‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ wows with visual effects

By Olivia Pero Assistant Editor

Fans of “Titanic” and “Terminator” will probably appreciate James Cameron’s newest masterpiece, “Avatar: The Way of the Water.”

Cameron seamlessly continues the story of the Na’vi’s battle to preserve Pandora from the Sky People, a struggle that began in the 2009 “Avatar.” The film begins by updating the audience on Jake Sully’s (Sam Worthington) new life as a Na’vi. Sully and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) have started a family, and are enjoying a peaceful life as they raise their children.

However, it does not take long for the acquisitive Sky People to return to Pandora and wreak havoc. Colonel Miles Quartich (Stephen Lang) makes a reappearance in his new form as a Na’vi, and is intent on hunting and killing Sully for betraying him. After Quaritch and the Sky People attack the Omaticaya clan, Sully decides it is in the clan and his family’s best interest if he and his family move away. Sully, Neytiri, and their children ride the flying, prehistoric-looking creatures called Ikrans to Pandora’s ocean where they request asylum from the Metkayina clan. Chief film flaunts improved computer generated imagery. There is more texture, definition, and depth in the foliage, the Na’vi’s hair, and skin. The sound effects are clear and reflects the tropical and aquatic atmosphere of ocean life. From a creative and artistic perspective, it is neat to see how the Metkayina’s appearance varies from this by decreasing the amount of time that is focused exclusively on the Sky People, and including more scenes that solely feature the Na’vi. and Neytiri’s relationship, and the ease with which they step into the roles of parenthood.

Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) and his wife Ronal (Kate Winslet) debate whether it is wise to admit these foreigners into their village, but ultimately decide to help them.

The film has elements to captivate the interests of everyone — there is artistry in the animation and music, mechanical and technological elements in the robots, aircrafts, and ships, along with the thrill of combat scenes.

One detail of the film that detracted from its quality was Sigourney Weaver acting as Kiri Sully, the teenage Na’vi daughter of Dr. Grace Augustine’s avatar. Weaver acted as Grace in the 2009 film, so it is understandable that she played that character’s daughter. However, her voice was too deep and mature to be taken seriously as a teenage girl’s voice.

Sully and his family learn the ways of the ocean from the Metkayina, finding tranquility in the ocean’s beauty. The peace only lasts for a while, however, as Quaritch and the Sky People track down Sully, with the reluctant assistance of Spider (Jack Champion), a young man who is a friend of Sully’s family.

Budgeted at $250 million, the sci-fi and action realistic, most notably the sound of pattering rain and beads dully clattering from head movement in the Na’vi’s hair. Perspective shots facing the Na’vi while they ride their horses and swim in the ocean support an immersive experience for the audience. The same ethereal and whimsical theme song from the original Avatar movie is used in the film, along with new music that the Omaticaya’s appearance. The Metkayina’s skin is the color of Bahamian water, and they have tails and forearms similar to fins, which allow them to swim with ease.

It is evident that Cameron wants to shift the audience’s perception of the Na’vi as being strange, alien creatures, to being more normal, with the humans now portrayed as alien. Cameron achieves

Cameron’s talent for adding suspense in scenes involving sinking ships, rising water, and sparking electricity is exhibited in the film, and is strongly reminiscent of his work in “Titanic.”

“Avatar: The Way of the Water” is wholesome entertainment, highlighting the beauty of marriage, family, and friendship. It is heartwarming to observe the development of Sully

The film clocks in at three hours and 12 minutes. While the movie was enjoyable at this length, it would be even better if it was under three hours. Many scenes feature the characters exploring the ocean, showcasing the different sea creatures and scenery, which extended the movie’s length.

Cameron has three more Avatar movies scheduled for release over the next five years. Avatar 3 is scheduled for 2024, Avatar 4 in 2026, and Avatar 5 in 2028.