Avatar: The Way of Water (no spoilers, please!)

[JerryLBell]

James Cameron took us to another world 13 years ago and told a rousing action-adventure story with a very strong environmental message. Now he's taken us back to this Pandora, has shown us another part of this incredibly beautiful world and thrust us back into strong action as the people try to save it from new ravages by the rapacious Sky People.

If you loved or even just enjoyed the first Avatar, you will love or at least enjoy this very, very worthy sequel. There's a lot more emphasis on relationships and family, a new environment (the sea) to explore and some more amazing future technology. If you thought the Na'vi people were amazing to watch before, re-watch the original and then watch this movie and you'll find they've come a long, long way in making these totally digital creations more closely match the actors actual acting and be even more realistic and believable.

If you get a chance, see this one in 3D. Better yet, see it in 3D and on a BIG screen. Best of all worlds, see it at a Dolby Theater with it's High Frame Rate (48 FPS instead of 24 FPS), High Dynamic Range, overhead Dolby ATMOS sound channels and shockingly good 3D (say good by to image blurring and "ghosts" from the left image into the right eye and vice versa). Unfortunately, the nearest Dolby Vision theater is clear over to Altamonte Springs, over and hour drive away. For me, it was well worth the drive and the addition cost of the tickets compared to seeing it in The Villages or even at the AMC in Leesburg.

While I look forward to having a copy of this to watch at home in the future, this is one film that should really, really be seen at least once in a proper theater. No home system (and I know of some very good home theaters in The Villages) is going to give you the immersive experience that a proper theater can and this is a film you want to immerse yourself in.

If you haven't actually seen the original Avatar, I strongly recommend seeing it first. You can probably follow the story without doing so, but it really builds on the first film and you'll lose a lot of context by not knowing what brought the characters to where they are at the start of this film.

[Caymus]

It's run time is close to 3 hours. These days I like to watch movies that long at home.

[Mrs.Guy]

It's run time is close to 3 hours. These days I like to watch movies that long at home.

:icon_wink: Me too! Depends....... :popcorn:

[retiredguy123]

It's run time is close to 3 hours. These days I like to watch movies that long at home.
I agree. I would probably fall asleep before the movie was halfway through.

[GpaVader]

I loved the first movie and thought this one was OK. The movie isn't close to the 3 hours, its 3.5 hours plus the theatre we were at had close to 30 minutes of trailers and commercials. Movie start time was 12:35 and leaving in the middle of the credits had us back in the car by 4:35... We saw it in 3D, as expected, the visuals are outstanding. My biggest issue with this movie is that it seemed more of a set up for the next movie more than a stand on its own movie. Just my 2 cents worth...

[Taltarzac725]

I just watched the first one again. Had seen it on an IMAX like screen in Ocala at the Hollywood 16 in 2009. Regal Hollywood 16 - Ocala | Fathom Events (https://www.fathomevents.com/theater/hollywood-16-ocala-828)

[TheWarriors]

No thanks, reviews on the storyline I’ve read the NA’vi went extreme woke. Prefer reality to fantasyland.

[fireman]

James Cameron took us to another world 13 years ago and told a rousing action-adventure story with a very strong environmental message. Now he's taken us back to this Pandora, has shown us another part of this incredibly beautiful world and thrust us back into strong action as the people try to save it from new ravages by the rapacious Sky People.

If you loved or even just enjoyed the first Avatar, you will love or at least enjoy this very, very worthy sequel. There's a lot more emphasis on relationships and family, a new environment (the sea) to explore and some more amazing future technology. If you thought the Na'vi people were amazing to watch before, re-watch the original and then watch this movie and you'll find they've come a long, long way in making these totally digital creations more closely match the actors actual acting and be even more realistic and believable.

If you get a chance, see this one in 3D. Better yet, see it in 3D and on a BIG screen. Best of all worlds, see it at a Dolby Theater with it's High Frame Rate (48 FPS instead of 24 FPS), High Dynamic Range, overhead Dolby ATMOS sound channels and shockingly good 3D (say good by to image blurring and "ghosts" from the left image into the right eye and vice versa). Unfortunately, the nearest Dolby Vision theater is clear over to Altamonte Springs, over and hour drive away. For me, it was well worth the drive and the addition cost of the tickets compared to seeing it in The Villages or even at the AMC in Leesburg.

