While the plot was simple, to the point of being a remake of various themes from other films, they succeeded at creating a enthralling and uplifting film. Bellow are the specific things that made Avatar worth watching for me:
Tarantino Effect:
Because they were not trying to explain a arcane plot, the film did not require a continuous babble of exposition. Films like Inglorious Bustards and Kill Bill are really simple. 'Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France' or even just 'kill FUCKING bill'. A desperate film puts all its complexity in the plot, a genius film puts it everywhere else. For a film that describes as much as Avatar, did you feel once any of the scenes with the Navi were contrived?
Its just the Lion King! (and thats all right):
After the first scene you can always accurately guess what the next scene will be. At the first lament from Jake that the world viewed through his own body feels less real, you know he is going to find a way to switch bodies. But its OKAY! Its still enjoyable, like a disney film for grownups. Simba grows up and kicks the humans off Pandora. Everyone saw it coming and it was still fun.
FUCK THE MOON:
Yes Moon was a great film. I am a Sci-Fi NUT and Moon was fun. But I still think Avatar was a great film because it was so escapist. You can't tell me if you went into the film with a open mind the ending did not endear you in any way. Great Sci-Fi is amazing. But i don't take 2001 off my 'the best films ever' shelf when i want a pick me up!
Avatar was a great film. Go let your inner-child enjoy the film.
IB4 Flame: yes I concede 99% of the acting inside the human base SUCKED