Just got back from seeing it, and have an interesting observation to report:
Before the movie began, we were shown several minutes of commercials all devoted to enrolling in the military. It was pervasive.
Once the movie was over, everyone took off their glasses and practically ran out of the room. In less than two minutes Hubby and I were totally alone, and we've never had that happen before, Holiday shopping or not.
The movie was cool. I've heard it called "Dances with Aliens." A better comparison would be with the movie "Thunderheart". Kind of a melding of those two. ;)
Hubby and I were discussing it, and he said he's sick of everything being about politics. Many of his co-workers didn't like the movie, because it cast the military in a bad light, and they are techies, engineers, and 'he's dissing our future.' What future?
I think its time for something more life affirming, and Avatar certainly has that. :D
I'd love to see it again, but I think once with 3D is enough.