Avatar: The Way of Water, writer/director James Cameron’s long awaited sequel to his sci-fi adventure, Avatar (the all-time box office champ), goes in new directions that jump starts the franchise in a big way.
Several years after the battle on Pandora between the Na’vi and the humans or ‘sky people’, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), now a Na’vi hybrid, and his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) have a growing family. Later, humans return from a dying Earth to Pandora for precious resources, and this time a deadly figure from the past makes a figurative return determined to get revenge on Jake. Both Jake and Neytiri seeks refuge at a Na’vi sea colony leading to an inevitable confrontation with the humans that threatens Jake’s family and life on Pandora.
The predominant themes about ‘family’, acceptance, and sacrifice go beyond blood and race as Jake must protect his loved ones from an obsessive adversary. Despite its length (over three hours long) and expository start (keeping track of characters past and present can be a challenge), the tension builds to a thrilling, non-stop climax where the film soars as Cameron, a technical virtuoso, choreographs marvelous, action set pieces. This is a fully realized, immersive universe in which all life is interconnected, and much of the narrative takes place in the water where Oscar level visual effects are a breathtaking achievement.
On
IMAX and 3D, this is a phenomenal,
sensory experience, and Cameron has created a generally engaging story with new
twists that easily sets up another sequel.
The film (which compares favorably to the original) may feel like a marathon
for some while others will be exhilarated by the sheer, world building wizardry
on display. One thing I have learned
over the years: Never bet against James
Cameron.
***1/2
of ****stars (add ½* for Cameron fans)
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