Read Mixed User Reviews for Avatar: The Way of Water

6

RatedRexFeb 14, 2023

The plot was silly and somewhat predictable. The special 3D effects were outstanding. The movie was too long. I hope the next installment has a better, more engaging story.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

MagikMiceFeb 16, 2023

Moved by the visual allure & family themes.. The storytelling/characterizations felt a bit forced this time around. Movie is a bit overhyped, but not for the eyegasmic visuals.

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6

ExceladeogunJan 15, 2023

Avatar: the way of water
This sequel continues in the same traditions as the first movie. It's a visually stunning piece of art with a message that's not properly explored.
With otherworldly visuals, Avatar 2 takes audiences into neverAvatar: the way of water
This sequel continues in the same traditions as the first movie. It's a visually stunning piece of art with a message that's not properly explored.

With otherworldly visuals, Avatar 2 takes audiences into never explored lands in Pandora. The runtime of the movie is long, not unbearably long though as the visual treat is mesmerising enough to ground a viewer; it's ironic that with the lengthy runtime, avatar 2 still feels rushed. The story is thin and the dialogue is poor (the constant use of 'Bro' from the young actors was cringe worthy, and gives off a poor image of what old people think young people sound like); Avatar 2 is heavily centred on family, but even this isn't portrayed properly. Various subplots are raised and tossed carelessly, while the main plot is also rushed through just to get to the big finish. The characters aren't well fleshed or developed properly; some characters are borderline unnecessary.

The action scenes are grand and well choreographed, and the final act is heavily influenced by Titanic (a movie also made by James Cameron).

In all, Avatar 2 is a visual spectacle with a relatively thin plot that lacks poignancy.

6/10… Expand

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4

DeralacMar 25, 2023

Like most sequels, Way of Water is not nearly as good as the original. Although it is better than many movies and shows produced in recent years. By current standards, it's a watchable movie, but by a standard of quality storytelling, it'sLike most sequels, Way of Water is not nearly as good as the original. Although it is better than many movies and shows produced in recent years. By current standards, it's a watchable movie, but by a standard of quality storytelling, it's way below average. Had this movie come out at a different time, it would be barely passable. But modern entertainment writers are arrogant, incompetent buffoons who have significantly lowered the standards by which movies/shows are judged.

The characters are uninteresting and generic. The heavy focus on children makes it worse. They were know-it-all little brats who constantly caused problems by never doing what they were told. All the characters lacked the depth and nuance of the first movie, not that it had a lot, but this one has almost none. The writing for the main female sea people character, I didn't learn her name, was wholly inconsistent. It's like she was a different character in every scene.

The dialogue was absurd. It was right out of a modern teen drama. Yo, bro, why do children on Pandora speak like they are from any generic American high school. I was expecting them to start singing hip-hop songs and posting videos on TicTok.

The plot was atrocious. The sky people (i.e. evil white people) harvesting an anti-agathic is exactly the same plot as mining unobtanium in Avatar. The same type of MacGuffin. It's amazing how Pandora has so many important resources. While I understand the theme and the critique of human civilization, it would be better if they were not racist in the process. Note how the sky people are white. If the woketainment industry was really about diversity and representation, then the sky people would be mixed. Also, there is no way children are going to save the world. They are far too narcissistic and ignorant. Compared to Avatar, the action sequences were significantly less entertaining. In Avatar the hunter/prey aspect and novel setting helped make the action sequences interesting. In Way of Water I didn't care when the children were being hunted. The story had done very little to make me care about the characters other than point out who their parents were. Otherwise, they were generic and boring. I didn't care when the one boy died. On the contrary, one fewer little brat made the movie slightly better.

The CGI was passable, but even TV commercial have CGI. At this point CGI is no different than moving pictures and sound. CGI is expected, not special. That a modern movie has CGI is meaningless.

Overall, Way of Water is a barely passable, somewhat boring, sequel of a popular movie that fails to capture the allure of the first or create any appeal of it's on. Avatar left me wanting to see more, while I was glad when Way Too Long was over.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

SideOrderoLemonFeb 6, 2023

While the visuals and set pieces may be top of the line, the story and characters feel like they've aged by a decade. This movie isn't bad, but just not worth waiting 14 years for what feels like the original Avatar, but just made toWhile the visuals and set pieces may be top of the line, the story and characters feel like they've aged by a decade. This movie isn't bad, but just not worth waiting 14 years for what feels like the original Avatar, but just made to capitalize on the highest grossing film of all time. The runtime may make you believe that it's full of character development, world building, and badass action, but instead drones on nothing for the entire middle section, but may entertain most people based on spectacle alone. Avatar: The Way of Water just feels like a cash grab with much visual detail and action near the end, but lacks in writing, pacing, story, characters, and pretty much any other aspect.… Expand

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4

gamerboyghost97Feb 17, 2023

The first movie was great. The way of water was very boring and bland. Don't bother watching not worth.

