Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Avatar the Way of Water review says the film is an epic, a wonder to behold with something for everyone. See it in 3D and get an aisle seat (it is long, you know). 

As much as I was looking forward to Jame’s Cameron’s long awaited Avatar sequel, I was intimidated by the three hour-plus run time. That’s an ambitious length, to say the least, and precious few directors can hold my attention that long.

Turns out Cameron is one of the few who can. The world he’s created is lovelier, livelier and more vivid every minute. The characters are fascinating and skillfully developed. And the plot has enough twists, turns, diversions and themes to keep me captivated throughout.

Avatar The Way of Water plot

The story begins about 20 years after veteran Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) became his Na’vi Avatar on Pandora and started a family with his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña). They are now raising four teen and preteen Na’vi children.

They live in peace among the Forest People, until the Sky People (rapacious military Earth-type juggernauts) come crashing in, looking for both Jake and the most precious mineral in the known world, which exists only on Pandora.

Jake and his family leave the Forest People in order to save them, and take up with a different tribe that lives in, around and under the water. It’s not an easy transition for the teens, and their adaptation is many layered.

Of course the marauders find them, culminating in a 40-ish minute non-stop action scene that will leave you breathless. It’s amazing how the suspense and excitement can be sustained for so long.

First rate voice work from esteemed actors including Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Stephan Lang, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, CCH Pounder, Michelle Yeoh and more also add to the intrigue.

I would highly recommend that you make seeing this epic a special event, and watch it in 3D if you possibly can. Spend the extra money—it’s still far less than the cost of a live concert ticket.

And the 3D is as close to live as you’ll come to live on the big screen. The technology we waited 13 years for draws you in and surrounds you. You’ll truly feel as if you’re walking and swimming among the lithesome, long tall Na’vi.

The themes are many, the lulls are few. Avatar the Way of Water is a wonder, an epic, a special event. It’s a getaway without leaving town. Have fun indulging!

Rated PG-13

3 Hours 12 Minutes

If this Avatar the Way of Water review prompts you to swim on over to the cineplex, get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Avatar the Way of Water review says the film is an epic, a wonder to behold with something for everyone. See it in 3D and get an aisle seat.