While I look forward to having a copy of this to watch at home in the future, this is one film that should really, really be seen at least once in a proper theater. No home system (and I know of some very good home theaters in The Villages) is going to give you the immersive experience that a proper theater can and this is a film you want to immerse yourself in.

If you haven't actually seen the original Avatar, I strongly recommend seeing it first. You can probably follow the story without doing so, but it really builds on the first film and you'll lose a lot of context by not knowing what brought the characters to where they are at the start of this film.

I agree it’s a great movie. It does not seem that long while watching. Worth going and seeing in 3D

[BlueStarAirlines]

I'm still torn on whether I should see it. The only review I read was the first hour was the most boring in movie history, the second was tolerable, and the last was fantastic.

Any place showing just the last hour?

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

No thanks, reviews on the storyline I’ve read the NA’vi went extreme woke. Prefer reality to fantasyland.

I don't if others feel this way, but I hate that term "woke" and find it offensive when people use it to denigrate something or someone. It's a term that immediately invokes conflict. I recall when I first heard it, I thought it was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Who created it, some rapper? Sounds like something out of Kanye West's world.

[Freeda]

We are huge movie fans and see almost all releases; we go to the Leesburg AMC. I was out if town, so hubby went alone to see the new Avatar movie and left after watching just a short part of it. He found it vulgar and disgusting - (and he's a tough guy who loves R-rated movies, wrestling, etc).

[Regorp]

James Cameron took us to another world 13 years ago and told a rousing action-adventure story with a very strong environmental message. Now he's taken us back to this Pandora, has shown us another part of this incredibly beautiful world and thrust us back into strong action as the people try to save it from new ravages by the rapacious Sky People.

If you loved or even just enjoyed the first Avatar, you will love or at least enjoy this very, very worthy sequel. There's a lot more emphasis on relationships and family, a new environment (the sea) to explore and some more amazing future technology. If you thought the Na'vi people were amazing to watch before, re-watch the original and then watch this movie and you'll find they've come a long, long way in making these totally digital creations more closely match the actors actual acting and be even more realistic and believable.

If you get a chance, see this one in 3D. Better yet, see it in 3D and on a BIG screen. Best of all worlds, see it at a Dolby Theater with it's High Frame Rate (48 FPS instead of 24 FPS), High Dynamic Range, overhead Dolby ATMOS sound channels and shockingly good 3D (say good by to image blurring and "ghosts" from the left image into the right eye and vice versa). Unfortunately, the nearest Dolby Vision theater is clear over to Altamonte Springs, over and hour drive away. For me, it was well worth the drive and the addition cost of the tickets compared to seeing it in The Villages or even at the AMC in Leesburg.

While I look forward to having a copy of this to watch at home in the future, this is one film that should really, really be seen at least once in a proper theater. No home system (and I know of some very good home theaters in The Villages) is going to give you the immersive experience that a proper theater can and this is a film you want to immerse yourself in.

If you haven't actually seen the original Avatar, I strongly recommend seeing it first. You can probably follow the story without doing so, but it really builds on the first film and you'll lose a lot of context by not knowing what brought the characters to where they are at the start of this film.

This movie is as good or better than the first. Saw it at Loews Leesburg on the big screen in the balcony seats. Awesome color and new characters make it a family involved epic. Avatar characters are very well done to appear similar to the actors who play them. Great movie!!

[Worldseries27]

james cameron took us to another world 13 years ago and told a rousing action-adventure story with a very strong environmental message. Now he's taken us back to this pandora, has shown us another part of this incredibly beautiful world and thrust us back into strong action as the people try to save it from new ravages by the rapacious sky people.

If you loved or even just enjoyed the first avatar, you will love or at least enjoy this very, very worthy sequel. There's a lot more emphasis on relationships and family, a new environment (the sea) to explore and some more amazing future technology. If you thought the na'vi people were amazing to watch before, re-watch the original and then watch this movie and you'll find they've come a long, long way in making these totally digital creations more closely match the actors actual acting and be even more realistic and believable.

If you get a chance, see this one in 3d. Better yet, see it in 3d and on a big screen. Best of all worlds, see it at a dolby theater with it's high frame rate (48 fps instead of 24 fps), high dynamic range, overhead dolby atmos sound channels and shockingly good 3d (say good by to image blurring and "ghosts" from the left image into the right eye and vice versa). Unfortunately, the nearest dolby vision theater is clear over to altamonte springs, over and hour drive away. For me, it was well worth the drive and the addition cost of the tickets compared to seeing it in the villages or even at the amc in leesburg.

