Avatar sequel criticised over film’s unbelievable runtime as reviews flood in

The long-awaited Avatar sequel is finally receiving its first reviews.

Early audiences of Avatar: The Way of Water - which is officially released on 16 December - have been slamming it for its unbelievable runtime.

While most films have a runtime of around two hours, the epic fantasy film takes three hours and 12 minutes to watch, and for some critics, this was simply too long.

She wrote: "Whilst there's always tonnes of action going on, it's remarkably hard to engage with it or care much about these bland characters.

"As a spectacle it's astonishing. But is this even a film? It's more like a three-hour theme park ride."

However, not all reviews of the film have been so critical.

He found the film 'rapturous and awe-inducing' and said it 'simply isn't comparable to whatever else is playing'.

Brian Viner of the Daily Mail, meanwhile, wrote: "This sequel is tremendous fun, even bigger and better than the original, but by golly, it will test your bladder."

The film's official synopsis reads: "Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon, Pandora.

"Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home."

The film's director, James Cameron, opened up about why the sequel took so long, explaining that it was largely due to its underwater set.

He explained that extra safety precautions were required and some members of the cast even had to be scuba certified.