Re-Porter Blog: 2022 Year End Special

Welcome to the final hours of 2022. After 12 months, 365 days, 52 weeks, and 525, 600 minutes, we are just a few steps away from entering 2023. This year came with a lot. Some good and some bad. In terms of movies, the same can definitely be said. So much transpired on the big screen this year that was too big to ignore. While this year was eventful, next year looks….you know what, I’ll save it for tomorrow because it is truly something. But for now, let’s end this year right with our year-end close-out special that includes my top 5 films of 2022. Let’s get the ball rolling. 

Two of the year’s biggest blockbusters brought a tidal wave of aquatic thrills. From underground skirmishes to air and sea battles and so much more, audiences were soaked with adrenaline with little time to dry off.

We are truly living in the age of the multiverse. Several high-profile films showcased the possibilities of the world of endless possibilities. Whether it’s variants of people you know or the same person in the same place at the same time. The line between worlds has been blurred…with even more on the horizon. 

It would be an understatement to say that these two films took their sweet time manifesting. Top Gun Maverick and Avatar The Way of Water were both TBD for decades until they both were finally released to the public. Maverick became one of the year’s most celebrated films while The Way of Water reminded everyone why James Cameron is great at what he does. It may have taken a while to get these flicks, but it looks like the wait was worth it. 

Before We Get To My Top 5, Here are My Honorable Mentions/Runner-Ups For The Year

 As the first standalone Batman movie since Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, Matt Reeves’ The Batman had a lot riding on its shoulders. Luckily, an engaging story that leans heavily into the mystery and crime element made this the most authentic Batman movie that showcased the caped crusader as a full-fledged detective. While the future of the larger DC film verse continues to have uncertainty, it’s nice to know that this version of the dark knight seems to be in good hands moving forward. 

Growing up can be a real pain. But try growing up knowing every time you show emotion you turn into a giant, fluffy red panda, Pixar’s coming-of-age comedy delivered on the laughs and the heart. A feel-good movie about accepting who you are and the joy of embracing your “wild” side. 

The untold story of one of the most decorated African-American pilots in Naval aviation history, Devotion is a clear example of why knowing your history is so vital. Top-tier performances from Jonathan Majors and Glenn Powell make this biopic required viewing for anyone who understands that knowing history will help shape the world into what we know it’s capable of being.

The definitive origin story of the man who inspired one of Andy’s most treasured toys, Lightyear was a fun and vibrant animated adventure that added new layers to the character that we’ve known for 2 decades years. A story we never thought we needed but one we enjoyed nonetheless. 

A lot of conversations occurred around this movie upon release. The expectations and the high bar set by Ragnarok made Taika Watiti’s second Thor outing a tall task out of the gate. But despite it all, Thor Love and Thunder ended up being wild and crazy filled with action, emotion, and plenty of screaming goats. A rockin' good time that makes the ride worth the bumps in the road.

And now, I present my TOP 5 FILMS FOR THE YEAR 2022

Strange's Witching Hour 

There was a lot of mystery & speculation surrounding the second solo outing of Dr. Stephen Strange. Despite all that surrounded the project, the film ended up being a wild chase through the multiverse that could offer a glimpse into what is in store for the future of the current MCU saga. With genuine horror vibes, a fun new hero character, and one of the best villains in the MCU, Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness delivered a frightful thrill ride with plenty of scares and emotional depth. One can only imagine what is in store for Strange and company on the road ahead.

Behind The Scenes Footage

Maverick Rides Again 

I’m not sure what more can be said about one of the most exhilarating pieces of cinema this decade. The long-awaited sequel to the beloved 80s classic paid homage to the original while surpassing it in so many ways. Top-notch cinematography, adrenaline-induced action, and heartfelt emotion made this one of the crown jewel films of 2022. The return to the danger zone was everything we wanted and more. 

Behind The Scenes Footage

Warriors of Dahomey

Powerhouse movies with powerhouse performances aren’t uncommon in the cinematic landscape. But when one comes along that makes such an impact, it’s impossible to ignore. Gina Prince-Bythewood brought us an intense historical epic led by an electric performance from Viola Davis that is sure to be one of the best of her career. Full of grit, emotion, and tense action, The Woman King is a film that has all the ingredients to be an engaging showstopper. 

