Avatar 2 Early Reactions Call It As Cinematically Groundbreaking As First
Early reactions have been posted for Avatar: The Way of Water, and they’re giving the film high praise. Out on December 16, Avatar: The Way of Water sees writer-director James Cameron back on Pandora. The official synopsis reintroduces Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as parents who have formed a family and are doing everything they can to stay together. They must venture from their home and explore the regions of Pandora to do so, but as an ancient threat reemerges, Jake is called to fight against the humans. The Avatar sequel also stars Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Stephen Lang, and Edie Falco.
After its world premiere in London, the first reactions to Cameron’s film are being posted, and they’re claiming that Avatar: The Way of Water is as impressive and groundbreaking as the first. Some mention the film’s long runtime being a deterring factor. However, its visuals, more complex story, strong character development, and ethereal world-building are what seem to make Avatar: The Way of Water deserving of critical success. Also praised is the film’s use of 3D, making it a technical achievement with purely artistic intentions that don’t go unnoticed. See the early reactions below:
Can Avatar 2 Beat The First One At The Box Office?
These positive early reactions are good omens for Avatar: The Way of Water’s commercial success. The film faces a lot of challenges as its wide release approaches. It reportedly cost $350 to $400 million to make, making it one of the most expensive movies in Hollywood history and raising the stakes for it to succeed at the box office.
With early reactions praising the film and specifically holding it higher than the original, the likeliness of Avatar: The Way of Water surpassing its predecessor at the box office becomes less impossible. It’s a big goal to achieve as the first film became, and still is, the highest-grossing movie of all time with over $2.9 billion in earnings worldwide. Another challenge is that Avatar was released in a very different climate in terms of exhibition. Now, theatrical releases overall inherently suffer from the same affliction: not many people go to the movies anymore. That aside, the praise it has started to garner bodes well and suggests Avatar: The Way of Water could have massive box office potential.
It is also important to note that the film’s use of 3D, like the first, truly enhances the moviegoing experience and isn’t just a gimmick. As ticket prices for a Premium Large Format (PLF) like IMAX 3D cost more, Avatar: The Way of Water’s chance of beating the first movie at the box office becomes a possibility if enough people not only decide to watch the film in theaters, but choose to see it in a PLF screening as well. Avatar: The Way of Water’s newfound good word of mouth is as promising as it is relieving, as the film comes with the baggage of high expectations for a theatrical release in an exhibition landscape that isn’t too kind to such releases. Come December 16, audience members will see the film for themselves and decide whether it deserves the gargantuan goal it sets out to achieve.
Source: Various (See Above)
Unsurprisingly, #AvatarTheWayOfWater is a visual masterpiece with rich use of 3D and breathtaking vistas. It does suffer from a thin story and too many characters to juggle, yet James Cameron pulls it together for an extraordinary final act full of emotion and thrilling action. pic.twitter.com/opr6CRyOwk— Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) December 6, 2022
#AvatarTheWayOfWater is pretty incredible. I had faith James Cameron would raise the bar w/ the effects but these visuals are mind-blowing. One stunning frame after the next. But the thing I dug most is how the technical feats always feel in service of character & world-building. pic.twitter.com/MXeN3z8BnP— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) December 6, 2022
I’m almost convinced James Cameron shot #AvatarTheWayOfWater on another planet. The film is absolutely stunning and immersive. It’s long but I was completely engaged all the way through. Much like #avatar 13 years ago, this film is a cinematic achievement and a must see event! pic.twitter.com/2WFlJzmbeI— Joseph Deckelmeier (@Joelluminerdi) December 6, 2022
Avatar: The Way of Water is a never-ending visual série.It’s a better, more complex story than the first with solid emotion but the characters could grow a bit more. It’s definitely long, running on incredible visuals & techniques which are 3D’s best.#AvatarTheWayOfWater pic.twitter.com/ezySHunXOe— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 6, 2022
I saw you #AvatarTheWayOfWater – if you think you've seen #Avatar think again. Only repeat from the OG is that 'never experienced anything like it' awe. Better than 1st? Easily. The 3D water world & creatures are so surreal it is downright moving. There's a major Titanic homage. pic.twitter.com/EInKRDeumD— Nikki Novak (@NikkiNovak) December 6, 2022
#AvatarTheWayOfWater is the most beautiful film I've ever seen. It is an experience that needs to be seen on the big screen & in 3D. I absolutely loved it & I can't wait to watch it again. It's a masterpiece in terms of technical wizardry. Easily my favourite film of the year. pic.twitter.com/rt9BGpDVPE— What’s On Disney Plus (@disneyplusnews) December 6, 2022
Happy to say #AvatarTheWayOfWater is phenomenal! Bigger, better & more emotional than #Avatar, the film is visually breathtaking, visceral & incredibly engrossing. The story, the série, the spirituality, the beauty – this is moviemaking & storytelling at its absolute finest. pic.twitter.com/RicnpDghrx— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 6, 2022
As someone who LIKED — but didn't LOVE — the first AVATAR, let me tell you:AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER blew me away.Vastly superior in visuals, story telling and performances, the sequel left my jaw on the ground for the entire runtime.James Cameron is the GOD of sequels. pic.twitter.com/1cw6C94O4f— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) December 6, 2022
James Cameron once again shows filmmakers how it’s done. I’ve said it a thousand times. Never doubt him. AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is how you do epic blockbuster-ing. Emotional, visceral, and as big as movies get. @officialavatar— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) December 6, 2022
