Avatar has the unique problem of simultaneously being both overrated and underrated. The staggering box office figures give the movie a reputation that it simply doesn't live up to, but conversely, it also causes many critics to be overly harsh. The premise of inverting the classic alien invasion story so that humans are the invaders is a very intriguing concept, and Avatar excels at immersing the audience in the world of Pandora. The Na'Vi feel like a full-fledged species with their own cultures and lore, which speaks to the efficacy of the storytelling, though movie could stand to be shorter. Ultimately, Avatar doesn't redefine the genre, but it's still a solid sci-fi flick with a lot of world-building potential.