Behind The Scenes Footage

For Chadwick

The world is still reeling from the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman. The hole that was left by him is still felt to this day. Crafting a sequel to the acclaimed 2018 MCU film was already a tall order made even more emotionally challenging without the former leading man. But despite it all, Ryan Coogler and company managed to persevere and craft a second installment that honored Boseman’s legacy while securing its future. Black Panther Wakanda Forever was an emotionally heavy film, but it was also therapeutic in helping us deal with the grief and loss of someone who meant so much to us. All while still delivering awesome action, a compelling villain, and new characters to grow within the later stages of the MCU. A love letter to a passionate and talented actor who without him, we would never have the privilege of calling Wakanda home.

Behind The Scenes Footage

Water Works

I think we can all agree that the wait for James Cameron’s sequel to his 2009 science fiction epic was well…long. Years of technological innovation and world-building caused delays and setbacks on a film built up to be just as cinematically game-changing as the first. 13 years later, I’m happy to say that the wait was worth it. Brimming with even more impressive visuals including next-level and industry-defining underwater performance capture, white-knuckle action sequences at every turn, and emotional stakes that greatly surpass its predecessor, Avatar The Way of Water is a tidal wave of adrenaline that shows that this franchise has the tools to be a box office powerhouse moving forward. With so much more of this story to tell, I’m confident that Cameron will “Sivako”(rise to the challenge) and create a saga that will resonate with audiences for years to come.

Behind The Scenes Footage

And with that, 2022 is over and out. This year gave us a lot but as I said before, the best is yet to come. Wanna see why? Come back tomorrow on Day 1 of 2023 to find out. Have a safe NYE and see ya in the new year. 

Re-Porter Blog Avatar The Way of Water Pre-Release Special Part 4

 

Pandora has a plethora of clans across all corners of the planet. From the forest-dwelling omaticaya clan to the noble riders of the Tayrangi Clan. But one clan has made its mark establishing a strong presence in the oceans of Pandora away from conflicts that could threaten their way of life. In our final installment, we get introduced to the newest clan making their debut in the Avatar universe. The reef people of the Metkayina clan.

The Metkayina clan has established a prominent residence on the edges of Pandora’s oceans. Being so
close to the waters allows them to establish a connection to the water and the wildlife that inhabit it. From the small but fast Ilu, to the agile and highflying Skimwing, and the mighty and majestic Tulkun, the Metkayina are always surrounded by a vastly diverse group of creatures that they believe must be preserved and protected at all costs. 

Metkayina clan members uniquely stand out from other Na’vi clans physically. Their constant presence in the water gives them an aqua-greenish skin tone much lighter than their surface-dwelling counterparts. They also appear to have developed what appears to be a third inner eyelid allowing them to stay underwater for longer periods. The tattoos on members of the clan are quite distinctive and are shown to be a sign of power and status with deep spiritual meaning. 

Being so isolated from the other clans on Pandora has kept the Metkayina village safe from violent conflicts including the RDA. While it seems to be working in their favor so far, circumstances might force this clan to step up and fight to protect their homeland. A few notable members could play a large role in all of this. Let’s take a moment to identify them. 

As the chief of the Metkayina clan, Tonowari is the fearless leader of the people of the reef. Determined to ensure the safety of his people, he is keen on maintaining order within his village. However, the arrival of Jake Sully and his family who are on the run from the RDA potentially brings the threat of war to their doorstep. So much is riding on the decisions that he is faced with. While the idea of offering aid to those in need is noble, the ramifications of that could bring ruin to his village. It will be up to Tonowari to make the distinction between what is right and what is easy.

Second in leadership to Tonowari is his brave and noble wife Ronal. She is the rock of the family who isn’t afraid to protect the people no matter what state she’s in. Deeply devoted to her family and her fellow Metkayina, Ronal is the grounded and spiritual anchor of the village.

Beautiful, headstrong, and full of life are the things that perfectly describe Tonowari and Ronal’s daughter Tsireya. A talented free diver in her own right, Tsireya has all the qualities needed to be a valuable member of the Metkayina. While she has found solace in the isolationist culture of her people, the arrival of a Na’vi family on the run from the RDA promises to change things for her and her people. 