While i look forward to having a copy of this to watch at home in the future, this is one film that should really, really be seen at least once in a proper theater. No home system (and i know of some very good home theaters in the villages) is going to give you the immersive experience that a proper theater can and this is a film you want to immerse yourself in.

If you haven't actually seen the original avatar, i strongly recommend seeing it first. You can probably follow the story without doing so, but it really builds on the first film and you'll lose a lot of context by not knowing what brought the characters to where they are at the start of this film.
address please?

[Mortal1]

I don't if others feel this way, but I hate that term "woke" and find it offensive when people use it to denigrate something or someone. It's a term that immediately invokes conflict. I recall when I first heard it, I thought it was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Who created it, some rapper? Sounds like something out of Kanye West's world.

to be offensive or denigrate something or someone. I find their take on things to also invoke conflict. It seems incongruous to blame one side for their take and believe there is no fault on both sides. I do not want kids to be indoctrinated into some false narrative that does not believe in common sense and telling kids there are not two sexes is not only false physically, but scientifically. The so called "woke" community does not deal in reality, but in feelings. Reality drives our survival and feelings are what we personally feel which rarely resemble the real world we live in.

[jimjamuser]

I don't if others feel this way, but I hate that term "woke" and find it offensive when people use it to denigrate something or someone. It's a term that immediately invokes conflict. I recall when I first heard it, I thought it was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Who created it, some rapper? Sounds like something out of Kanye West's world.
I also dislike the word wo_e so much I can't spell it out. It is pure divisiveness and a fav of propaganda pushers.

[jimjamuser]

We are huge movie fans and see almost all releases; we go to the Leesburg AMC. I was out if town, so hubby went alone to see the new Avatar movie and left after watching just a short part of it. He founds it vulgar and disgusting - (and he's a tough guy who loves R-rated movies, wrestling, etc).
That's interesting, but would be more so if WHY it was vulgar and disgusting was spelled out in detail.

[jimjamuser]

to be offensive or denigrate something or someone. I find their take on things to also invoke conflict. It seems incongruous to blame one side for their take and believe there is no fault on both sides. I do not want kids to be indoctrinated into some false narrative that does not believe in common sense and telling kids there are not two sexes is not only false physically, but scientifically. The so called "woke" community does not deal in reality, but in feelings. Reality drives our survival and feelings are what we personally feel which rarely resemble the real world we live in.
Many older people see things differently than many young people. It has been that way since I became aware of the world in about high school. Obviously, this movie was NOT made for OLD PEOPLE who do not attend theaters as much as the aged 17 to 30 crowd.

[Mppl1956]

I thought the movie was way too long and very boring. The 3D animation was fair at best. The original was much better.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't if others feel this way, but I hate that term "woke" and find it offensive when people use it to denigrate something or someone. It's a term that immediately invokes conflict. I recall when I first heard it, I thought it was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Who created it, some rapper? Sounds like something out of Kanye West's world.

Woke - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke)

The term was initially intended to describe the concept of having an open mind and being socially sensitive and alert to injustices against black folks.

It -became- a political insult by bigots against people who were - socially sensitive and alert to injustices against black folks.

On-topic: I saw the original Avatar - have seen it a few times actually, and have it on my hard drive so I can watch it again as often as I like.

I don't go to movie theatres anymore, but I do stream directly into my hearing aides. So I get something significantly superior to "dolby surround sound" - and I can easily immerse myself in my 27" HD computer monitor when I decide to watch the new Avatar movie, after it's released for sale and download.

[Caymus]

Woke - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke)

The term was initially intended to describe the concept of having an open mind and being socially sensitive and alert to injustices against black folks.

It -became- a political insult by bigots against people who were - socially sensitive and alert to injustices against black folks.

On-topic: I saw the original Avatar - have seen it a few times actually, and have it on my hard drive so I can watch it again as often as I like.

I don't go to movie theatres anymore, but I do stream directly into my hearing aides. So I get something significantly superior to "dolby surround sound" - and I can easily immerse myself in my 27" HD computer monitor when I decide to watch the new Avatar movie, after it's released for sale and download.

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:: laugh::laugh:

[JMintzer]

Woke - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke)

The term was initially intended to describe the concept of having an open mind and being socially sensitive and alert to injustices against black folks.

