Avatar 2 reactions call The Way of Water a “phenomenal, visual masterpiece”

Avatar 2 is set to be a box office smash.
The first reactions to Avatar 2 are here – according to the critics lucky enough to see The Way of Water early, it’s a “visual masterpiece” and “one of the best sequels ever made.”
After 13 years, Avatar: The Way of Water is about to hit cinemas. It’s been a long, groundbreaking journey for James Cameron, who still holds the box office crown for the original Avatar, the highest-grossing movie of all time.
While only fools would ever bet against Cameron, it’s hard to stave off the niggling concern: what if Avatar 2 isn’t good?
Well, while we’ve yet to see the movie ourselves, the first reactions paint a clear picture: Avatar 2 makes the director the “god of sequels.”
Avatar 2 reactions hail sequel as “phenomenal”
Following The Way of Water’s premiere in London and other screenings in the US, hundreds of reactions have made their way onto social media.
Studio executives when they see the Avatar: The Way Of Water reactions rolling in for James Cameron: pic.twitter.com/ORu1d0Wwy0
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) December 7, 2022
“James Cameron now has not two but THREE of the best sequels ever made. AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER is incredible. The effects and action is, yes, breathtaking. But it is the story this time that’s the beating heart. It’s more personal, complicated, emotional. Wow, it really soars,” Kevin L. Lee wrote.
“AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER: Yeah never bet against James Cameron. Trying to spare hyperbole, but I’ve never seen anything like this from a technical, visual standpoint. It’s overwhelming. Maybe too overwhelming. Sometimes I’d miss plot points because I’m staring at a Pandora fish,” Uproxx’s Mike Ryan wrote.
Avatar The Way of Water: lol imagine being dumb enough to bet against James Cameron. or teen alien Sigourney Weaver. or giant whales subtitled in papyrus.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) December 6, 2022
light years better than the first & easily one of the best theatrical experiences in ages. streaming found dead in a ditch.
#AvatarTheWayOfWater is an awe-inspiring blend between a nature documentary and a blockbuster – a thrilling three-hour-long travelogue through the oceans of Pandora with deep feeling in its foundation and an unspeakably epic third act that will leave you breathless and in tears. pic.twitter.com/f1Z6SiQQAh
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) December 7, 2022
“#AvatarTheWayOfWater is an awe-inspiring blend between a nature documentary and a blockbuster – a thrilling three-hour-long travelogue through the oceans of Pandora with deep feeling in its foundation and an unspeakably epic third act that will leave you breathless and in tears,” Zoë Rose Bryant tweeted.
As someone who LIKED — but didn't LOVE — the first AVATAR, let me tell you:
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) December 6, 2022
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER blew me away.
Vastly superior in visuals, story telling and performances, the sequel left my jaw on the ground for the entire runtime.
James Cameron is the GOD of sequels. pic.twitter.com/1cw6C94O4f
Unsurprisingly, #AvatarTheWayOfWater is a visual masterpiece with rich use of 3D and breathtaking vistas. It does suffer from a thin story and too many characters to juggle, yet James Cameron pulls it together for an extraordinary final act full of emotion and thrilling action. pic.twitter.com/opr6CRyOwk
— Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) December 6, 2022
“Unsurprisingly, #AvatarTheWayOfWater is a visual masterpiece with rich use of 3D and breathtaking vistas. It does suffer from a thin story and too many characters to juggle, yet James Cameron pulls it together for an extraordinary final act full of emotion and thrilling action,” Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell wrote.
Avatar: The Way of Water hits cinemas on December 16. Find out more about the movie here.