One person that seems to have caught her attention is the young omaticaya member Lo’ak son of Jake Sully and Neytiri. Despite him being from another village, his connection with wildlife and nature shows there could be more to him than meets the eye. This connection could have consequences moving forward and could challenge Tsireya in ways she may not be prepared for. But time will tell whether the trials she is destined to face will cause her to sink or swim.

 

The second child of Ronal and Tonowari, Aonung is a young free diver of the Metcayina clan. While living with his mother,  father and sister have been peaceful thus far, the arrival of an on-the-run family hailing from the omaticaya clan plans to change things for him and the place he calls home. With these new visitors come trials and tribulations that create new challenges for him to face. In the end, the coming storm could turn him into the man he's destined to become.

For these noble people that have a deep connection to the waters, the coming storms will test their very will as they could potentially be called upon to fight for what they believe must be protected. The waters may be rough, but the Metcayina surely know how to ride the waves!!!! 

Thank you so much for joining me in preparing for the return to Pandora. For those experiencing the film tonight, enjoy the film and remember...

Oel nagati kameie.

Re-Porter Blog Avatar The Way of Water Pre-Release Special Part 3

 

It's been over a decade since the Research Development Administration planted its flag on Pandora looking to purge resources needed to sustain their dying world millions of lightyears away. After a brutal defeat that cost the lives of so many marines and forced the survivors into exile, the RDA left peacefully. But now, the RDA has returned with a vengeance looking to continue their conquest. In today's installment, we will go over the steps the RDA have taken to come back stronger this go around including diving deeper into their newest weapon against the Na'vi.  

Years after being run off of the planet, the RDA is back to claim what they believe is theirs. In the years after the battle of pandora, humans have established a new base of operations to revamp their efforts and strategize about how best to come at the ones who bested them last time. It's a tall task to be sure, but it is one that they have no choice given they are out of options. With this newly restored effort comes a new leader heading up operations.

Taking over efforts on pandora is General Ardmore, the new head of operations on Pandora. Her job is to
ensure what happened over a decade ago does not happen again. It's not an easy task but she is keen on ensuring the survival of her people on this hostile planet. With so much ground to cover, Ardmore has made it a priority to make sure all aspects of the planet are covered including the ocean. This leads us to some of the new tech, weapons and vehicles developed by the RDA. One such vessel is the massive carrier craft dubbed the Sea Dragon. As a combat effective surface effect ship, the Sea Dragon is capable of deploying water vessels like the powerful mechanized crab suit and air vehicles like the agile Seawasp.  It can also serve as a moving base for any troops or command personnel. With rumors of a massive Na'vi clan set up on the edge of the ocean, the Sea Dragon can be an essential component to establishing dominance on pandora's high seas. While all of these wartime advancements are impressive, there is one investment by the RDA that could prove very effective, both physically and psychologically, against the Na'vi. 

In an effort to even the odds against the powerful Na'vi who are both stronger, bigger, and superior to regular human foot soldiers, the RDA developed a new way to get fallen soldiers back in the fight. Recombinants, or Recoms for short, are specialized Avatars similar to those used by the late Grace Augustin and former marine Jake Sully. The difference is that instead of the driver being inside a chamber controlling the Avatar subconsciously, the Avatar body is embedded with the memories of a deceased driver or individual. In this case, former soldiers who were killed in the line of duty. The RDA definitely took inspiration from Jake Sully's actions during the battle of pandora knowing how he effortlessly ran through the ranks of countless RDA troops even going as far as to single-handedly take down an RDA shuttle and gunship. Putting the recoms on the battlefield would give the RDA equal footing in matching the Na'vi in physical strength and it would also result in mind games for those who are unfamiliar with Avatars. 

While most recoms are embedded with memories of fallen soldiers, one particular recom has a strong
vendetta against Na'vi and Jake Sully. Colonel Miles Quaritch returns to the field after his death at the hands of Neytiri as a fully battle-ready recom. Still having that killer instinct needed to do what is necessary he now has a new body and perspective to consider as he starts his new conquest. He now sets his sights on Sully and his family as he looks for payback for over a decade ago. No matter what it takes or how dirty he has to get his hands, Quaritch is determined to ensure that the RDA is the dominant force on Pandora.

