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It has been nearly 13 years, but in less than one week, Avatar: The Way of Water will make its theatrical debut. The Way of Water will follow the timeline that it took for the film to come out and will take place more than 10 years after the events of the first film. As with the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water was written and directed by iconic Titanic director James Cameron. Cameron also wrote and directed the third Avatar film, which is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2024.
Credit: Disney
While The Way of Water does not come out until December 16, notable critics were invited to advance screenings, and they all seem to say the same thing — the film is a visually stunning masterpiece. Kara Warner of People noted the film’s long runtime — more than three hours — but said that it was worth it.
As an Avatar stan, I had high hopes for #AvatarTheWayofWater and for me it totally delivers. Sure it’s a little long, but worth it for the gorgeous visuals, wonderful new characters. A total thrill.
As an Avatar stan, I had high hopes for #AvatarTheWayofWater and for me it totally delivers. Sure it's a little long, but worth it for the gorgeous visuals, wonderful new characters. A total thrill.
— Kara Warner (@karawarner) December 6, 2022
James Cameron has always been known for his incredible ability to create visually stunning movies, and, according to Mike Ryan of Uproxx, The Way of Water is no exception.
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER: Yeah never bet against James Cameron. Trying to spare hyperbole, but I’ve never seen anything like this from a technical, visual standpoint. It’s overwhelming. Maybe too overwhelming. Sometimes I’d miss plot points because I’m staring at a Pandora fish
Someone texted me, “what’s the most visually impressive part of the movie?” And I responded, “The whole thing honestly.”
Someone texted me, “what’s the most visually impressive part of the movie?” And I responded, “The whole thing honestly.”
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 6, 2022
Yolanda Machado from Entertainment Weekly agreed that the film was a joy to watch onscreen, and warned those who planned to see it to use the restroom beforehand. Cameron has also said that viewers don’t want to miss a minute of the new movie.
James Cameron is a technology master… and his direction is at its most precise here. The film as a whole, while a technological marvel with a breathtaking world, is just ?. Dances with Wolves and Free Willy for Gen Z!
Pee beforehand. #Avatar #AvatarTheWayofWater
James Cameron is a technology master… and his direction is at its most precise here. The film as a whole, while a technological marvel with a breathtaking world, is just 🤣. Dances with Wolves and Free Willy for Gen Z!
Pee beforehand. #Avatar #AvatarTheWayofWater— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) December 6, 2022
Erik Davis of Fandango not only loved the visual aspects of the movie, but also loved the story that was told.
Happy to say #AvatarTheWayOfWater is phenomenal! Bigger, better & more emotional than #Avatar, the film is visually breathtaking, visceral & incredibly engrossing. The story, the spectacle, the spirituality, the beauty – this is moviemaking & storytelling at its absolute finest.
Happy to say #AvatarTheWayOfWater is phenomenal! Bigger, better & more emotional than #Avatar, the film is visually breathtaking, visceral & incredibly engrossing. The story, the spectacle, the spirituality, the beauty – this is moviemaking & storytelling at its absolute finest. pic.twitter.com/RicnpDghrx
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 6, 2022
Avatar: The Way of Water will hit theaters on December 16 and will see Sam Worthington return as Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, Sigourney Weaver as Kiri (she played Dr. Grace Augustine in the first film), and Stephen Lang as Miles Quaritch. Kate Winslet — who worked with Cameron on Titanic — will also star as Ronal.
