[Daradon]

I still have not seen The Hurt Locker, and am looking forward to it.

As for Avatar, it's one of those ''must see'' epics that has a huge place in history, but is not really a Best Picture.

As many have mentioned here, the story is predictable and cliched and a little too preachy. I don't disagree with that. I don't really have a trouble with the message, even if it is beaten over the head a little, because I still think they are important topics that kinda DO need to be beaten over some people's heads. Regardless, it is very obvious.

But it totally transports you to that time and place (or spot in the imagination). I really liked it because it made me feel like a kid again, full of wonder.

It is like a Star Wars or E.T. or other films like that. Very special in it's own right, for many reasons, but lacks the substance to be a Best Picture.

Normally I really need a movie to get me thinking, or to surprise me for me to like it. (Unless it's just a really great comedy) I don't go for special effects driven films, or summer blockbusters. But this movie was truly an event movie, and I really enjoyed it.

I was surprised Cameron didn't win the Best Director award though. I would think putting that movie together would have been very difficult. And from some of the comments I have read upon here about the Hurt Locker, the direction may have been lacking.

I still have not seen it (THL) yet, so I can't say though.