The RDA has a plethora of new toys and tactics to take down any opposition to their plans. Whether it's air, land, or sea, the Research Development Administration is ready for war and the planet of Pandora better be ready for the firestorm.

Coming Up In Part 4

In our conclusion tomorrow, we will learn details about
the newest clan being introduced in The Way of Water.
Be ready to dive in.

Re-Porter Blog Avatar The Way of Water Pre-Release Special Part 2

 

Time changes a person. That change can be even more substantial when children are thrown into the mix. For Jake and Neytiri, their love that blossomed all those years ago has manifested into something wonderful. Something that will challenge them in ways they couldn’t fathom. In part 2 of our pre-Avatar The Way of Water coverage, we will explore Jake and Neytiri’s new family and how their involvement in the next installment creates new dangers and new stakes for our Navi couple. 

A marine who wanted a second chance to fight for something worth saving and a young warrior who would everything to protect her people. Who knew two radically different people would find each other and be a beacon of strength in each of their darkest hours. It seemed like fate that Jake and Neytiri found one another despite the things that set them apart. What started out as a mission to help his RDA allies gather unobtanium turned into a spiritual and emotional reset for Jake Sully. Through Neytiri and his trials to understand the world around him, he found himself torn between the world he once called home and the one that welcomed him in. 

For Neytiri, the journey she experiences meeting Jake changes her as well. At first, she looked down on him as a hopeless puppet playing Navi. But she still didn’t ignore the signs that there was always something more there. Despite her conflicted feelings, she grows to love the man she once believed to be a lost cause and a hopeless case. Through his resolve against the odds, she in turn enhances her strength to become a better woman and a more powerful force for good for the people. 

In the years that followed, Jake and Neytiri’s family have grown. With it comes a love and serenity that is immeasurable. But it also comes with the burden of being in constant fear of what could happen to them as the RDA revamps its ranks. As we ponder this, let’s meet the offspring of both of these proud members of the Omaticaya clan. 

As the oldest of Jake and Neytiri’s legitimate children, Neteyam at his age is definitely feeling the weight
of responsibility of being the safeguarder of his young siblings. Determined to live up to the legacy of his parents, Neteyam finds himself battling his own internal struggles as he tries to find out his role as the older brother. His journey will hopefully guide him in the right direction as he begins to carve out a path that is all his own and out of the shadow of the legacy he feels he is obligated to live up to.

The middle child of the Sully family finds himself in an uncertain place. Forced to change locations due to the increased threat of the RDA, Lo’ak looks to do his best to adjust to his new home amongst the Metkayina clan.

Although there could be a more specific motivational factor inspiring him as well….

Lo’ak faces new challenges and obstacles both physical and mental as he becomes his own person. Luckily, his connection and respect for nature and wildlife coupled with his spirit to push forward may be just what is needed to survive the storms that come his family’s way.

 

There is a pureness that comes with being the youngest of the family. It always brings joy to see the baby of the family light up at the slightest sight of a loved one and go into every day with a sense of awe, innocence, and wonder. Tuk is just that. Never afraid to jump into the unknown, Tuk is surrounded by people who would give anything to keep her safe. Hopefully, the young one doesn’t put herself in a position that could potentially cut her life short. 

Though she’s not technically a legitimate offspring of Jake and Neytiri, her deep-rooted connection to a person once close to Jake could make her more than family. Adopted by the Sullys, Kirk settles right in with her found family while sharing a deep connection with Eywa. Her desire to forge stronger connections and find herself will bring her close to the family she’s grown to love and the mother she never knew.

Holding the spot as the black sheep of the family, Miles Socorro aka Spider is the adopted human son of the Sullys. Though he has a strong bond with his adopted siblings, his status as a human still creates hostility and tension between him and Neytiri. Given he was born on an RDA base, questions arise as to where his loyalties lie and where his heart is. Is he a member of the family or a pawn for a deadlier game for the RDA?

With so much more at stake and old enemies returning with a vengeance, The path ahead for the Sully family is a rough one. But through strength, love, and perseverance, this family will weather whatever rough waters that come their way.

Coming Up In Part 3

Part 3 is all about the opposition. We'll find out how the 
RDA is revamping its ranks to continue its war against 
the inhabitants of Pandora.