And once again ...

To quote one of my co-workers, who shall remain anonymous: "Never underestimate the lowest common denominator."

This cynical outlook rang truer than I would like this evening, when I watched a film that left me completely baffled by the hordes and critics who hailed its cinematic genius.

Technology aside, the story of Avatar is a xenophobic disaster, reminiscent of Dances with Wolves and The Last Samurai. The brave, arrogant outsider sweeps in to save the savages and prove his superiority, after supposedly humbling himself and mastering their meager skills -- and all in the time it takes to ... ah yes, fall in love. Awww, isn't that ... disappointing.