Reel Critics:

In 1977, George Lucas created a captivating new reality for moviegoers in a galaxy far, far away.

With “Avatar,” master filmmaker James Cameron has launched that concept into an orbit so high, that even Darth Vader can only look up in awe. The complexity of the new world conjured up by his special-effects wizards makes “Star Wars” seem like a hollow plastic shell.

But there’s much more to this epic sci-fi adventure than amazing computer generated images.

Cameron transports the audience so fully into the life of an alien planet that it begins to feel like home. The strangely beautiful race of blue humanoids living there begins to feel like family.

There is a palpable letdown whenever the action passes back from this lush mystical planet to more Earthbound scenes.

The back story is a military campaign by Earthlings to plunder the planet. Sam Worthington plays a paraplegic soldier given new life when scientists transport his human mind into the healthy body of a blue alien.

He becomes the ultimate spy, able to mingle with the natives while passing through dimensions of altered awareness. But the intense spiritual nature of the alien people starts to divide his loyalties.

The monumental battles that follow this plot are predictable. You’ve seen elements of this cosmic story in some previous great films. But the execution is breathtaking and the production is astonishing at every turn. It’s sure to please fans of all ages and get some nods at the Oscars.

The ups and downs of life and layoffs

“Up in the Air” is part drama, part romantic comedy, part commentary on the shaky times we live in. Directed by Jason Reitman (“Juno”) and smartly written and acted, it’s one of this year’s better movies.

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a smooth, no-nonsense guy with the unenviable job of telling people they’re being laid off. Bingham practically lives on airplanes, briskly flashing his VIP status cards cross-country, and he likes it that way. On the ground, away from the office, life is less under his control. A preppy new associate comes up with a more effective way to handle firings: Do them online. As crisply explained by Natalie (breakout star Anna Kendrick), this method is simpler and will reduce the need for travel, which Bingham views with dismay. He takes her on the road to show her how downsizing should be done. What follows is heartbreaking, endearing — and sexy, thanks to a fellow corporate traveler (Vera Farmiga).

The Clooney-Farmiga banter just crackles, and we expect no less from our charming Clooney. What is surprising is the vulnerability he shows us, and it’s a terrific, multilayered performance.

“Up in the Air” eventually grounds our hero with some messy realities of life. What goes up, must come down. But it doesn’t make the ride any less memorable for us.

SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company. JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office.