We are just over one week away from the theatrical release of James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Coming a mere 13 years after the first, record-breaking film, many folks were wondering if a sequel was even a good idea. Could Cameron somehow replicate the awe many felt after watching blue aliens on a distant planet for the first time? Well, if the first social media reactions from critics are any indication, then absolutely.
READ MORE: James Cameron Says No Other Filmmakers Are Capable Of Making ‘Avatar’ Films Right Now
Yesterday, many critics were given the chance to watch “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and their reactions are nothing short of ecstatic. Sure, we have to preface these reactions by saying that social media posts don’t allow for the nuance of real reviews, and they often are tweeted immediately following a screening when emotions and excitement are higher than usual. Even still, understanding that a lot of these are a bit more hyperbolic than usual, there isn’t really one person who thinks the film is garbage.
The running theme throughout most of the reactions is just how gorgeous ‘The Way of Water’ actually is on the big screen. It appears that screenings were held in 3D, 48fps, and with the biggest, best screens and sound possible. And in that environment, the film seemingly blew the socks off of most of the press.
Of course, we already knew that “Avatar: The Way of Water” has one major fan—Guillermo del Toro. Well before the critics got a chance to watch the film, del Toro watched it and the filmmaker called it “a staggering achievement” and dubbed James Cameron “a master at the peak of his powers.” High praise.
Our own Editor-in-Chief, Rodrigo Perez, posted his own rave about the film, albeit, with a recommendation to watch the film with some enhancements.
He tweeted, “This dumb, ridiculous, glorious movie is gonna make some many billions lol and blow so many minds. I can’t wait to take my kids and take MAJOR gummies this time. I told everyone, do not bet against James Cameron for 2 years before this movie came out. Then in the last 2 weeks i started getting skeptical. Never bet against James Cameron! Visually, it’s outrageously spectacular at the very least.”
“Avatar: The Way of Water” debuts in theaters on December 16. You can read some reactions below: