final battle but sadly almost nothign came out - average movie - more dissappointing that Both Indiana Jones 4 and Transformers 2!

I really enjoyed this movie in 3D. The CGI was smooth and fluid and the "sets" really worked. From an entertainment technology point of view it was a masterpiece.

For story quality it was awful. A lame, contrite, cliche of stereotypes and macguffins that just lumbered from one ridiculous scene to the next.

If Cameron had only directed - and let someone who knows how to write a story without stealing it from better authors - then this could have been truly great.

Being in Dunedin where we're pretty much the only place left not to have a 3D cinema, i was left with the impression throughout the whole movie that certain scenes had been put in purely for the 3D effect which made the movie a tad bit crappier for those of us who didn't want to travel at least 3 hours to watch it. I loved the scenery that was created, this was amazing to watch on the big screen) however the story line was both bad and predictable.

Another shining example of a film made by one person, who is of the belief (either because no-one ever says no to them or they are just self-deluding) that they can do everything. James Cameron clearly is a graduate of the same school as George Lucas. "Why pay good money for all these different experts when I, being an expert on everything already, can do it all myself?" Having said that, I was amazed by the 3D - but my opinion was biased, as it was the first 3D film I'd ever been to; I have nothing to compare it to. The story was lack-lustre and wooden. For being an effects feast I think it definitely succeeded but on characterisation and story, it didn't measure up at all. Now it appears there are two planned sequels. Sigh.

In 3d and imax I think it changed the entertainment experience. I knew the story wasn't up to much going in but that that is not what I was there for. With lots done in Wellington Navi speech with a Maori base it a great credit to New Zealand. I'd easily see it again and get more stuff out of the story and the way it looks

I've said it once and I'll say it again, crass, unsubtle and of course not a single shade of grey or point of difference anywhere. Yes, the effects were good but this does not a great story make for me. One word... meh.

Here's a plot prediction - Avatar 2: Pocahontas journeys to the brave new world, Planet Earth...

Did it have cutting edge effects - hell yes! Was it entertaining - sure! Did it have fantastic acting - hardly! Was the storyline amazing - sadly not ...

Overall grade 3.5 out of 5

I thought the 3D was excellent. It was the first 3D movie where they didn't spend their time trying to show off with the 3D rather than just using it. The sequence where he was exploring the planet early on were the best part of the movie. The story was pathetic but most people would have gone in already knowing that and not been disappointed.

Avatar = brilliant! A superbly stunning movie. Ok, ok, ok so the plot and story line was essentially Pochahontas in space but I think it's still one of the greatest movies ever! I have now seen it 4 times in 3D and quite happy to pay the $18.50 each time (plus popcorn, large drink and bag of M&M's) but it's money well spent.

The 3D effects were good. I wouldn't say outstanding but Avatar has now set a benchmark of how movies will be filmed and screened. There's a good reason it is the highest grossing movie ever.

Such a shame though, when you get something that is widely liked around the world there are always those people who bag it and run it down because they think they're conforming by liking it! Like the first 4 comments ... !