The myths and majesties associated with the ocean are as vast as our imaginations. Through various beliefs and stories, humans return to the water time and time again, searching for cleansing and rebirth. 13 years after the groundbreaking blockbuster, Avatar, James Cameron— director of multiple films that are completely etched into the firmament of American cinema— returns to his invented planet of Pandora to submerge all of us beneath its waves and his ego. As God-complexed as he may be, he knows how to execute a film both technically and thematically. Avatar: The Way of Water is an elevation on its predecessor in every regard, but still lacks the complete surprise of what the original pulled off. The story itself is at once very straightforward and very kooky, but we all tend to forget that it is a work of science fiction because of the film’s utter size and expectations. Truthfully, this story is merely a vessel to exploring another side of the planet, and your mileage may vary depending on how much you’re invested in seeing this ocean come to life. Those who are will not be disappointed. Highlighted by the most stunning underwater cinematography and motion capture technology, you are momentarily able to feel yourself drift out of your seat and into their world. When its heavenly second hour concludes and we move into the third act, Cameron delivers what is one of the cleanest, legible action sequences of the century, bringing the thrills and emotions to unexpected heights. A cliche, for sure, but the film can only be described as a spectacle. Though its few flaws have major sting, the film as a whole is hard to deny and stands as a reminder of what can be made when legendary creativity is paired with limitless time and funding, something every artist deserves but only one receives.

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Available in theaters.