In 2022, I walked into the theater optimistic about ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’ because I did not love ‘Avatar.’ However, I walked out impressed with what James Cameron brought to the table as he raised the stakes, not only visually but also storywise. Fast forward three years, and we are getting the third installment of the franchise, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash.’ Can Cameron capture that same magic? Or will it fall short? I share my review and let you know if it’s worth checking out. 

Avatar: The Way of the Water is set a year after Jake and Neytiri’s family navigates the loss of Neteyam. However, as they attempt to recover, they encounter a new opposition in the Na’vi tribe, the Mangkwan clan, and the Ash People, led by Varang, who has teamed up with Quaritch to take down Pandora forever.

The biggest problem with Avatar: Fire and Ash lies within the script. The concept and/or idea of what James Cameron and the writers are eager to explore within the film and what he ends up delivering are two entirely different things. He teases these big ideas of grief, depression, and even suicide but ultimately decides to gloss over them. Honestly, this really pissed me off. If you want to make a blockbuster with no substance, great, go for it. However, the half-baked attempt to conjure up audiences emotions in these real-life films is a slap in the face to those who have or continue to go through those things. 

Lo’ak is dealing with the loss of his brother. One of which was where he and even his father blame him for. This leads to a moment where he takes a gun and puts it to the bottom of his chin. This has all the potential in the world to be explored in such a profound way, yet it was left hollow and empty. Instead of the hundred side missions or rehashed ideas Cameron and company explore, maybe slow down and take the time to provide audiences with the reality of grief and loss. 

No matter about the lack of substance, James Cameron and his team’s work on the visuals of this movie is unmatched. I mean, this is a cinematic visual masterpiece on so many levels. I was blown away seeing this in 3D Dolby with the seat feeling like it’s vibrating as you are fully immersed in the world of Pandora. Also think that Miley Cyrus’s song in the end credits, ‘Dream as One,’ is rather fantastic. 

You have a strong ensemble with Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, and Britain Dalton being some of my favorites. That said, this is Oona Chaplin’s film. Chaplin plays Varang, the big bad villain of the movie, and without her, this film would’ve been borderline unwatchable. I loved the ruthless nature of the character, but I do wish we got a little more background on her and the motives of certain things. Varang was a vital part of the story until she wasn’t. But my, oh my, Chaplin deserves all the flowers. 

Is ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Worth Watching?

Look, if you are someone who loves the Avatar franchise, nothing anyone says will change your mind on you going to see it on the big screen (as you probably should). But for me, Avatar: Fire and Ash is simply a copy-and-paste version of Way of Water. The stunning visuals, CGI, and performances will keep you locked in, but beneath it all is a shallow, underdeveloped, and disappointing script that is as shallow as the ideas Cameron tries to touch on.