AceShowbiz - James Cameron has hit back at criticism of the way he portrays the military in his blockbuster "Avatar", insisting they are thinking about the plot "too simplistically". The hi-tech adventure movie, already the second highest-grossing picture of all time, was panned by right-wing critics for being anti-military.

Cameron claims he's offended critics have misinterpreted his message. He explains, "The anti-military thing is kind of tough for me because my younger brother Dave was a marine for six years, fought (in) Desert Storm and he's worked for me for years... ."

"I've got nothing but respect for these guys and I'm a firm believer in a strong defense. My perspective is that I made my main character a marine and I viewed him with heroism and courage and intelligence and all the characteristics I thought would honor them (marines) and I think people are thinking about it too simplistically."

"Avatar" has also attracted criticism from the Vatican's newspaper L'Osservatore Romano for promoting the worship of nature and has sparked controversy in Italy after landing an unrestricted access rating - allowing kids of any age to watch the action movie.