Movie Review: Rewatching "Avatar: The Way of Water"

The director of Avatar: The Way of Water is the acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, who also co-wrote the story and screenplay, continuing his vision for the Pandora universe and its characters.

MOVIE REVIEWS

Emji

12/19/20252 min read

Avatar: The Way of Water

Release Year: 2022
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet
Directed By: James Cameron
Platform: Disney+ (Rewatch)

The Yawn Meter: AMAZED

I first saw this in the cinema, but I decided to rewatch it recently on Disney+ to prepare for the 3rd film. Even on a home screen—and despite that long runtime—I did not sleep a wink. It brought me back to the exact same feelings of wonder I felt years ago. It’s rare for a movie to hold your attention this strongly on a second viewing, but this one does.

The Breakdown

🎭 Acting & Cast

The emotional beats hit just as hard the second time around. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana anchor the film beautifully, and the shift to focusing on the family dynamic gives the story a much stronger heart than the first one. Seeing the "Sully stick together" mantra play out again reminded me how much the stakes have evolved from simple survival to protecting one's kin. The motion capture performances, particularly Sigourney Weaver’s Kiri, remain a technical marvel that bridges the gap between CGI and reality.

🔊 Audio & Visuals

"Absolutely stunning" is still the only way to describe it. I was worried the magic might be lost moving from a theater screen to a TV, but the visuals on Disney+ are still crisp and immersive. The underwater sequences are mesmerizing—the bioluminescence, the water textures, the sheer scale of the marine life. It’s a visual feast that proves the wait was worth it. The attention to detail remains unmatched.

✂️ Editing & Sequencing

For a 3-hour film, the cohesion is superb. The pacing allows you to soak in the "Way of Water" without feeling bored. Everything flows naturally—from the forest introduction to the learning curve in the reef, leading up to that explosive final act. Re-watching it gave me time to appreciate the tiniest details I missed in the theater, like the subtle background interactions of the Metkayina clan and the intricate design of the tech and creatures.

📜 Plot & Direction

James Cameron is a master of sequels. The narrative doesn't just rehash the first movie; it expands the lore and culture of Pandora in a way that feels organic. The plot is tight, and every scene serves a purpose, whether it's character building or world-building. There are no wasted moments. It sets the stage perfectly for the next installment, leaving you hyped rather than exhausted.

FINAL VERDICT 🎬

"A timeless visual spectacle that demands a rewatch."

Whether seen in IMAX or streamed on Disney+, Avatar: The Way of Water remains a masterpiece of blockbuster filmmaking. It successfully recaptures the nostalgia of the original while delivering a plot that is even more cohesive and emotionally resonant.

The visuals are still unparalleled, and the story holds up beautifully on a second watch. It was the perfect refresher for the upcoming 3rd film. If you haven't rewatched it yet, do it—you'll spot details you missed the first time.

I am ready and super excited for Avatar: Fire and Ash!