He hasn’t even shown up yet, he’s already getting fabulous reactions: can the Water Path beat the first Avatar?

Early reactions to Avatar 2 call it as cinematically innovative as the first. Reactions to Avatar: The Way of Water claim the film is as good, if not better, than the first, praising its imagery and fantastic world-building.

Early reactions have been posted for Avatar: The Way of the Water and highly praise the film. On December 16, Avatar: The Way of Water sees writer-director James Cameron back on Pandora. The official synopsis reintroduces Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as parents who have started a family and are doing their best to stay together. They must venture out of their home and explore the regions of Pandora, but as an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake is called upon to fight the humans.

Avatar: The Way of Water is a never-ending visual spectacle.

It’s a better, more complex story than the first with solid emotion but the characters could grow a bit more. It’s definitely long, running on incredible visuals and techniques which are 3D’s best.#AvatarTheWayOfWater pic.twitter.com/ezySHunXOe

– BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 6, 2022

Avatar 2, highly regarded by critics

The Avatar sequel also stars Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Stephen Lang and Edie Falco. After its world premiere in London, the first reactions to Cameron’s film are posted and claim that Avatar: The Way of Water is just as impressive and groundbreaking as the first. Some cite the film’s long running time as a deterrent. However, its visuals, more complex story, strong character development and ethereal world building are what seem to make Avatar: The Way of Water a real success. Also lauded is the use of 3D filmmaking, making it a technical achievement with purely artistic intentions that don’t go unnoticed.

I’m almost convinced James Cameron shot #AvatarTheWayOfWater on another planet. The film is absolutely stunning and immersive. It’s long but I was completely engaged all the way through. Much like #avatar 13 years ago, this film is a cinematic achievement and a must see event! pic.twitter.com/2WFlJzmbeI

– Joseph Deckelmeier (@Joelluminerdi) December 6, 2022

These early positive reactions are good signs for the commercial success of Avatar: The Way of Water. The film faces a lot of challenges as its wide release approaches. It reportedly cost between $350 and $400 million, making it one of the most expensive films in Hollywood history and raising the stakes for it to succeed at the box office.