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Reviews
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Not the hit that Avatar was, but amazing and mind blowing in its own right.
Just saw Avatar: The Way of Water. And I'm very much NOT okay.
I went into this movie not expecting this major Box Office film, but expecting a long awaited sequel that would set the stage for the third movie. I wasn't disappointed.
I was able to figure out a few of the big twists just based on context clues, but those twists still hurt a bit. The emotional connection between the Sully family was strong and relatively easy(for me, at least) to empathize with. Each family member is different from the other in their personalities, alone. They all have their own unique pattern of thinking that works as the main conflict and resolution throughout the movie.
My nerd brain was on hyperdrive because of the biological and evolutionary background of everything. The differences between Na'vi based on what part of Pandora they live in was so epic. Just seeing the subtle differences between people from the Forest/Jungle and people from the Sea/Reef made me so happy. I was so invested for all 3 hours that I didn't realize I had a raging head ache until after the credits started.
I was the most excited for the new music we'd be getting. The score of the first movie is already so ethereal. I'm just happy to have more music from this franchise.
What James Cameron lacked in "Wow Factor" due to the advancements in CGI movies he made up for with intricacy and depth. There were so many little pieces and stories that moviegoers wouldn't have ever been aware of, but Cameron gave brief explanations while leaving so much room for curiosity.
I'm so attached to the family created by Jake and Neytiri. The clashes that came with Jake's human upbringing and Neytiri's Na'vi upbringing and how they both adjusted to each other is beautiful. And it works because it's not perfect and they still clash. They created their perfect little family unit with flaws and uniqueness.
The film also had its fair share of happy and sad moments. It was realistic in the sense that everyone can try to be happy and live, but in war, not everyone survives. So many movies are set up so that all of the main characters somehow survive a war or natural disaster. The Way of Water was more realistic with the costs of war and the toll it takes on loved ones.
Jake isolated his feelings to save his family. Neytiri used hers to fuel her desire for the war to end and for her family to be safe. Lo'ak did what he does best by compartmentalizing(much like his father), but also using the strong emotions felt by his family to push them to keep going no matter what. Kiri rose above how alone and different she felt to use her connection with Eywa to save not only her family, but her new friends and allies. And Tuk reacted the way any child would. She was blunt with her emotions. Her fear and desire to be safe were so raw and real.
It wasn't the best movie I've ever watched, by any means, but I'd gladly watch it again. I personally love when movies connect with people realistically and emotionally. The fact that a sci-fi movie about the colonization of an alien planet and war between humans and a 9-foot tall, blue alien race fostered such a relatable and emotionally connected atmosphere is mind boggling.
No, it wasn't the hit that Avatar was, but The Way of Water was raw and realistic. It is unforgettable.
Love in the Air (2022)
Words Can't Describe How Much I Love This Series
I don't even know where to begin. This series had me in shambles in the best ways.
I initially watched it for Rain and Phayu. I thought they were hilarious and very entertaining. Rain felt all over the place sometimes and it was refreshing to see a realistic character who doesn't always think before speaking or who isn't romanticizing how messy their life can be sometimes. Rain felt real because of how his character wasn't marketed as perfect or even as "perfectly imperfect" like most young adult "coming kf age" stories are.
When the story switched to Sky and Pai, I fell in love. Seeing someone on screen with a trauma I understand intimately and how he obviously feels the effects of that trauma everyday of his life hit so close to home for me, but it was liberating. Watching how he handled his trauma and it wasn't perfect or hidden away easily was reliving because it was a main character showing that they can't be perfect all the time.
I fell in love with Pai because of how he approached Sky(after the initial first meeting). He was always aware of himself and how Sky reacted to his presence. He never pushed too far. In most romance TV shows, the love interest is almost always extremely overbearing and demanding of the attention of the main character. Pai was insistent, but he never forced Sky into an uncomfortable situation. He never invalidated Sky's thoughts about himself or his feelings. He acknowledged, accepted, and emphasized the importance of Sky's feelings. He also reassured that Sky that he can have these thought and feelings while loving and being loved. He never once tried to tell Sky that he was wrong.
I'd give anything for a Season 2. I don't think I'll ever really be able to say goodbye to this series, but I'd be content with just one more season to really get to know the characters more and see how their lives together progress. One can always hope and Dream for it to happen.
The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself (2022)
Creepy and Elevating
I loved watching this, I binged it in 2 days.
I loved Annalise because I felt like she didn't fit the stereotypical fmc archetype. She was goofy and simultaneously selfless and selfish. I got irritated with her a couple of times in episodes 5-7, but I could understand why she behaved the way she did.
Nathan is adorable and terrifying all at once. Like you know he has a lot of potential, but he's also just trying to survive in a world against him.
Gabriel is an icon, full stop. I was hesitant about him at first, but he grew on me.
I didn't even realize this was based on a book series until the last episode when I did a wiki search because I forgot the ages of a few characters. I accidentally spoiled the ending for myself. As much as I love book-accurate adaptations, maybe not everything needs to be accurate😅
Seriously loved this and enjoyed watching it. I probably flew through my college work way too fast just so I'd be able to finish the series tonight. I wish I had friends I could talk to about it because my brain is overwhelmed with how much I loved this.
Overall I really really enjoyed it and I really want Season 2!!!