Review, Theatrical

Time for a Reel AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER review

About the film (courtesy of 20th Century Studios):
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, this begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure.


We’ve only been waiting for more than a decade find out what’s been going with our favorite blue beings on Pandora. Director/writer James Cameron finally brings the second leg of one of the most ambitious, and probably expensive, franchises to theaters. Avatar: The Way of Water will surely be one of the most talked about films of the year due to all of the anticipation, hype and skepticism attached to the exorbitant EVERYTHING involved in bringing this immersive experience together.

So much has changed and evolved since we last visited Pandora. Jake and his wife, Neytiri, now have a budding family of their own which includes two boys and two girls. In addition to trying to live a newfound peaceful existence, they still have the normal struggles and challenges that parenting brings with it. Unfortunately, these hurdles are quite small compared to the threat that will soon be at their doorstep.

Familiar foes return to hunt down the Sully family and the only way to keep them and everyone else they hold dear, or so they think, is to leave the place that they have come to call home. In their pilgrimage towards safety, they look to become part of something else while at the same time trying to preserve who and what they are. Avatar: The Way of Water is all about protecting what you hold dearest, regardless of the cost.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out how James Cameron is able to pull off such beauty and awe-inspiring affects using the same tools and methodology that others have available to him. Whatever his combination of secret herbs and spices is, he needs to keep that recipe close to his vest because the competition is still worlds apart. Avatar: The Way of Water is absolutely stunning to look at, again. Everything is so rich and vibrant while seeming to leap off of the screen and into your lap (that is if you make the smart decision and opt for the 3D). The theater I happen to have seen it in has no equal, at least not in my state. Aside from the luminous visuals, the teeth rattling bass is enough to register on a Richter scale.

Even though most theaters charge a premium for these upgraded amenities, I feel the investment is more than worth it if yo want to get every ounce of enjoyment possible from this movie. And why wouldn’t you? Clocking in at more than a half hour longer than the first Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water definitely gives you more than enough content and entertainment for your dollar. There was never really a point where I felt bored or tired during the duration of this feature. There is more than enough content, interaction and action to most fully hooked to what is unfolding.

By not trying to hurry things, Cameron is once again able to lay his story out in the exact manner that he sees fit for it to find a happy home in viewers’ hearts. The interesting way that he brings back some of the original cast is done with a good amount of creativity and forward thinking. Avatar: The Way of Water definitely feels as though a lot of thought, planning AND DOLLARS went towards making this a successful endeavor in terms of sequels. Speaking of sequels, we’re only scratching the surface as three additional films are scheduled to follow this one. Thankfully however, we won’t have to wait another decade or so to continue the story as they’re currently slated for 2024, 2026, and 2028.

Now that nothing’s been spoiled for you and you have the general gist of what’s going on, do yourselves a favor and secure your tickets in the largest and loudest theater you can think of. Avatar: The Way of Water is only in theaters starting December 16th, with early showings on Thursday. Enjoy!

The Reel Godfather's Final Judgement

Visitor's Rating
Average: 5