It -became- a political insult by bigots against people who were - socially sensitive and alert to injustices against black folks.

Can you show me where Wiki mentions "bigots"? Or is that just you editorializing?

[JerryLBell]

It would be easy to say this film doesn't live up to the first. The first introduced this incredible new world and immersed you in it in a way that was pretty mind-boggling. It's hard to boggle your mind a second time with what might seem like the same tricks. I was so blown away by the original Matrix movie that the second and third ones, while equally amazing and thought-provoking, just couldn't blow us away the way the first one did. We were just too prepared for them and our expectations were too high.

That said, I welcomed a return to the forests of Pandora and the move to the ocean opened up a world of wonder to me much like the introduction of the forest had in the first film. But then, I'm a nature buff who loves birdwatching in rain forests and snorkeling in coral reefs. I'm a sucker for both those environments.

Some criticized the first movie as following the "White Messiah" trope. In too many movies, the poor, beleaguered natives can only throw off the shackles of the oppressors if led by a white guy. OK, in this case it was a blue-skinned avatar of a white guy, but that was perhaps a valid criticism. This film starts with Jake Sully/Turok Makto still leading his tribe but the tribe is much more on an even footing with him and in the majority of the film, he isn't the leader at all. The film gets to be much more about community and family.

Some people criticized the first film as being a bunch of tree-hugging hippie ecology crap and quick to paint the military/industrial complex as total bad guys. This film won't sway people who think that way and it throws in a "save the whales" vibe that won't win fans among that group. But I've seen enough rain forests that were chopped down for lumber and to grow oil palms and have swum in enough coral reefs that were damaged by overfishing, seen the count of birds where I live go down year after year and lived in areas where industrial runoff filled the rivers with dioxins and other carcinogens that I probably fall on the side of the tree-hugging, save-the-whales folks. The ecology message of these films speaks to the choir that I'm certainly in.

Somebody mentioned that this film isn't for "old people". I'm 68 and loved the film. When the first film came out, I took my wife's stepfather who was well into his 80s to it and he loved it. I don't think you can pigeonhole this film to a specific age group.

Somebody else mentioned without proving examples that the film was "vulgar and disgusting". Certainly the way the Sky People came back down and instantly deforested some pretty big chunks of the world was disgusting but that's probably not what was referred to. There were military folks that swore the way that some military folks do, and maybe that was vulgar. Or maybe it was the fact that the Na'vi don't exactly where a lot of clothes. There was no explicit nudity but plenty of partially bared buttocks and so-called "side boob" shots. Less that what you would have seen on old National Geographic documentaries of various non-technological tribes around the world.

Hey, in the end, it's just a movie. If you liked the first one, go see this one. If you didn't like the first one, don't go see this one. If you never saw the first one, I recommend you see it and then make up your mind as to whether or not you want to see this one. If you like an immersive experience, I recommend seeing it in 3D in the biggest and best theater you can find. If the idea of a nearly 3-hour run time sends your bladder into a panic, wait until you can watch it at home. Ain't no movie out there worth busting a bladder over!

[Taltarzac725]

Thanks for that long review. Some movies I miss parts of because I need to rush to the restroom. So I see them more than once.

It would be easy to say this film doesn't live up to the first. The first introduced this incredible new world and immersed you in it in a way that was pretty mind-boggling. It's hard to boggle your mind a second time with what might seem like the same tricks. I was so blown away by the original Matrix movie that the second and third ones, while equally amazing and thought-provoking, just couldn't blow us away the way the first one did. We were just too prepared for them and our expectations were too high.

That said, I welcomed a return to the forests of Pandora and the move to the ocean opened up a world of wonder to me much like the introduction of the forest had in the first film. But then, I'm a nature buff who loves birdwatching in rain forests and snorkeling in coral reefs. I'm a sucker for both those environments.

Some criticized the first movie as following the "White Messiah" trope. In too many movies, the poor, beleaguered natives can only throw off the shackles of the oppressors if led by a white guy. OK, in this case it was a blue-skinned avatar of a white guy, but that was perhaps a valid criticism. This film starts with Jake Sully/Turok Makto still leading his tribe but the tribe is much more on an even footing with him and in the majority of the film, he isn't the leader at all. The film gets to be much more about community and family.