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5

FortMira80Feb 20, 2023

Visually very beautiful and different, but the story felt weak and the same as with so many other movies of its genre.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

sebititospoDec 20, 2022

Boring, I've never been more bored with a movie in my life. I really don't recomend this movie.

13 of 16 users found this helpful133

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4

Ryano2099Dec 17, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I truly do understand that the first film was nothing special in regards to story. But even then, this film was underwhelming sequel. The visuals were first rate and if you go to the movie for THAT reason, you will probably enjoy it. However, there is ZERO reason this film needed to be three hours long. NONE. The plot with Colonel Quaritch being brought back in an Avatar body was a good idea, and this film did next to nothing with it. The Sully family to me is the biggest offender to this story. His children, (whom I can’t remember their names because the film cares so little for me to remember them) take up and extreme amount of the run time and to be honest, a lot of what they are involved in, was simply not engaging. There are also several logical fallacies on display. How, if the humans wanted indigenous populations gone, they clearly landed enough people on Pandora to do it this time around. And yet, the whole film is the small group of Marine Avatars, hunting down Jake Sully and his family, making the whole film a simple revenge plot. There is NO NEED to make that kind of plot, three hours long. There are entire scenes and even plot threads that could have been cut that would have made this a much tighter, better overall film. How many shots does a film REALLY need of characters just sitting in awe of something or swimming through the water?? The first film, for what it was, was FAR more engaging story wise than this film.… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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6

crab_stixJan 3, 2023

I mean, it's hard to rate this movie because I have mixed feelings about it. It's beautiful and gorgeous when it comes to the mocap and graphics, but fails when it comes to the story and characters that are presented in this movie. Being aI mean, it's hard to rate this movie because I have mixed feelings about it. It's beautiful and gorgeous when it comes to the mocap and graphics, but fails when it comes to the story and characters that are presented in this movie. Being a huge Avatar fan with my family, we had a lot of expectations for those 13 years, and after seeing the movie, we were all a bit happy and disappointed (again, mixed feelings).

The story feels a bit generic and recycled. It's the same old "humans bad and greedy while poor aliens are innocent and nice", and it seems like James Cameron sorta lost his touch. There are also many plot holes and errors in the story that make you wonder if some of it was even proof read by someone.

Graphically wise, this is by far the best looking movie that I have ever seen so far in my life! The way how the models were textured and simulated with the wild life (cgi) blows your mind away wondering how they even pulled it off.

At the end of the day, Avatar 2 is more of a "eye candy" graphical showcase than a good story. While Avatar 1 presented many cool ideas and concepts about Pandora, Avatar 2 just feels like it recycled all its creatures and natives into a "but what if they were underwater?". Do I recommend this movie? Sure, I guess. Def a good movie to go watching with friends or family and have a fun time, but as an Avatar fan, I think I am starting to lose hope for this movie series, and that worries me...… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

FieldingMellishDec 25, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Obviously a visually impressive film, but the plot is so absurd and full of holes, and the dialogue is so stilted and awkward, that you can't help but laugh unintentionally. A few examples: Jake "chokes" Quarich while they're both underwater holding their breaths. The end of the movie leaves completely unresolved the ongoing destruction of the whole jungle millieu. The water people just disappear during the climactic end sequence... It goes on and on. And one thing I really can't figure out: with all of their amazing intergalactic technology, why is it that the skypeople military is STILL unable to equip its attack aircraft with arrow-proof windows??… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

yanis_rtxDec 26, 2022

Spectacular CGI, directing on point and interesting emotional sequences, but too much similarities with the first one, absurd plot and mostly boring characters. Unclear message about violence, and after the conclusion feels like half of whatSpectacular CGI, directing on point and interesting emotional sequences, but too much similarities with the first one, absurd plot and mostly boring characters. Unclear message about violence, and after the conclusion feels like half of what should have been in the movie has been kept for the next ones.
Overall has more to do with Disneyland than real cinema experience.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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5

pastor43Dec 19, 2022

I am unsure what I watched for 3 hours and 11 minutes. The spectacle is spectacular but the story is Hollywood “wash-rinse and repeat”. Whatever substance James was going for certainly wasn’t dedicated to any story development.

9 of 13 users found this helpful94

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6

RobertHowardDec 18, 2022

Spectacular effects and optics cannot compensate entirely for a stale and unoriginal story that feels even more stretched due to the monumental running time.

