Avatar 2, the sequel of James Cameron's blockbuster live action epic, Avatar opened in cinemas worldwide today, 16 December and the stakes couldn't have been higher. Here's our review of the film.

Story: Jake Sully and Ney'tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans.

Analysis:

Avatar 2 is, right from the outset, a visually stunning celluloid that relies more on technical finesse than the underlying plot. It is meant to be experienced on the big screens in the best possible projection facilities. 

The IMAX 3D version is the best-possible option available in India and this should be the preferred projection facility. Coming back to the technical finesse, James Cameron's visual storytelling is unlike anything we've seen before. 

The live action visuals are more like magical realism. The underwater visuals are truly stunning and the creatures that have been designed and presented on the big screens come to life in this larger than life creation. 

Amidst all the visual grandeur, the main storytelling has ebs and flows. The plot and the drama surrounding the same are strictly limited. This film should be solely enjoyed for its big screen viewing experience rather than narrative and novel narrative. 

The soundtrack is deeply immersive. Especially the folay sounds in the water sequences are mind-blowingly good. The film really does transport the viewers to another planet through its 3 hours 12 minute course. 

The final 40 minutes or so are loaded with staggeringly beautiful imagery that we've never seen on a big screen before. Kudos to Cameron, the creator, rather than the storyteller. For all the shortcomings on the story narration front, the VFX and CGI more than make up for it.

Verdict: Avatar 2 is the film that is meant to be experience on big screens in the best possible resolution format. There are obvious shortcomings in terms of narrative and the core plot. But the visual grandeur make up for it. The 3D experience is beyond everything we've seen till now. 

Rating: 3/5