Interesting commentary on why Avatar is an offensive movie

Op-Ed Columnist - The Messiah Complex - NYTimes.com: "It rests on the stereotype that white people are rationalist and technocratic while colonial victims are spiritual and athletic. It rests on the assumption that nonwhites need the White Messiah to lead their crusades. It rests on the assumption that illiteracy is the path to grace. It also creates a sort of two-edged cultural imperialism. Natives can either have their history shaped by cruel imperialists or benevolent ones, but either way, they are going to be supporting actors in our journey to self-admiration."

Comment -- It's a terrific adventure movie, but I have to say that I agree with Brooks that it was uncomfortable being "entertained" by watching U.S. Marines being killed. I know, in the movie they were called mercenaries, but Cameron clearly intended everyone to recognize that these are evil American soldiers finally getting their comeuppance.

The plot is trite and cliched, but I guess if it were novel and unique, it might be overwhelming for the audience to comprehend at the same time it's trying to absorb the astonishing special effects.