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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5

RaygirlDec 21, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Full disclosure: Avatar is one of my very favorite movies and I've seen it about 20 times and own not one, but two copies. Lol I've waited so long for this to come out but was disappointed in the one dimensional plot (revenge from the army guy against Jake Sully). Even the visuals, while very beautiful couldn't make up for it. The story also felt very lazy, like they just took the same formula and repeated it in a different area on Pandora (only with 1/4 of storyline). Hoping the next one is better!!!… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

Gamed2longJan 2, 2023

So enough time has passed that if you got busy right around the release of the last Avatar film, you could potentially have an almost teenage child you may want to show a new Avatar film to. I think that's the target demographic. I found it aSo enough time has passed that if you got busy right around the release of the last Avatar film, you could potentially have an almost teenage child you may want to show a new Avatar film to. I think that's the target demographic. I found it a OK popcorn flick with an expanded cast, with a lot of the focus on the children of the protagonist of the previous film. True to its name the plot is very water focused. But can basically be distilled down to "Whaling bad." Characters and plot elements are simplistic, and the CG and invented alien biome is largely expected to cover for that. Similarly a cast of A list talent largely vanishes into the blue creatures that inhabit this world. Edie Falco does a stand out job in a minor role. Other than that it feels like a midquel. Doesn't start much, doesn't resolve much. Its long enough and slow enough younger kids do (and did in my theater) get bored. Since it was the big theater film of a weak xmas season, it made lots of money. If you're reading this because you're considering viewing it before the inevitable sequel, I can save you 3 hrs and suggest you'll be fine with a one page summary.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

angelsanzcorreaDec 27, 2022

Like many have said before, this is simply an amusement park ride turned 3-hour-film; it doesn't pass any serious test. Plot-holes galore, ridiculous villains, cliched beats... And terrible third act, awful contrived ending. It's a shame,Like many have said before, this is simply an amusement park ride turned 3-hour-film; it doesn't pass any serious test. Plot-holes galore, ridiculous villains, cliched beats... And terrible third act, awful contrived ending. It's a shame, because the technical effort and the beautiful themes deserved better, but I felt like I was watching a videogame demo or a mid-tier sci-fi tv show where the writing didn't matter.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

piglordofallhamJan 4, 2023

13 years? The writers must have spent all their time shoving bananas in each others **** as opposed to actually writing a decent script that didn't have some sort of contrivance or invented conflict every twenty minutes. Listen, why are all13 years? The writers must have spent all their time shoving bananas in each others **** as opposed to actually writing a decent script that didn't have some sort of contrivance or invented conflict every twenty minutes. Listen, why are all you important plot characters in a sequence that will incite an action scene or create some sort of drama or invite some kind of conflict every chance you get? Why won't you just listen to the other main characters? Oh right, because this is a self-indulgent pet project born out of James Cameron's enormous ego and insipid usage of the exact same plot mechanics in every film he's ever made. The narrative being a completely unintelligible mess is I suppose also the best Cameron can do with all the money and computer graphics in the world. So much for that then.

What troubles me about Avatar 2, is that this is where large productions are going. These goofy stupid cartoon characters jumping around with explosions with no real emotional core or elements that make them relatable in any way. Its the equivalent of Wily coyote catching the roadrunnner, but all of a sudden the roadrunner pulls out a photo of his roadrunner wife, his roadrunner kids, his roadrunner investment portfolio, retirement plan and his 401k. As if we as the audience are supposed to suddenly sympathize with this caricature of a bird that happens to run too fast for its intended predator- which is the whole joke by the way. Here, the joke is the scenes where the writers have written themselves into a corner and have no idea how to create real, moving, raw emotion with their dumb looking 12 feet tall blue cat people that chatter, hoot, holler and screech like a pack of very social Bonobo monkeys. They also stick their tongues out, which I found hilariously insulting to actual indigenous people. It was like watching Disney's Pocahontas, in fact the Water chief guy kind of looked like Pocahontas's DAD to be honest. I certainly laughed and threw my arms up a lot while watching this. Its whiny, its preachy, its all recycled crap from the first movie. Everyone strangely disappears during the final fight for some reason, then all of the characters that we have had barely any time to actually get to know have a big group hug and solve all their problems. Wow. Amazing. No kissing? No embracing? No romance? Just the equivalent of pre-teens giving one another googily eyes from across the room? Are you kidding me with this Barny the magic dinosaur garbage they are presenting as some sort of action packed romp that will change your life baloney? This should've been called, Avatar 2, The way we got their wallets again.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

Maraud30Dec 29, 2022

Although the visuals in the movie were stunning, the film felt too long and I lost interest at one point. Additionally, the plot felt repetitive and unoriginal, as it seemed like a copy-paste of the first movie with the discovery of a newAlthough the visuals in the movie were stunning, the film felt too long and I lost interest at one point. Additionally, the plot felt repetitive and unoriginal, as it seemed like a copy-paste of the first movie with the discovery of a new part of Pandora. Also very little new things are introduced for a 3 hours long movie, we already discovered the Navi, Pandora, the ability to use Avatars and the bad guys in the first movie. The use of both 48fps and 24fps scenes also detracted from the film, as the mixing of the two frame rates made it feel like a poorly optimized game. Overall, I was disappointed with the movie and don't plan on seeing the next one in theaters. It seems like the franchise should have ended with the first movie, but the filmmakers were more interested in making more money.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

SuperCurry30Dec 29, 2022

They should’ve spend 400M$ at making story not CG. Because story might bit awful than you think.

