'Avatar: The Way of Water': Pretty pictures will only get you so far

James Cameron’s long-awaited “Avatar” sequel is spectacular by the very definition of the word: “Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way" (thanks, Oxford dictionary).  In fact, that’s not hyperbolic enough for “The Way of the Water.” The Smurf-blue hues of the Na’vi characters, the cerulean ocean, the lush green forests, the swirling flashes of glowing pink and fuchsia flora and fauna − it all invites you into the surreal world of Pandora. And you’re happy to be back.

In the 13 years since we last set foot there, Cameron’s ability to build 3D worlds remains unmatched, delivering a technical marvel that I can write about until I’m blue in the face. But beyond the stunning visuals and state-of-the -art Dolby sound, this 192-minute spectacle proves yet again that Cameron, like Baz Luhrmann, is more of a craftsman than a storyteller.

With the same villain, plot and themes, the new “Avatar” follows the same recipe as the old “Avatar.” Just add water. The story picks up a decade later, when all is well on Pandora. Ex-Marine-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully (Sam Worthington performing in motion capture), and his blue mate, Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), have three children and an adopted teenage daughter, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver). She is the child of the late Dr. Grace Augustine (played by Weaver in flashbacks). They also have taken in a human orphan in Spider (Jack Champion), who was left behind after the events in the first film.

One evening, Jake and Neytiri take a date-night flight on their winged-dragon-like steeds, spying a new star. This is this movie’s version of “iceberg dead ahead.” After some expository voiceover sets up the return of the “sky people,” they touch down right on cue.  These colonizers are led by Col. Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), returning from the dead – Neytiri put two arrows in him in the first movie – as an avatar with all his memories intact. The old marine might be true blue now, but he’s got a score to settle with his former protégé, Jake.

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Since “Sullys stick together” – a line repeated throughout the movie – the landlubbers flee their beloved forest for coastal Pandora, where they are met by a clan of Metkayina. Invoking “sanctuary family” status, the Sullys are reluctantly taken in by Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) and his wife, Ronal (Kate Winslet). At first, it’s a clash of cultures as the “forest people” struggle to fit in with the “reef people,” who are a lighter shade of blue with fin-like arms. They are welcoming only because they have to be.

First up, the Sullys learn the “way of water,” encompassing everything from how to breathe beneath the waves to how to operate water transports. This is Cameron’s opportunity to dazzle by creating environments and the creatures within. Most notably, a “tulkun.” It’s a whale-like beast with four eyes the size of a blimp. This guy is the BEST thing in the movie.

Cameron joins Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (“Jurassic World”) in fashioning a script that’s beyond busy. Keeping track of who’s who, and who’s doing what and to whom, is a challenge. For such a simple tale of good vs. evil, there are far too many characters, particularly the Na'vi youngsters: Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), Kiri (Weaver) and Tonowari. Oh, and Ronal’s kids, Reya (Bailey Bass) and Aonung (Filip Geljo).  The kiddos could carry a separate – probably better – coming-of-age flick about moving to a new town while also dealing with angst, crushes and boundary-pushing. None of them are ever where they’re supposed to be, and that causes a lot of trouble.

As is, the story never finds its footing, jumping between the bad-guy colonel, his “Oorah” military mates (Edie Falco is a general) and – like the first film – poachers pillaging Pandora’s natural resources to benefit a “dying” Earth.  Cameron again superficially touches on colonialism, environmentalism, imperialism, familial love and loss, protection and loyalty. The clandestine preaching is accompanied by reams of clunky dialogue. Among the worst: “Wherever we go, this family is our fortress”; or, “A father protects, that’s what gives him meaning.” It’s the level of platitude-spewing you’d expect from Vin Diesel in any “Fast & Furious” movie.

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In the last hour, Cameron ramps up the energy for the final confrontation. It plays out on a military vessel, and it’s an all-hands-on-deck extravaganza encompassing explosions, combat and other seaworthy stunts. Bullets and arrows fly as characters race to save each other. It’s an endless string of action-movie clichés. But Cameron basically gets to sink the Titanic all over again. Come hell or high water, there’s no one in the business who can pull off a ship-sinking climax like him. But this time, there’s no Jack and Rose. It’s the movie that drowns.

'Avatar: The Way of the Water'

Rating: PG-13 for sequences of strong violence and intense action, partial nudity and some strong language

Cast:  Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Kate Winslet

Director: James Cameron

Writers:  James Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver

Running time: 192 minutes

Where to watch: In theaters Friday

Grade: C+

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: James Cameron's 'Avatar: The Way of Water' is a dazzling dud