[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by HPLovecraft

I'll stick to film, because it is obviously unfair to compare it to fantasy or science-fiction novel's and their immensely elaborate creations.

Middle-Earth is the obvious one on film. Hyboria, the make believe world of Pan's Labyrinth, The City in Bladerunner, the galaxy of the original Star Wars films, the original Planet of the Apes... It doesn't need glowing flowers and cliches like the Tree of Souls to make an imaginary world good. I liked the Na'vi, but they were still only thinly veiled Native Americans.

Cases could be made for the engrossing world of Harry Potter (even though I don't particular enjoy those movies), Dark City, etc, along with others... The Wizard of Oz... These movies and their make believe worlds all stood on legs that weren't propped up by (albeit mind-blowing) CGI and 3-D effects. That's not to say these things should be held against Avatar. They're its strengths. But if you take away the 3-D and the insanely good CGI, its a cliche, bland world of blue Native Americans walking on glowing flowers, riding dragons, and talking about the Tree of Souls. The world building of Pandora itself is nothing that is particularly special or mind-blowing. You enjoy a movie for its strengths, and it's pretty clear the real strengths of Avatar are the awesome effects and great action.

I know CMPunk didn't believe me but I really was just trying to get your opinion.

I agree with many of your points. Especially Middle Earth and Harry Potter.