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5

omotestGumpApr 2, 2023

Movie sequels often fail, but every sequel Cameron has directed (Terminator 2, Aliens) has been highly praised. However, this film is not as good as those.

I found the images fascinating. Beautiful and fascinating. I went to see this movieMovie sequels often fail, but every sequel Cameron has directed (Terminator 2, Aliens) has been highly praised. However, this film is not as good as those.

I found the images fascinating. Beautiful and fascinating. I went to see this movie in the theater in 3D and it looks amazing. It looks like a real ocean. However, some people seem to think that these wonderful and moving images are the saving grace of the somber storyline, but clearly they are not.

What's worse, there is a great sense of deja vu. The content is roughly the same, just in a different location. We unite to fight the skypeople who are repeatedly destroying the environment. That's it. It would have been nice if the sequel had added a surprise, like in the case of Terminator, but I'm getting tired of being shown images I've already seen. If the story is universal, it will never be as good as the original, no matter how good the visuals are.

There is also a problem with the characterization. Jake, who fights bravely and whom I liked a lot in the previous film, is always angry at his son and is not as prominent as in the previous film, which makes him less sympathetic. There aren't many other characters that I really like (although I like Tulkun), and it's still difficult to make a sequel.

Cameron must know how to make a good sequel. And it's never about relying on visuals and borrowing heavily from the previous film.Movie sequels often fail, but every sequel Cameron has directed (Terminator 2, Aliens) has been highly praised. However, this film is not as good as those.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

phracciDec 16, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The following is, of course, a product of my personal subjectivity; I want no war.

The plot is full of clichés-sometimes along with some problems in the writing of the characters and their motivations-but compensated by excellent (audio)visual quality. Never trust those who cry masterpiece in the throes of hype and excitement: it is a decent entertainment film, but it certainly does not surpass Avatar 1, neither in plot, nor in music, nor in "generational impact" as they say in the commercials. The script certainly seems a bit too didactic, redundant, and often seems to want to explicitly tell the viewer what emotion to feel at any given moment. The "show don't tell" process falters a bit. On the other hand, some of the implied (and thus only visual) symbolism is good, even if it is few.
References to Mother Earth, spiritualism and immanence are the same as in the first film. The TechnologyVsNature and Colonizer-Indigenous debate does not change one iota; in this sense it is a repetition of the ethical messages of the first Avatar but with more ... water. The only new theme, which was not dealt with in the previous film, is that of the family and the union and separation among its members.
I hope it is understood that I am not challenging the simplicity of the plot, as many excellent films have a simple plot that is well conveyed and in tune with the images. I am contesting the entire solidity and coherence of the plot, the characters, their motivations, and their jokes. Jake is a shadow, he is one-dimensional, he only talks about protection; his wife is a no-show. The Villain is a speck (in addition to being potentially eternal, considering that his data is saved and you can recreate him in a Na'Vi body whenever you want) and he is motivated to kill Jake in such a surreal way that he looks like an antagonist from 1980s blockbusters, far removed from our 2022 where even in the poorest movies the Enemy is more multidimensional and more alive than our poor Marine in Avatar 2.… Expand

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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4

Gazz1eDec 16, 2022

Weak storyline as most of the effort went on the special effects. Probably the most overhyped of the last 5 years.