Some people criticized the first film as being a bunch of tree-hugging hippie ecology crap and quick to paint the military/industrial complex as total bad guys. This film won't sway people who think that way and it throws in a "save the whales" vibe that won't win fans among that group. But I've seen enough rain forests that were chopped down for lumber and to grow oil palms and have swum in enough coral reefs that were damaged by overfishing, seen the count of birds where I live go down year after year and lived in areas where industrial runoff filled the rivers with dioxins and other carcinogens that I probably fall on the side of the tree-hugging, save-the-whales folks. The ecology message of these films speaks to the choir that I'm certainly in.

Somebody mentioned that this film isn't for "old people". I'm 68 and loved the film. When the first film came out, I took my wife's stepfather who was well into his 80s to it and he loved it. I don't think you can pigeonhole this film to a specific age group.

Somebody else mentioned without proving examples that the film was "vulgar and disgusting". Certainly the way the Sky People came back down and instantly deforested some pretty big chunks of the world was disgusting but that's probably not what was referred to. There were military folks that swore the way that some military folks do, and maybe that was vulgar. Or maybe it was the fact that the Na'vi don't exactly where a lot of clothes. There was no explicit nudity but plenty of partially bared buttocks and so-called "side boob" shots. Less that what you would have seen on old National Geographic documentaries of various non-technological tribes around the world.

Hey, in the end, it's just a movie. If you liked the first one, go see this one. If you didn't like the first one, don't go see this one. If you never saw the first one, I recommend you see it and then make up your mind as to whether or not you want to see this one. If you like an immersive experience, I recommend seeing it in 3D in the biggest and best theater you can find. If the idea of a nearly 3-hour run time sends your bladder into a panic, wait until you can watch it at home. Ain't no movie out there worth busting a bladder over!

[Jhnidy]

Just watch dancing with wolves instead. Same movie.

[OhioBuckeye]

I’m not into Si-Fi movies but I heard that African Americans are complaining that there no blacks in this movie, we’ll there’s no white people either, they’re BLUE! I’m not making this up, maybe it’s because this movie is pulling in a lot of money! Why would any race really care what color their skin is it’s a SI-FI. Not here to start an argument but I really did hear this!

[JMintzer]

Just watch dancing with wolves instead. Same movie.

I called the first Avatar "Dances with Smurfs"...

[OhioBuckeye]

I’m not into Si-Fi movies but I heard that African Americans are complaining that there no blacks in this movie, we’ll there’s no white people either, they’re BLUE! I’m not making this up, maybe it’s because this movie is pulling in a lot of money! Why would any race really care what color their skin is it’s a SI-FI. Not here to start an argument but I really did hear this!

[EddieUA]

Best viewed with, Curved Screens and there's one nearby in Ocala.
IMAX theatres are outfitted with larger screens, creating a truly immersive experience.

Crystal Clear Images with IMAX DMR
IMAX handcrafts and digitally remasters films, so you see a perfect execution of the director’s vision.

Immersive, Heart-Pounding Audio
IMAX sound is customized to deliver pin-point accuracy and moving audio via strategically placed speakers and presets.

More Picture
With the IMAX expanded aspect ratio on select titles, you can see up to 26% more picture, only in IMAX.

Remote Tech Monitoring
IMAX has a team of engineers and technicians who consistently execute performance checks on the projection systems to ensure you always get the best experience.

[Spsmith444]

I thought the movie was way too long and very boring. The 3D animation was fair at best. The original was much better.

I was disappointed in the story line. Terrible humans (and they’re avatars). If you’re going I would recommend 3D. Best 3D graphics I’ve ever seen. We were at theater almost 4 hours.

[rsmurano]

Anything related to woke I don’t spend my money on, I don’t watch it on tv and I don’t deal with anybody/company that supports this.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Anything related to woke I don’t spend my money on, I don’t watch it on tv and I don’t deal with anybody/company that supports this.

You should stay away from this forum then. Talk of the Villages is inclusive and supports anyone who is "woke" to the history of African-Americans.

[JMintzer]

You should stay away from this forum then. Talk of the Villages is inclusive and supports anyone who is "woke" to the history of African-Americans.

Still harping on that "originally intended" part of the definition, I see...

[JerryLBell]

I called the first Avatar "Dances with Smurfs"...
There's some truth in that! But then, according to Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch, there are only seven basic themes in fiction. They are:

1. man against man
2. man against nature
3. man against himself
4. man against God
5.man against society
6. man caught in the middle
7. man and woman