Another step in making of movie magic

One has to wonder where the moving-making experience may take Hollywood next.

This past week the seemingly predestined epic "Avatar" opened on movie screens across the country and on dozens of massive IMAX screens as well. The film is a technological viewing wonder. Director James Cameron has created another world, startlingly real, populated by blue, 10-foot tall people, lush fluorescent vegetation and menacingly real creatures.

The quality of the 3-D presentation adds to the sensation that viewers have entered a virtual reality alternative universe. Moviegoers may be tempted to try to brush aside the plants as they move with the characters through the verdant jungles on planet Pandora.

Industry watchers speculate that the producers backing Mr. Cameron invested about $400 million in creating "Avatar." It's an outrageous amount, say some critics, but the same derision was heard when Mr. Cameron spent $200 million on "Titanic." It went on to win 11 Academy Awards and generate $1.8 billion in box office sales, not a bad investment at all.

Arguably there is something inappropriate about spending so much on a movie. But humans need entertainment. It's inherent in our collective nature, and as our technological ability expands, so too does the elaborateness of our diversions. Cameron notes if it makes money, then apparently he did not spend too much.

Some critics are saying the storyline is bit thin and cliché - greedy corporate and political interests take advantage of a native and innocent people. But there is nothing wrong with retelling a familiar story if you do it well and offer some new insights.

This movie leaves the audience wondering, "How will they top that?"

But "they" will. Hollywood always has.