9 of 15 users found this helpful96

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5

ty92Dec 16, 2022

So I was pretty excited to watch this movie as I seen the first one when it came out and own it in 3D Blu-ray. The 3D was some of the best I've ever seen. It was extremely beautiful and really created a lot of depth and some good pop out. YouSo I was pretty excited to watch this movie as I seen the first one when it came out and own it in 3D Blu-ray. The 3D was some of the best I've ever seen. It was extremely beautiful and really created a lot of depth and some good pop out. You know like the little particle effects right in front of your face is pretty amazing. Unfortunately a big problem with this movie is the story. It's very similar to the first movie but you get less people in it. The first movie I felt more connected to the characters because they kept going back and forth between showing them as people and showing them as Avatars. Here it's mostly just avatars and a repeat of the first movie with the same villain but as a avatar. And it just felt like a stale story that we seen before just in water instead of the jungle. The new characters I didn't really care about and wasn't emotionally attached to them. I think the story really should have took a different direction instead of just repeating the same plot from the first movie practically. When it comes to 3D movies this is not even top 5 on my list. I think the first Avatar movie is much better. I left the movie theater very disappointed. But my expectations were pretty high so it's all going to depend on your expectations. Don't expect some incredible story or something, that's not what you're going to get. But it does have some good messaging when it comes to protecting your family, wild life and creatures in the ocean. But it just didn't hit home with me emotionally and that's why it ultimately doesn't get a better rating from me. The 3D is probably a 10/10, definitely a 9/10. But a movie needs to be much more than good 3D and I love 3D movies. Overall I think this is pretty disappointing work by James Cameron when it comes to the story. You think he could come up with a better story and plot than this.. I guess he's just not that creative. If a movie is boring, too long and doesn't grab you emotionally its a huge problem and it was for this movie. If anyone says this movie is woke I don't really agree with them and I'm against woke trash. There was one woke female character who's one of the only humans you see in the movie but it's only a few small scenes. The problem with this movie isn't wokeness it's the plot and story. It's the fact that it doesn't emotionally grab you and the characters don't emotionally grab you. It feels like a National Geographic documentary in 3D. It's not even a good popcorn flick because again it was pretty boring. Everything in this movie that was cool we already seen before in the previous movie but in the jungle instead of the ocean. And if you want to see awesome 3D underwater just go watch Aquaman in 3D I think it's better in a lot of ways. Avatar: The Way of Water is definitely by far the most beautiful 3D National Geographic documentary you will ever see but it's not a good movie. I don't even really consider it a movie with that boring plot that we seen already. It's a recycled plot with the same villain just with water and creatures in the ocean instead of the jungle. And again this is probably the most important point. This movie doesn't show the humans much at all and that's a big reason why I didn't feel a connection with the characters. It's very important to show both and that's why the first movie works better. And you can't just have the same basic plot and expect people to accept it as some incredible movie.… Expand

11 of 19 users found this helpful118

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6

RegisterDec 16, 2022

A visual gluttony that loses to the story. If you are ok with it, just go to the cinema.

If you compare David Fincher and James Cameron, the Fincher have theather ,Cameron is a guy with carousel. And thats the problem. If you accept this andA visual gluttony that loses to the story. If you are ok with it, just go to the cinema.

If you compare David Fincher and James Cameron, the Fincher have theather ,Cameron is a guy with carousel. And thats the problem. If you accept this and understand the difference, you will definitely like it.

I hope Cameron someday tries to make an above average movie in a normal time limit and refreshes himself on what movies are really about instead of getting lost in his own world and imagination more than decade. He used to be a great story teller. It's quite a pity that the person who criticized Marvel loses mainly where Marvel excels - unpredictability and variety.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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5

jfrisbyDec 19, 2022

If you're reading a site or reviewer that gave this more than 7/10 you should never trust them or the site again. This thing was barely held together, a handful of 'magical' scenes lost in high-frame-rate 3D that looks like it was lit byIf you're reading a site or reviewer that gave this more than 7/10 you should never trust them or the site again. This thing was barely held together, a handful of 'magical' scenes lost in high-frame-rate 3D that looks like it was lit by LED bright white lightbulbs.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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6

TrikarDec 19, 2022

Movie is too long, especially second hour. The final battle is not as good and epic as the first avatar. Also the plot is not make any sense sometimes, 3D is awesome, but 12 years later is not as impressive.

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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4

TubeyDec 17, 2022

There's a weird throughput of complete arrogance to this movie - a director with a ridiculous budget doing things just because he can, rather than because he should.

Cameron would have been better served leaving out the wondering what CGIThere's a weird throughput of complete arrogance to this movie - a director with a ridiculous budget doing things just because he can, rather than because he should.

Cameron would have been better served leaving out the wondering what CGI trickery he could weave in and instead spending that time working on a script.

This is turgid stuff that drags on and on and on. A CGI tech demo for a PlayStation 6 rather than a serious movie that seriously tests your patience towards the end. Yes, it looks visually very good throughout, but it's overkill - CGI is at its' best when it compliments the movie, not when it IS the movie.

The sole appeal is to see this in 3D/IMAX or whatever for the visual spectacle. There's zero reason to watch this at home or even on a standard cinema screen, because narratively this is as shallow as a puddle.

I found the original Avatar OK. I thought it showed promise with what could be done with technology, and I went into this one genuinely open-minded, wondering if Cameron could fulfil that promise. He hasn't. He didn't even come close, and I hope this is the end of the big budged CGI adventure in Hollywood.… Expand

7 of 13 users found this helpful76

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6

MetacriticOnurDec 16, 2022

admirable
[ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

adjective
worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.

