'Avatar' Pushes the Limits of Modern Cinema

A $300 million movie about blue cat-people from outer space?

As the most anticipated film in recent history, James Cameron's upcoming epic, Avatar, has fans and critics alike buzzing over its release next week. But will it be enough of a blockbuster to at least recoup its $300 million price tag?

For over 15 years, director James Cameron has had the script for Avatar ready to go. However, he wanted to wait until special effects technology was capable of producing his dream. And that time is now.

The film follows a paralyzed ex-Marine, played by Aussie Sam Worthington, who travels to an faraway planet, with his mind in the body of an alien. The movie's special effects are rumored to be other-worldly, and both sci-fi geeks and regular movie-goers are itching to see Cameron's dazzling world.

And so far critics are loving the spectacle. With a week to go before its release, Avatar has garnered a 91% rating on RottenTomatoes.com. Jake Coyle of the Associated Press calls the effects "revolutionary" for the film industry, while the Hollywood Reporter's Kirk Honeycutt says it has more action than "any dozen sci-fi shoot-'em-ups you care to mention."

But no matter how good it sounds, Avatar will have to perform mighty well in order to actually make any money. The film cost $300 million to make, and 20th Century Fox has reportedly spent another $200 million on marketing it.

So do the studio a favor and run out to see Avatar when it opens next week. James Cameron will thank you for it.