Avatar: The Way of Water follows a well worn path blazed by much greater stories such as Dances with Wolves. The acting is average and the narrative choice of a protagonist embracing the ways of an indigenous people in the face of an encroaching technologically advanced civilization follows all the old clichés. The lines are some of the worst words ever put to pen. Viewing underwater alien beings communicating with a space whale through sign language left me wondering if I was suffering from a stroke. In spite of all these weak story telling elements the visual brilliance of the film cannot be overstated. The underwater sequences transport the viewer into an ethereal realm of beauty and wonder. The symphony of colors, textures and movements takes one's breath away. The effects to be fully appreciated should be viewed in 3D, a medium rarely done right, blow this movie out of the water. The aquatic tapestry of Avatar: The Way of Water saves the film from drowning in its own mediocrity.