Avatar is one FUN movie. And, it has the mushy romance to keep a wife or girlfriend occupied while the men are marveling at the graphics and dreaming of a future video game or watching the NFL with similar effects. Despite hearing a lot of criticism - I liked it, a lot. Not because it was profound - but because I merely wanted to put on the goggles and be entertained. In my opinion the plot was intentionally shallow so as to play it safe on the enormous investment. Although, I did expect more from the storyline considering the amount of time the producers sat on it - but maybe that time did more to dilute than enhance.
Others criticized Director James Cameron as though he is brainwashing us all toward his political agendas of anti-war, pro-ecology, etc. But, I just don't understand what is wrong with a plot that depicts potential evils of man - particularly in these relevant topics.
Have we fooled ourselves into thinking we are above reproach in all efforts of war and the care of our beautiful planet? War is devastating. Wars are sometimes started for dishonorable gain. War, even when necessary, is a serious and sad course of action. And, our environment is a delicate and precious creation by God that we have failed in caring for on many occasions. This is the case regardless of what you or I may think on any particular politicized issue on the matter.
When watching movies it is imperative that we ask ourselves, "what is the creator of this film attempting to validate or devastate in my life?" I don't believe we can only partake in arts that align perfectly with our world-view and to do so would make us dimmer than a tricycle headlight about the world around us. But, we have to be careful about what we swallow and what we spit out.
Now, here is where I agree with the Vatican. The current Pope (Benedict XVI - I really need to get a name like that), has been called the "Green Pope" for his concern on environmental issues. But, the Vatican was accurate in pointing out the danger of the subversive validation of worship of our creation versus worship of the Creator. This misdirected worship was described by the Vatican that today "Nature is no longer a creation to defend, but a divinity to worship."
Creation worship is on a sharp rise in many demographics (teens and even scientists). We must be aware of and refuse the validation of such ideas in our own lives and in the lives of our children. It has worked its way deep into our culture with concepts of "Mother Nature" and Karma. Likewise we can take the opportunity to acknowledge the beauty and wonder of our 'good' earth (Genesis 1) and point people to the Great One who made it all.
MLK
