As expected, critics are currently raving about the visual effects of ‘The Way of Water’. Courtney Howard of Variety even called it a “compelling, awe-inspiring masterclass in world-building” in part because of its beautiful visuals. I mean, we could have seen this coming a mile away. Seriously, have you seen those water animations?
James Cameron & Co. deliver another immersive, awe-inspiring masterclass in world-building with #AvatarTheWayOfWater . Compelling, emotionally captivating and epically entertaining, it’s a thrilling ride. CG artifice melts away where we just watch the humanity of the characters steer pic.twitter.com/6CksGpEumJ
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) December 6, 2022
If you’re interested in more technical language, Reel Blend’s Kevin McCarthy has you covered. He called the sharp 48FPS and 3D technology “one of the most immersive [he’s] ever seen.”
James Camerons #AvatarTheWayOfWater is a monumental achievement in filmmaking with a great balance between technical and emotional. The 48fps 3D experience offers some of the most immersive immersion I’ve ever seen. Felt like a kid again watching T2 for the first time. Astonishing. pic.twitter.com/cfiMADJzU4
— Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) December 6, 2022
If you can believe it, some say it’s an improvement over the original. Does this confirm that Cameron is the greatest sequel director of all time? Perhaps!
Happy to say #AvatarTheWayOfWater is phenomenal! Bigger, better and more emotional than #avatar, the film is visually stunning, visceral and incredibly compelling. The story, the spectacle, the spirituality, the beauty – this is filmmaking and storytelling at its best. pic.twitter.com/RicnpDghrx
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 6, 2022
I saw you #AvatarTheWayOfWater – if you think you’ve seen it #avatar think again. Only recurrence from the OG is that ‘never experienced anything like it’ awe. Better than the 1st? Easy. The 3D water world and creatures are so surreal it’s downright moving. There is a great tribute to the Titanic. pic.twitter.com/EInKRDeumD
— Nikki Novak (@NikkiNovak) December 6, 2022
Of course, there’s apparently a lot to love about the movie beyond the visuals. Another constant in these early reactions is the richness of character building. After all, what good is stunning visuals if the characters we follow aren’t well developed?
#AvatarTheWayOfWater is pretty incredible. I was confident that James Cameron would raise the bar with the effects, but these images are stunning. One beautiful frame after another. But what I’ve dug into the most is how the tech feats always feel in the service of character and world-building. pic.twitter.com/MXeN3z8BnP
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) December 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/DrewTailored/status/1600253172471119872
Even those who were previously lukewarm to the first ‘Avatar’ all the way back in 2009 are singing the praises of ‘The Way of Water’.
As someone who loved, but didn’t love, the first AVATAR, I can tell you:
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER blew me away.
The sequel was vastly superior in visuals, storytelling and performances and left my jaw on the floor for its entire runtime.
James Cameron is the GOD of sequels. pic.twitter.com/1cw6C94O4f
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) December 6, 2022
However, if there’s one defining feeling from these early reviews, we should never bet against Jimmy C and his aspirations.
Avatar The Way of Water: lol imagine being stupid enough to bet against james cameron. or teenage alien Sigourney Weaver. or giant whales subtitled in papyrus.
light years better than the first and easily one of the best theater experiences in ages. streaming found dead in a ditch.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) December 6, 2022
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER: Yeah, never bet against James Cameron. I try not to exaggerate, but I’ve never seen anything like it from a technical, visual standpoint. It’s overwhelming. Maybe too overwhelming. Sometimes I missed plot points because I was staring at a Pandora fish
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) 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 blockbusters. Emotional, visceral and as big as movies can get. @officialavatar
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) December 6, 2022
Never bet against @JimCameron. To be #AvatarTheWayOfWater surpasses the original on every level. Incredible visuals, but a much more emotional connection to the characters and story. In the final hour, Cameron flexes every muscle, reminding blockbuster filmmakers how to do it. pic.twitter.com/C7lpBs6y5U
— Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell) December 6, 2022
Even fellow filmmakers praise “The Way of Water,” with Guillermo del Toro among the first to tweet his thoughts on the “staggering performance” on Thanksgiving. Talk about legends supporting legends!
A staggering performance – AVATAR TWOW is packed with majestic vistas and emotions on an epic, epic scale. A master at the height of his powers… https://t.co/tG6I16JlhM
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 24, 2022
