This is the way Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe starts — not with a bang, but with a family dramedy shrouded in visual effects and charming absurdity.

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.

Offering a slice of pulpy, moralistic sci-fi that feels like a throwback to before 2D animation had died, Strange World is good, lighthearted fun, gesturing gently at the hard-headed nature of father-son relationships.

Who are we, the audience, to deny the wishes of such a charismatic hunk of a star, with such incredible eyebrow posture? Grab your tickets folks, 'cos the Dwayne train is about to leave the station.

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

How far can you take the idea of a talking shell who wears shoes and stands one inch off the ground? Well, with the help of many celebrity cameos, dozens of viral videos, and a documentary maker with too much time on his hands, apparently there’s no limit. 

As blockbuster sequels grow increasingly more divisive and audiences more critical, is that enough? Can a film ride on the sway of dinosaurs and Jeff Goldblum alone? The answer is… kind of, actually.