‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Review – The Most Breathtaking Cinematic Experience Of The Year

Synopsis: Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña reprise their iconic roles, playing Jake Sully and Neytiri, now loving parents doing everything they can to keep their family together. When unforeseen events displace them from their home, the Sullys travel across the vast reaches of the moon Pandora, ultimately fleeing to territory held by the Metkayina clan, who live in harmony with their surrounding oceans. There, the Sullys must learn to navigate both the dangerous water world and the uncomfortable dynamics of gaining acceptance from their new community.

For most, family is everything. Whether it’s by blood or one that has formed through years of bonding and trust, family is a big part of our daily motivation. We want to protect, provide, and teach in order for everyone to survive and thrive now and in the future. And if not, what are you doing with your life?

“Water connects all things.”

“Why so blue?” This is a question Quaritch asks a room full of soldiers as he prepares for revenge, but it’s also how fans of the giant blue sapient humanoids have felt for more than a decade as they patiently waited for a sequel. Well, the 13-year hiatus is over and I promise you, it was all worth it. Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water is the most breathtaking cinematic experience of the year. As the film majestically continues its worldbuilding as the lush planet of Pandora is further explored, your mind is completely blown and your jaw is anchored to the floor as the most unbelievable visuals that you have ever seen thrill and delight your sensory sockets. I should’ve prefaced this by saying that I saw this in Dolby 3D, and unfortunately, 3D is the only way this movie should be experienced. I don’t believe seeing it in a standard format will award you the same appreciation for the technical marvel that you are beholding or the feelings of amazement and awe-inducing adventure. From the body movements and facial expressions to the water and surrounding world, you’ll want to see this the way Cameron intended. And as someone who isn’t a huge fan of the first film, I assure you, this one is a game changer.

“We need to pacify the hostiles.”

This film is a true epic in every sense of the word. Picking up more than a decade after the events of its predecessor, The Way of Water is bigger and better in every way possible. The acting is at its peak, the story is exciting and deeply emotional, the action fluid and explosive, and again, it looks better than anything you’ve seen. And yes, there is a bit of a video game-esque look but that takes nothing away from the monumental achievements in VFX. Like the first film, the story is one that is familiar and easily digestible yet layered and complex. We recognize it because it’s happened in our reality repeatedly. It’s a tale of people, the Na-vi, being native to the land they inhabit, and colonizers who want to take it for their own by force while destroying anything in their path. It’s a story of survival from both perspectives, but the humans are without a doubt the real monsters, while the “monsters” display the most humanity, which is usually the case. It’s as metaphorical and philosophical as it is a gargantuan adventure. More than anything, this is a transformative journey of family, community, otherness, second chances, and acceptance. We all want to feel like we belong, especially with those who look like us or who share many commonalities, but it’s not as easy as it seems. Sometimes you have to earn your spot through actions and determination as some will learn, even if it means risking it all. Familiar faces and voices return, secrets and abilities are unveiled, scores are settled, and the world of Pandora continues to expand. I loved every moment of the film and you don’t need to have seen the first one to enjoy this one, but it wouldn’t hurt. It doesn’t do a huge recap of what took place before but there is enough context that you don’t need a refresher. The score is amazing, the direction is outstanding, the cinematography is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see how James Cameron elevates the next film. With new characters to gush over, old ones to admire more, beautiful subplots, and a rapidly evolving story landscape, you’re going to love Avatar: The Way of Water. My only beef is that it needs to be seen in IMAX or Dolby 3D and that isn’t affordable for everyone. Its rewatchability is high.

 

Pacing & Pop

I think we can confidently say that there aren’t too many 3-hour films that are incredibly well-paced. In fact, there aren’t many films of that length that don’t feel like an all-day activity to a lot of people. Despite that, this film is unlike the others in both facets. The pacing is fantastic and the story is immensely immersive to the point that you truly become engulfed in its happenings—the hours fly by. What popped for me has to be the 3D among many things. This was a 3D experience unlike anything else I’ve witnessed. It’s done so well that at times I caught myself smiling multiple times because of how in awe I was. It felt like the closest thing to virtual reality.

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Kate Winslet, Edie Falco, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Brendan Cowell, Jemaine Clement, Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, Filip Geljo, Duane Evans Jr., Giovanni Ribisi

This is truly a phenomenal ensemble performance. I don’t feel as if any one character outshined another but the chemistry is unbelievable. I don’t want to lead you too much or spoil anything, but the best aspects of the film revolve around the children of Jake and Neytiri and the child of someone else. They also might be the most interesting.

Avatar: The Way of Water releases exclusively in theaters on December 16, 2022. Stay safe and enjoy.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 3h 12m Director: James Cameron Writers: James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, Shane Salerno Producers: James Cameron, Jon Landau Executive Producers: David Valdes and Richard Baneham Director of Photography: Russell Carpenter, asc Editors: Stephen Rivkin, ACE, David Brenner, ACE, John Refoua, ace, James Cameron, ace Senior Visual Effects Supervisor: Joe Letteri