Fire and Ash is a compelling demonstration of what blockbuster filmmaking can still achieve when craft, ambition, and heart align - a film that will satiate fans hungry for spectacle while offering enough character work to give the stakes meaning.

While detractors of the first film will likely not be persuaded by Avatar 2: Aquatic Boogaloo's flashy 3D gimmicks, those on the fence or otherwise still in love with the first film […] will be pleasantly surprised to hear that not only was The Way of Water worth the wait, but it also surpasses the heights of the first film.

Whether The Way of Water sinks or swims come its release in December, I remain an apologist for the original Avatar.