Despite the rating, I'm sure a number of parents will choose to bring their kids to see this blockbuster, even though they don't quite make the 13-year-old suggested age cut-off. I do have some questions about the suitability of this film for younger viewers, but it's more due to the length (2 hrs. 42 min.) than for any “mature” content. All the same, if you do choose to take your kid to see Avatar, why not spend some time talking about the movie and its themes? Then you can justify the $50 you just blew by telling yourself it was an educational experiment.

Here are some questions to get the discussion ball rolling. These aren't yes or no questions; instead they're intended to help you and your kids explore some of the movie's themes.

  1. Marine Jake Sully decides to take his brother's place and undergo the long journey to Pandora. Why do you think he chose to accept the job offer? How do you think he feels about his brother's death? How can you tell?

  2. What kind of reaction does Sully get when people see his wheelchair? How do you think his physical handicap affected his outlook and his decisions?

  3. What do you think has happened to the Earth in this future world? Can you give any examples to support your ideas?

  4. At first, Dr. Grace Augustine has a lot of anger towards Sully. Over time, this changes. Why was she angry at first, and why does her attitude change?

  5. Over the course of the movie, Sully shifts his allegiance from his “mission” towards the Na'vi people. When did you notice this shift occurring? Why do you think he changed his mind?

  6. Why is the “tree of voices” so important to the Na'vi?

  7. Was Sully a traitor to the United States? Do you think it's sometimes justified to go against orders? If so, when?

  8. Sully is an outsider among his companions because of his handicap, and among the Na'vi because he's an avatar. Why did he end up feeling more accepted by the Na'vi?

  9. What do you think will happen next with Pandora? Will the Earthlings return to mine again?

  10. What did you think of the 3D? Did it add to your experience or not?