8 of 16 users found this helpful88

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6

GemsicleDec 16, 2022

All the aesthetic water in the film made me focus on needing to use the restroom more than watching this unforgivingly long flick with more art than a story.

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

n8cv1996Dec 21, 2022

Many banal tropes and dialogues — it didn’t add anything new to cinema nor to the greater collection of modern and historical stories. This will be a hit for the 12-year-olds and it can be a break from the monotony of your 9-5.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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6

jaredwallace91Dec 21, 2022

Disconnected, weak story and poor frame rates. A movie so successful deserves a little more.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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5

badblocksDec 21, 2022

Solid film kinda ruined in the theater for me by the frame rate. Regardless of how I feel about 48 FPS, one thing I can say for sure is that they should have just stuck to one frame rate for the whole film. But the movie constantly swapsSolid film kinda ruined in the theater for me by the frame rate. Regardless of how I feel about 48 FPS, one thing I can say for sure is that they should have just stuck to one frame rate for the whole film. But the movie constantly swaps around, seemingly at random. Different shots in the same scene will jarring my change frame rate, with no rhyme or reason, and it’s super distracting every time. The characters will just be walking and talking, and then a single shot will suddenly be in 48, and then it goes back to normal. In the same scene.

That aside, I don’t like the 48 fps at all. It really highlighted how everything in this film is just computer generated. Of course it’s going to look computer generated to some degree, the whole movie is CGI essentially, but in 48 fps it’s more apparent than ever. It looks like a really advanced looking video game engine tech demo a lot of the time, instead of a movie. I wish I could comment more on the quality of the movie itself— lots of scenes and shots are gorgeous, especially the underwater ones as you’d expect, but feeling like I was watching a game cutscene took me out of it so much. Pretty disappointing.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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6

Rebecca31Dec 22, 2022

Well here it is folks, the highly anticipated sequel to James Cameron’s Avatar. Now I’m sure everyone is wondering, was it worth the thirteen year wait? Not exactly but honestly there aren’t a lot of movies worth waiting thirteen years for aWell here it is folks, the highly anticipated sequel to James Cameron’s Avatar. Now I’m sure everyone is wondering, was it worth the thirteen year wait? Not exactly but honestly there aren’t a lot of movies worth waiting thirteen years for a sequel.

Set thirteen years after Avatar, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) lives with his family in the forests of Pandora. Despite scaring away the sky people many years ago they’re now back again to wreck havoc on Pandora and exploit it’s natural resources. Jake and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) seek help from the Na’vi race to protect their home and family.

Avatar: The Way of Water feels like a collection of scenes from many of Cameron’s movies. There’s strong vibes of Aliens to Titanic and bit of Jaws thrown into the mix. Sure the story may not be the most original thing you’ve ever seen but there’s no denying these are some of the best visual effects you’ll see on the big screen. Say what you want about Cameron, but he doesn’t cheap out on the VFX unlike a few other movies that have neglected this area in recent years. Every single frame is packed full of amazing effects of the world of Pandora. The bar was raised with Avatar back in 2009 and now it’s been raised yet again. Not only that but it also further highlights the films with dodgy looking visual effects. Particularly some of the comic-book movies that also came out in 2022. There really is no comparison.

Avatar: The Way of Water isn’t without its issues, story-wise it’s almost a repeat of the first movie but with more water. It’s over 3 hours long and I understand the care and love that Cameron put into this but it’s very dragged out. I couldn’t help but feel that it would have benefitted from a cinematic cut and then a director’s cut for all the diehard Avatar fans. The first hour is all set up, the second feels like a nature show, all it was missing was some David Attenborough narration. The first two hours needed to be cut down but the last hour was epic for sure, even if it was Titanic meets Aliens. The repetition is frustrating and if Cameron thought people would be too dazzled by the visuals to notice, he was wrong. Also no spoilers but there was a decision made towards the end of the film that felt like it cheated the audience. There’s obviously lots of elements in The Way of Water to set it up for further sequels, but I’m nowhere near captivated enough to want three more of these movies. Yet despite how dragged out it was I was never actually bored though I did resist the urge to look at my watch a couple of times.

Because Avatar: The Way of Water felt like a combination of Cameron’s other movies I ended up leaving the cinema feeling like I’d love to re-watch Aliens again. But I’ll never say that about Avatar: The Way of Water. As for the box office which everyone seems obsessed with right now, it will make its money back of course. It’s so clearly made for cinemas and needs to be seen on the big screen. Although there are a couple of scenes that will make you dizzy it’s still exceptional to look at and a highly immersive experience. It’s probably going to make over a billion anyway but it will be lucky to get two billion and it’s certainly not going to be the first movie to break three billion mark if my screening was anything to go by. Avatar: Way of Water is quite possibly the most expensive film ever made I couldn’t help but feel like it might have been cheaper to make a Western, which let’s be honest that is what the Avatar movies are at their heart, Westerns.

