Avatar 2: The Way of the Water is Gorgeous and Breathtaking

When Avatar hit theaters in 2009, audiences were flabbergasted.  Characters were blue,  indigenous with an indistinguishable language and physical skill set that had never been seen on screen in a live action animated form.  James Cameron had once again created a groundbreaking franchise outside of “Titanic” and the industry was beside themselves salivating for a sequel.

In 2022, we finally got it…Avatar 2: The Way of the Water where Jake Sully and Ney’tiri now have a family and are doing everything they can to keep their familial unit together by any means necessary. However, when faced with having to leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora, an ancient threat resurfaces. Jake is now challenged with fighting a difficult war against the humans in order to survive and move forward with his family in peace while simultaneously protecting them.

Having seen both versions, I have to say Avatar 2 is structured more through the point of view from Sully’s kids bringing a fresh lens to the franchise, while reminding audiences what initially resonated with them the first time around.  Each child struggles with their part-human/part-Na’vi background. So, when these teens run into new and distinctly unfriendly avatars, the Sully family seeks shelter with a new tribe of Na’vi who live in harmony with the ocean.

However, due to the major focus on the kids, many of the adult characters are underdeveloped without a lot of backstory other than how they choose to participate in the battle against humans. What do I mean by this?  Jake and Ney’tiri seem to not have a lot of internal conflict being conveyed over this battle for their kids safety while inadvertently coming to the realization their actions may cause the loss of other children whose parents have gone out of their way to protect the Sully’s.

Clocking in at over 3 hours, my other concern is during the original Avatar, Zoe Saldana was the only actress of color cast as a lead voiced character in the film. One would think nearly 13 years later in a era dripping with diversity, equity and inclusion, that Saldana wouldn’t still be the only actress of color voicing a lead character in this franchise. On numerous levels, it feels a little tone deaf to how the industry is attempting to shift and change including people of color voicing leading roles…just saying.

The sea scenes are breathtakingly beautiful to behold knowing the intricate intensity it takes to complete each and every frame. It literally makes you want to jump into the screen and join the fun.  Having said all of this, Avatar 2:  The Way of the Water is the perfect escape into a world that values family and tradition above all else and can be streamed now on Disney Plus with the entire family.