It’s finally here. The long-awaited sequel comes to the big screen. Our JP gives his take on James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Avatar: The Way of Water
20th Century Studios
- Directed by James Cameron
- Screenplay by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
- Story by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, Shane Salerno
- Based on Characters by James Cameron
- Produced by James Cameron, Jon Landau
- Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet
Studio Synopsis:
With “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the cinematic experience reaches new heights as Cameron transports audiences back to the magnificent world of Pandora in a spectacular and stirring action-packed adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” 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. Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment Production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Kate Winslet. Screenplay by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. Story by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as the film’s executive producers.
JP’s Take:
Aside from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, James Cameron is one of the most inventive cinematic visionaries in the industry. When “Avatar” burst onto the big screen in 2009, it was hailed as a technical marvel, which won multiple awards in several categories. Here we are 13 years later and Cameron brings us the wondrous sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which ups the ante visually and emotionally.
We return to the dazzling world of Pandora, where Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), now a family man, is raising four kids with his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). So sit back, grab some snacks and get comfy because you’ll be in for the long haul.
Although the 3hr + run time seems like a steep grade to traverse, I can assure you you won’t be bored. This is an immersive experience that takes advantage of that time to tell a fully realized tale. It’s the kind of multifaceted fable, which combines action, drama, and socio-political themes with a bit of humor. All while presenting you with a visually stunning world worth exploring. I felt a sense of awe watching the detailed account unfold on the big screen like a novel. Yet, I can’t even begin to express those details in this review, so to give you a reference I’ll put it in this context.
The focus of the original “Avatar” was on the industrialization and hostile takeover of a foreign land. In the year 2154, Earth becomes a barren wasteland rendering it lifeless. Depleted of their natural resources, humans had to venture out to find a new home. Located within the Alpha Centauri star system, there lies a planet called Pandora. Although Pandora was suitable for strip mining, it wasn’t suited to sustain human life just yet. “The Way of Water” find humans colonizing Pandora, furthering the industrial revolution while hunting a species of sea creature called Tulkun (similar to whales on Earth). They scheme to extract an enzyme from the brain of the Tulkun to be used in anti-aging serums. However, to gain a strong hold on the area, they must either exterminate the natives or face resistance. The ideologies Cameron packs into this trek volley back and forth between the plight of the Na’vi and Metkayina tribes, the perilous journey Jake Sully’s family embarks upon, and the relentless pursuit of power by the colonizers.
The story within the story involves the Sully kids in a coming-of-age moment. Jake and Neytiri struggle to raise their four mixed-species children in a war-torn land. Their sons Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) the oldest, Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) the second son, and daughters Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss) and adopted daughter Kiri (voiced and likeness by Sigourney Weaver) are Human/Na’vi hybrids making them outcasts amongst their peers. An ongoing battle between Jake and Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) rages on placing the Sully family and Na’vi people in grave danger. The Sullys go on the run and hide out in the Metkayina village, however, they will have to appease the Metkayina king Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) and queen Ronal (Kate Winslet) to gain asylum. This tale will tug on the heartstrings of parents as Neytiri and Jake must fight on two fronts to save their family while protecting their native land.
Thanks to the painstaking work of James Cameron and the software/hardware engineers for bringing these moments to life. There are instances where I forget I’m watching motion-captured beings rendered seamlessly against the realistic and alt-world set piece. The creatures felt as though they were from a National Geographic documentary. There are moments of whimsy with the Metkayina youngsters meeting the Na’vi kids for the first time. Being that the Na’vi are the new kids on the block, things play out in a typical fashion as they are subjected to hazing and ridicule by the locals. The many battle scenes are well staged and fierce if a bit exhausting.
The all-star cast helped to heighten the experience, even if parts of their performances felt slightly oversimplified. Yet, I give them kudos for working within the confines of a motion-capture suit.
I wish I could say more but there aren’t enough words to express how breathtaking a film like this will feel on a large format screen or even in IMAX. The ending may feel slightly anti-climactic, however, it does spark something on the horizon. You know Part III will be in theaters soon.
Despite the exhausting run time, “Avatar: The Way of Water” is worth taking the time to get involved in the trek.