Yeah, it had pretty damn good visuals, but ... it wasn't as innovative as people make it out to be. I don't think it was worth the hype, personally. The plot has, essentially been done before, albeit not with 12 foot tall blue humanoids on another planet, but it's been done. I can't remember the exact name of the film my dad cited as being identical in terms of the narrative, but I don't feel I need to.
Essentially, it's: 'up-and-comer (probably cattle man or cowboy of some kind) serves his superiors in order to get ahead, goes out into the world, attempts to ravage an Indian camp, gets captured, learns the ways of their tribe, falls in love with Chief's daughter, warms to tribe, feels bad about betraying tribe for his superiors, superiors attack tribe, protagonist sides with tribe but confesses he betrayed them, protagonist is exiled, protagonist still turns on his superiors in order to protect tribe, saves tribe, tribe loves him again, happy ending.' ... see where I'm going with this?
Without bringing CGI into things, I don't think it was worthy of the praise it received. And I'm sorry, but I just don't like Sam Worthington anymore. I didn't mind him when I watched it, but then ... no. Sorry. As CGI goes, however, I think that's the only reason it's received such accolades.