LOTR spectacle, but the story was pretty thin by comparison. The graphics where more advanced, but simpler too in that they weren't trying to blend with live action. Still...LOTS of processor time
I thought there was some good imaginaiton shown in the jungle creatures and they looked like they had tried to follow some sort of logical biological map, not just make up random critters for convenience.
Who else here has seen "The Coconut Revolution"?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1192286025577999101#
Striking similarities. I wouldn't put money on Cameron not having hear of it.
Tropical jungle paradise (Bougainville) invaded by an alien culture (Rio Tinto Zinc) only interested in the mineral resources under the ground. Locals rebel and fight off first riot police, then the Papua New Guinea army supported by NZ special forces and helicopter gun ships...starting with nothing but bows and home made weapons. The population was decimated, but continued on to withstand a seven year blockade and eventually make the mining company give up on the idea.
Transplant that to a fantastic alien world, up the ante for both the environment and the technology, and you are pretty close.