We haven't gotten a chance to see Avatar (sort of saving the "grandparents watching the kid" for some of the summer movies), but hope to catch it on DVD. From what I've read of everyone's reviews though, it sounds like it is a lot of "looks great, but the acting/story isn't anything spectacular". I don't quite get the #1 movie of all time either, nor all the awards. The effects/technical stuff sure, but its place in the pantheon of all-time greats doesn't seem quite earned. Heck, aside from the possible effects advancements, I wonder if it will even be all that memorable down the road. Again, this is from someone who hasn't seen it yet, so what do I know? Part of me gets a bit biased because of the sort-of rivalry/comparisons to the original Star Wars as far as "groundbreaking" that we heard a bit during its release. Sure, it is a different world, and I am completely biased, but it just doesn't seem like the cultural phenomenon that Star Wars was (and still is). Anyways, I was glad it didn't win best picture either. I mean, this doesn't sound like it was Return of the King quality - and I think we heard just as much favorable stuff about movies like Star Trek and Up (which were both nominated as well), and would be more unconventional picks.