Avatar 2 Review: The Way of Water Is an Epic, Wonderful Movie

Few movies have come to theaters with so much expectation. Two of the best sequels of all-time are Aliens and Judgement Day, both of which were directed by James Cameron. It's on a different level. He took over a decade to make this sequel because he was so confident and enamored with the world he created.

It's finally here, and guess what? It's delivered. The Way of Water is a sequel that improves upon the original in almost every way. The most advanced digital effects in the history of cinema were used in the film. Is it a tad too much? At times, it might be too drawn out. It's definitely true. The film's scope, ambition, and heart make up for its flaws.

There is a simple story to be told about the way of water. Humans have returned to the Na'vi planet after a long time. In order to execute their evil plans, they will need to kill Jake Sully, the former human Marine whose consciousness was transferred to his Na'vi avatars in the last film so he could be with his love, Ney. That is the film at its core. The good guy is in danger.

Jake and Neytiri have formed a family after Jake became Na'vi. They have three biological kids, as well as an adopted one called Kiri. The nature of Kiri's birth is a mystery, and Spider is a human who was left on the island by the humans at the end of the first film.

The Way of Water dives into all of the possibilities of the new characters, and that is just the beginning. Stephen Lang reprises his role as Colonel Miles Quaritch, who died in the first film but is brought back to life in a Na'vi body. Integrating his team into the Na'vi culture as a military exercise is an important line. Jake and Neytiri are forced to flee their home with their kids because of one that leads them to ask a new clan of Na'vi to take them in so they won't be found.

Jake and Neytiri are used to the tree lifestyle, but these Na'vi are different. The threat of war looms somewhere else on the planet, so the Sullys have to learn the ways of the new tribe in order to contribute and keep themselves safe.

The Way of Water has a lot to set up, which is why it is so long, but it can be done quickly and economically. In order to keep the pace going, he has to understand the dynamic and at times volatile relationship. The movie almost certainly has scenes or entire storylines about any two of the characters above. They learn a lot of new things. The film explores each relationship in a way that makes it a celebration of cultural differences and environmental appreciation. You get more and more attached to the world and everyone in it. Even if it can be a tad drawn out, the discovery is always enjoyable.

The world that he and his team have created is beautiful. There are shots that expand the world but are also beautiful. If you've bought into the world and characters, they can also be enlighted. As the characters flew out of the water on the back of exotic, colorful creatures, I whispered the word "WOW" to myself.

All of this makes the movie sound more like a nature documentary than a Hollywood action movie, but don't worry, it's also delivered by James CAMERON. The first two acts contain important action scenes that lead to the discovery of the location of the Sully family. It needs to be seen to be believed. There is an action set piece that takes place everywhere but on the ground. Things happen underwater, in the air, and on a sinking ship to give the scene a sense of awe. You can almost hear him pushing the limits of what can be done in a film. It wouldn't matter if there wasn't a strong emotional component, which is fortunately there as well. The whole scene is tense and exciting. It keeps going and going and doing better than it does. You may feel exhausted by the end of the race. It isn't satisfying if it isn't.

It is such a complete and epic experience from the beginning to the end of the film. It has a lot of detail and smart decisions. You will never question the work of someone who spent years considering every word spoken, every creature ridden, and every emotion conveyed through the stunning performance capture.

The visual effects are stunningly beautiful. There are creatures, ships, world and underwater scenes. Of course. The way technology helps the actors create believable and emotional performances is more than just any of that. In the film, every actor does a great job, but the stars are Weaver and Dalton as the middle children. Each time one is forced to grow up faster than they should, we see and feel that it's because of their stories. There are disagreements with a sibling or parent. As seen through the performance captured magic of the Na'vi, they are simply magical.

A mountain of a movie has been brought back into the public consciousness with an awe-inspiring mountain of a movie. He has introduced worlds, characters, and customs that are stunningly beautiful. You will be amazed at the story that was told, you will marvel at how it was told, and you will be waiting for what he has in store for us next. I wonder if it's 2024 yet.

The Way of Water is a movie about water.

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