A film centered around family with a very heavy message about caring for the planet and the environment. Unfortunately the type of people that message is aimed at probably won’t bother seeing Avatar: The Way of Water. Recommended for fans of the Avatar franchise. Also for anyone who hasn’t seen the first movie and/or can’t remember it, you can see the sequel without getting lost. So if you were planning on using that as an excuse to avoid being dragged to Avatar 2 this Christmas sorry that ain’t gonna cut it.… Expand

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5

liamexeDec 23, 2022

Completely let down by the sequel. There is no plot, only one gear, and the old avatar first concept is used this time with water. Compared to this segment, the first part's speed was incredibly fast. Several times in between the movie, ICompletely let down by the sequel. There is no plot, only one gear, and the old avatar first concept is used this time with water. Compared to this segment, the first part's speed was incredibly fast. Several times in between the movie, I slept off. It's been too long. According to James Cameron, despite the fact that we are still in 2009, the story and visual effects in movies have changed significantly over the past 13 years. The vfx were the only thing the movie had going for it. The crowd is only drawn in by the movie's buzz. I had hoped for more from James. I'm hoping the next instalment will have a good movie premise and be a shorter film. Super dull and sluggish with the same idea I don't suggest it. both time and money are saved.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

DJ_zakalecDec 16, 2022

Dobry film ale niczym specjalnym nie zaskakiwał. Mógłby być bardziej treściwy i trwać krócej

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

heikkiloytynojaDec 30, 2022

A way too long movie to keep the attention. Visual effects are well made but the story is thin. 3d gives nothing new.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

DoctorOKJan 1, 2023

The plot was all over the place. The hunting of the hyper-sentient whales came out of nowhere. They failed to give a basis for how or why the whale hunters arrived at Pandora. Lack of thematic focus. I mean, can someone tell me what The WayThe plot was all over the place. The hunting of the hyper-sentient whales came out of nowhere. They failed to give a basis for how or why the whale hunters arrived at Pandora. Lack of thematic focus. I mean, can someone tell me what The Way of The Water is? They gave it so many definitions my head spun. However, the lack of the plot was made up for by the visual magnificence of the CGI. The movie was objectively visually impressive… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

bdillon0820Jan 1, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I got to say, this is a pretty mediocre movie. It's bloated, too many characters, too many logical fallacies, plot points presented but not explored and just kind of a dull movie in general. The CGI is really good, but it really isn't much better than the 1st movie.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

TomMondayDec 16, 2022

What’s the point of full 3-D immersion if the technology can’t play the movie without dropping frames? The framerate was so poor (at BFI Imax London even!) that the finale played like stop-motion animation. There’s not much else to the film –What’s the point of full 3-D immersion if the technology can’t play the movie without dropping frames? The framerate was so poor (at BFI Imax London even!) that the finale played like stop-motion animation. There’s not much else to the film – simple emotions played at high volume with very little nuance to the characters or situations. I appreciate that global audiences will see a blockbuster movie that makes such a stark political statement about our own mistreatment of underwater life, but I can’t really recommend the movie. I wish Cameron had all his technology taken away and just focussed on creating a good narrative that doesn’t overreach its grasp.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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6

Orphen1989Dec 18, 2022

Es lo mismo de siempre pero con los mejores efectos gráficos creados hasta la fecha pero realmente en historia no hay nada que sorprendida...

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

PabbittDec 17, 2022

Avatar: The Way of Water is just James Cameron's version of Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke minus the love and charm that makes Princess Mononoke great

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

CommmenterDec 23, 2022

Amazing visual, but boring story..
After watching first two hours, it feels documentary like national geographic..
I hope next series gets better stories and characters..

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

busiekDec 30, 2022

I don't know: WHY? I think it is Disney's cash grab and product of JC's "mania grandosa"...

PROS: Pro family message (it's rare in modern Hollywood)! Normal men characters. Visuals and performance, good likable characters... CONS: Story atI don't know: WHY? I think it is Disney's cash grab and product of JC's "mania grandosa"...

PROS: Pro family message (it's rare in modern Hollywood)! Normal men characters. Visuals and performance, good likable characters...
CONS: Story at least average and plot problems... Lot of recycling. Too long (I was checking my watch...). Some CGI far from perfect...

