It's been 13 long years since the groundbreaking original, but the first of Avatar's sequels has finally arrived. And let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. James Cameron has once again proven his expertise and ability to create essential theatrical entertainment with "Avatar: The Way of Water." The initial reviews are pouring in, and they all celebrate the film's expected visual spectacle, improved script, and new cast members. Let's dive into what the critics have to say about this long-anticipated follow-up.
Does it live up to expectations?
The Way of the Water is a transformative movie experience that energizes and captivates the senses through its visual storytelling, making the return to Pandora well worth the wait, according to Mae Abdulbaki from Screen Rant. Furthermore, Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post declares that spending over a decade pining for Pandora was absolutely worth it. He claims that Cameron has delivered the grandest movie since the original Avatar. And Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times adds that this latest and most ambitious picture will stun most of its naysayers into silence.
Is it better than the original?
Some critics argue that "The Way of Water" not only lives up to the original but also deepens it. David Ehrlich from IndieWire states that, like all great sequels, it retrospectively deepens the original. Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post agrees, stating that the movie is as visually exhilarating and sweepingly told as its predecessor, with a more emotionally vigorous plot.
Sam Worthington as Jake Sully in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
So it's not just more of the same?
According to David Ehrlich from IndieWire, any feelings of déjà vu quickly wash away once the action plunges under the surface. Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly describes the meticulous world-building as astonishing and enveloping, creating an experience like nothing seen before on screen. Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times further adds that the brand-extension imperatives that typically govern sequels are happily absent in "The Way of Water".
Does it have a better script?
Critics seem divided when it comes to the sequel's story and script. Mae Abdulbaki from Screen Rant believes that the story is spread a bit thin, although there is certainly more depth than the first film. However, David Rooney from the Hollywood Reporter argues that the narrative sophistication and dialogue in this $350 million sequel are almost as basic as its predecessor, even feeble at times. While Owen Gleiberman from Variety simply states, "The story is still just okay."
Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana as Jake Sully and Neytiri in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Will we care enough about the story and characters regardless?
David Ehrlich from IndieWire argues that "The Way of Water" is a staggering improvement over the original because its spectacle doesn't have to compensate for its story. The movie's overt themes of familial love and loss, and its impassioned indictments of military colonialism and climate destruction, work together to create an emotional experience. Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair adds that while watching "The Way of Water," you may find yourself rolling your eyes, only to realize that tears are welling up. However, Owen Gleiberman from Variety disagrees, stating that the movie left him unmoved.
Are there any standout performances?
Critics have praised some of the performances in "The Way of Water." David Rooney from the Hollywood Reporter highlights the poignant moments delivered by Saldaña and Winslet, as well as the standout performances of Dalton and Champion among the young newcomers. And Tim Grierson from Screen International believes that Lang's portrayal of Quaritch is dynamic and relentless.
On the set of Avatar: The Way of Water
How is the action?
According to David Rooney from the Hollywood Reporter, the open-water clash that dominates the final hour of the film is a commandingly sustained feat of action filmmaking. Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times adds that while anyone can make things blow up, Cameron makes them glow up. The action in "The Way of Water" is on another level.
Are the visuals as spectacular as they're supposed to be?
Critics cannot praise enough the visuals in "The Way of Water." Each frame is described as breathtaking and magical. Mae Abdulbaki from Screen Rant claims that one can't say enough good things about the film's visuals. Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly states that the world both above and below the waterline is a thing to behold, a sensory overload of sound and color that feels spiritually sublime. David Rooney from the Hollywood Reporter adds that what's most astonishing about "The Way of Water" is the persuasive case it makes for CGI.
Trinity Jo-Li Bliss as Tuk in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
But how is that high frame rate?
Opinions differ when it comes to the high frame rate used in "The Way of Water." Owen Gleiberman from Variety describes it as a rather soulless feel, similar to Peter Jackson's Hobbit films. However, Tim Grierson from Screen International believes that the film is more persuasive than Ang Lee's recent experiments in the same form. Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times adds that the high frame rate tends to work better underwater than on dry land.
Does it feel like more than just your average movie?
According to critics, "Avatar: The Way of Water" transcends the label of a conventional movie. Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times states that at times, it doesn't feel as though you're watching a film, but rather floating in one. David Ehrlich from IndieWire adds that there are moments when it seems as if there isn't a screen at all, and that the action is unfolding right in front of you. It's truly an immersive experience, akin to a virtual-reality theme-park ride.
Do we need to see it in a theater?
If you're wondering whether "The Way of Water" is worth watching in a theater, David Ehrlich from IndieWire declares it the most rapturous, awe-inducing return to the cinema of attractions since Godard experimented with double exposure 3D in "Goodbye to Language." So, if you're looking for the full experience, watching it on the big screen is recommended.
Will it leave us excited for Avatar 3?
As for what lies ahead in the Avatar universe, Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times admits that he's eager to find out where the story will flow next.
Avatar: The Way of Water opens everywhere on December 16, 2022.
