"those who declare this to be a cinematic spectacle that's wonderful beyond anything since 1915 and D.W. Griffith (David Denby in the same interview) are really falling prey to the hype."

Don't you think it's a bit judgemental? The fact that it did not impress you does not make everyone else amazed by the film hype-followers unable to make their own judgements.

I'm usually very critical about film, but Avatar just got me... I sat in the chair and just admired the whole new world Cameron created. And no, the Na'vis did not look plastic to me. To be frank I think they "acted" much better than the human characters :>