It's not a bad movie, it's just not a good movie... "Pretty pictures", nothing more. I was bored. To tell the truth, I'm not interested in Avatar 3.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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5

MattyiceDec 27, 2022

If you loved the first movie, you will likely enjoy Avatar: The Way of Water as well. If you didn't, then you won't enjoy it. Simple as that. I personally have mixed feelings for the first movie, and thus I have the same for the sequel asIf you loved the first movie, you will likely enjoy Avatar: The Way of Water as well. If you didn't, then you won't enjoy it. Simple as that. I personally have mixed feelings for the first movie, and thus I have the same for the sequel as well. From a visual standpoint, like the original, The Way of Water is breathtaking, with world-class CG effects and fantastic character and animal designs. The third act climax is also fun as hell, just like it was in the first one. However, just as the strengths of the movie are the same, the weaknesses are the same as well. The weak story structure, bland main characters, lame antagonist, and environmental message are practically identical to that of the first movie, so don't expect any new ground in those departments. Furthermore, with an egregiously long 3+ hour runtime, there is certainly a lot that could've been cut and nothing would've been lost. Worse, what was cut from some scenes was done so pretty jarringly in the editing room. Because James Cameron could not write a nearly tight enough script, many scenes (particularly in the first two acts) just suddenly cut away in what clearly was designed to only be the middle of the scene. There were also a few issues with rapid frame rate choppiness in many scenes, which I personally could overlook, although I know this could be nauseating for some. Overall, if you liked the first and can overlook the same total lack of creativity in the story, character, and thematic department, as well as its overly long length and choppy editing resulting from an oblong script, and just focus on the stunning visuals and action, you'll enjoy The Way of Water. Otherwise, you'll be left wondering why you wasted close to 3.5 hours in a theater to watch a VFX showcase.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

CasteJun 2, 2023

I don't think it's a bad movie, but it was just impossible for me to enjoy it due to flat characters and boring, cringy dialogue.
Tried a second time and slept like a baby through it, so that's a nice point in its favour I guess?

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

olenasavtchoukDec 28, 2022

Great but not comfortable to watch. Great but not comfortable to watch. Great but not comfortable to watch

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

PtPiashDec 23, 2022

It's really good to watch after watching the movie the movie feeling was really good and Raj should tell about this that everyone should watch this movie this movie that I am talking about is really good and fantastic and it graphics almostIt's really good to watch after watching the movie the movie feeling was really good and Raj should tell about this that everyone should watch this movie this movie that I am talking about is really good and fantastic and it graphics almost perfect two real life as comparison but first part was really awesome story lacks in second part but everything will be fine I don't know how it gonna be a massive hit everyone likes action drama love story and break taking moments these are all in this film but I should want you tell you how do you look or even don't look was the movie it will be a great fun… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

MAD_jrDec 27, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved it esp. the when the water fills up during the mother and baby girl.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

MovieMetaCriticDec 31, 2022

I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont evenI dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged I dont even know just way to long and dragged… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

OhmanipsJan 2, 2023

This is a beautiful, visually captivating movie. But chatgpt could write a better script. If I was literate I probably could too. James Cameron is very vegan. Like he vegans quite hard.

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6

CaptiosusJul 4, 2023

Late to the party but finally got around to seeing Avatar: The Way of Water. It was... okay? I really didn't find it remarkable or special compared to the original. Too much retread of the original material, including the main villain. TooLate to the party but finally got around to seeing Avatar: The Way of Water. It was... okay? I really didn't find it remarkable or special compared to the original. Too much retread of the original material, including the main villain. Too much spectacle for spectacle's sake. I was reminded of the way George Lucas kept adding more and more CGI to his original and prequel Star Wars films just because he could; Cameron appears to have done the same here. A lot of the grand sweeping shots or big CGI set pieces could have been cut by half and the impact on the overall movie would have been minimal. The visuals were stunning in 2009; Today we've been so innundated with CGI due to 15 years of superhero movies and other films that I don't think visuals alone could carry this movie. It needed both visuals and a decent story.

The writers couldn't even present a consistent story as to why the RDA came back to Pandora. First Edie Falco's General Ardmore character says they're back because Earth is dying and they need a new home for humanity, but then that makes a complete about face halfway through when Brendan Cowell's Scoresby character says they're REALLY there to harvest amrita from the whale-like Tulkun because it halts human aging. Which is it? Plus the whole idea of Dr. Grace's avatar having immaculate conception made my eyes roll -- especially since her offspring has magical planetary powers she can't explain which is treading us deep into ridiculous Star Wars sequel territory.

I liked the concept of the differences between sea and forest clans, including the stereotypes and fights between them. But, just as the first movie was so clearly built around a mashup of Native American stereotypes, the Metkayina were a blatantly obvious mash up of Polynesian and South Pacific stereotypes.

By the end, I found myself not caring if they ever make any more movies in this franchise. At least not movies focusing on the Sully clan. Those stories already feel oversaturated and we're only on movie two, 13 YEARS after the first. I'm more interested in the stand-alone, non-movie-tie-in Frontiers of Pandora game that's coming out later this year than I am in seeing any further movies starring Jake and Company.… Expand