Whilst Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have been building a family on Pandora the humans they defeated in the original film have fled, regrouped and returned with one thing on their mind; colonising Pandora and quelling the native threat. 

Jake decides the best course of action is to flee. Knowing that his nemesis Quaritch (Stephen Lang) has returned, thanks to similar technology that allowed Jake to imbue a Na’vi body, he is aware that he and his family are the targets. Leaving the forests behind them they seek sanctuary with a water tribe and learn the way of water. 

It is here that we are treated to world building on both an epic and intimate scale. Writer/Director James Cameron is of course at home in the water and revels at bringing us underwater photography of alien species but he also does a great job of introducing us to a whole new generation of protagonists for the film. Jake and Neytiri have four children. The eldest Netayem (Jamie Flatters) is responsible and follows his father’s rules. Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) is far more of a rebel and finds himself often clashing with his dad. Kiri (Sigourney Weaver playing a teen) is adopted and displays a link to the planet’s flora and fauna that will clearly play a big part in future sequels. Whilst Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss) is the youngest of the group. We are treated to many scenes of this young group learning the ways of the tribe they now live with and they become the film’s leads. Specifically Lo’ak who develops a relationship with the sea and its creatures that will drive key moments later in the film. 

Over the course of its generous running time of 192 minutes Cameron is able to create a truly breathtaking world with stunning imagery and jaw dropping moments. At various intervals he drops in some expertly choreographed action sequences and he ends with a stunning water based battle that is never anything less than edge of the seat stuff. 

If any complaints can be levelled at this sequel they are of very similar ilk to the original. The story is a simple premise. Humans are colonising monsters with no appreciation for the natural world or its native species. Whilst the original was somewhat like Dances With Wolves this is a much simpler revenge tale with the focus very much Jake versus Quaritch. Except here the Native American tree Na’vi are replaced with Māori like water Na’vi. For me these issues are entirely missing the point though. Avatar is about creating a living, breathing alien world that feels real and lived in. It is about creating a sense of wonder and using cutting edge film making techniques to push the boundaries of blockbuster cinema entertainment. And Cameron nails it. 100%

Equally the fact that Cameron leans into his experience and writing of his previous films means that it feels more assured and almost guaranteed to keep you interested. There are moments that will remind you of Aliens, The Abyss and Titanic. All of which though will feel like unique versions of those things in the world of Pandora. 

James Cameron has only made nine feature films but his understanding of what makes a blockbuster spectacle is sensational and if Avatar The Way Of Water can not persuade people to visit the big screen then nothing will. 

Returning to Pandora after thirteen years is a breathtaking experience.