Avatar does New Zealand proud

We have just returned from seeing Avatar, and it is a magical marvel. I was excited at every viewing of scenery which looked like New Zealand. I applauded at the end, whenever the credits referenced New Zealand. And the characters certainly sounded as though they were speaking the Maori language, but I will have to be enlightened on that.

The film won the best picture in the drama category at the Golden Globes Awards in Hollywood. James Cameron won as best Director. The movie won other awards, and is certain to be a major contender in the Oscars. Cameron spent millions on it, but the art and special effects are breathtaking. Avatar is earning billions, and I sincerely hope some of the money has found its way to New Zealand.

I found the movie to be much more beautiful and haunting than the Lord of the Rings saga. The comparisons to real life are many - the cowboy slaughter of Indians, white exploitation of black Africa, the destruction in Haiti, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other events. Whatever the comparisons, it is well worth seeing.

By the way, "The Lovely Bones" was playing at the same Multiplex theater where we viewed Avatar. Some people were leaving that film midway through, and going to other movies. They said Bones was "really weird." ----Connie Lawn

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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