Mark Hobin (hobster1)

Inhabitants of Earth are engaged in the colonization of planet Pandora which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Lush, computer generated video game style movie is a technically dazzling light show, particularly in its rendering of the foreign world. Indeed there is a palpable sense of wonder as paraplegic Jake is able to walk and experience the planet's vegetation and wildlife for the first time. Unfortunately the story is simplistic in the extreme. Characters are written in broad strokes. Actor Stephen Lang plays Colonel Miles Quaritch with such a unrepentant contempt for life, he barely registers as a human being. Ultimately the entire narrative feels like an apology for European imperialism, and specifically for the plight of the Native American. It's a shame director James Cameron's long awaited follow-up to Titanic didn't employ a more original story, because the film is a stunning breakthrough of visual technology.

Pleasant enough animation about a poor African-American girl named Tiana living in the French Quarter of New Orleans, who longs to open up her own restaurant. Not the comeback that Disney has been hyping, but it is colorful and lively nonetheless. The problem is the main characters are bland and the songs, while adequate, are instantly forgettable once you leave the theater. Many of the supporting characters are notable however: particularly Ray, a lovesick Cajun firefly, Louis, a jazz-singing alligator, and Tiana's best friend Charlotte, a rollicking spoiled diva. These characterizations boost what is a mostly formulaic entry in the Disney canon.

Jack at his best.

A testament to the human spirit.