Hmm, I don't think we've actually ran out of original and innovative stories just yet. There are loads of interesting novels that prove unconventional story plots can be very cool and very mind-blowing.
But I think certain types of the more universal stories do simply evolve. Or at least should.
To be honest, I think it's painfully obvious how they've cut insane corners story-wise here. A bit of a disappointment, despite the very cool overall production.
But even there, it's hardly original. In fact, it's more like one giant mix of a bunch of successful franchises.
Star Wars, the Matrix, Starship Troopers, Halo, Outcast, Unreal 1, heck sometimes it even felt a bit like a Command & Conquer cutscene (
http://cinema.theiapolis.com/movie-0BE4/avatar/gallery/avatar-1021707.html ).
All in all mind-blowing, but they've certainly played on safe here bigtime.
Now this may sound overly negative, but it's not. It had potential to do even more, but it was definitely an excellent movie. Probably the best I've seen in a while, even though The Dark Knight is still lonely at the top.