Over a decade in the making and it is finally here. The long-awaited sequel to James Camerons' smash hit and box office hit "Avatar" has arrived. Just like its predecessor, this film is an absolutely stunning visual masterpiece in every way. I can proudly admit that this film was worth the very much anticipated wait. The film boasts its visual scenery on a more massive scale. It is colorfully designed and visually breathtaking. This is hands-down my favorite movie of yesteryear. It's emotionally striking as it is visually speaking. It takes the first film and grows the story on itself expanding the franchise.
The cast from the original 2009 movie returns. They are all just as entertaining as they were in the first film. Lead stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana bring back the chemistry that they shared in the first film. The two give emotionally charged performances in the film just as great, even more than the first. Also returning in different capacities this time around, are Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang. They also bring their "A-game". Joining the sequel are franchise newcomers like Jack Champion, who plays the adopted son of Jake and Neytiri, and Kate Winslet, who plays the wife of a chief of a different clan. They bring as much of their "A-game" to the film as the rest of the cast.
James Cameron ups the ante with this blockbuster and it should be rightfully seen as such. He has the ability to craft an even bigger, more dazzling, and action-packed feature by bringing it to new directions with this stunning film. The story he creates here in this sequel is more emotional, action-packed, and breathtaking. It is a jaw-dropping visual marvel. As he did with the first film, this film entertains all the way to the end.
A frequent collaborator of Camerons, the late James Horner, has music in this film that is the main nod to his music from the 2009 motion picture. Taking his place is Simon Fraglen. He is also one of Camerons' collaborators. His work is as emotional, upbeat, and solemn as the film itself. And not to mention, the hit single from "The Weeknd", is an emotional ballad to complement the film.
Though it was an agonizingly long wait, it finally arrived. One of the best parts about seeing this film is seeing it on the biggest screen possible. Doing so will enhance the viewing experience. I could not have been more thrilled while watching this film on the big screen. This film is a delight and it was well worth the several delays and the years-long wait. With its gargantuan runtime, this film is worth watching.
Poster courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Rate: A+
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, and Jack Champion
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for Partial Nudity|Intense Action|Sequences of Strong Violence|Some Strong Language)
Runtime: 3 Hours & 12 Minutes
Synopsis: 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.
