Movie Review: ‘Avatar: Fire And Ash’

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Review by James Lindorf

It has been 16 years since legendary Director James Cameron introduced audiences to the world of Pandora. After its 2009 release, “Avatar” went on to become the highest-grossing movie of all time, with total grosses just short of 3 billion dollars to this point. Three years ago, we returned to the planet to learn the way of the water, and the time between sequels and the decline of Sam Worthington’s career had a noticeable impact on the box office return. The sequel earned 600 million less than its predecessor, making it only the third most successful film ever. Cameron and 20th Century Studios are ready to take us back to their 3D wonderland for the third, and possibly, last time when “Avatar: Fire and Ash” opens in theaters everywhere on December 19th.

It has been three years in real time, but “Fire and Ash” opens up shortly after the events of “The Way of Water” with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family still reeling from the death of their eldest son, Neteyam. Younger brother Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) is drowning in survivor’s guilt and frustration over his increasingly combative relationships with Jake, Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the leaders of the Metkayina Clan. Jake is dealing with his grief by retreating into the structure that defined his life as a Marine and the emotional disconnect required for combat. Most troubling of all is Neytiri’s reaction, which is to become distant and hostile to all things, even partly human. When tensions are at their highest, the family attempts to escort human foster child Spider (Jack Champion) back to the safety and isolation of the High Camp. Mid-journey, the family and their floating caravan are attacked by the ash-covered, fire-worshiping, Eywa-hating Mangkwan Clan and their leader Varang (Oona Chaplin).

After evading and enraging the warrior queen, things get even worse for the Sullys when Varang joins forces with their greatest foe, Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang). While Jake, Neytiri, and Lo’ak are stuck in the past, Spider and the Sullys’ other adopted child, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), are moving forward. Their connection to the planet and to each other is deepening in ways no one could have imagined. These relationships could lead to the downfall of Pandora, or with a bit of luck, they could blossom into its salvation. The rest of the cast is rounded out by returners Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Bailey Bass, and Jemaine Clement.

Beyond the visual effects, which are once again astounding, the highlight of this entry is the introduction of Varang and the Mangkwan. While they could border on being too stereotypically savage, their designs in both characters and sets are unlike anything seen before in this world. Oona Chaplin has appeared in beloved properties before, like James Bond and “Game of Thrones,” but has yet to have a true breakout moment. That may be over now. She is captivating in her delivery and physical performance, not just stealing every scene but dominating them in the first half of the film. She and Quaritch are on their way to becoming the Mickey and Mallory of Pandora as Quaritch undergoes the darkside version of Jake’s experience from the first film. Then she falls prey to the fact that “Fire and Ash” and “The Way of Water” started as a single film and were produced at the same time. While splitting it allowed for her to get more development, it also means we have to return to the plots and themes of “The Way of Water,” sidelining the best part of the movie for more whale hunting and another insufferable showdown with Quaritch as the big bad.

“Fire and Ash” is an improvement on the second film with better pacing and improved payoffs for the story beats set up here and in “The Way of Water.” It is still overly indulgent, but even when the story feels long, the visuals and the abundance of action leave you captivated. The film also handles grief in complex ways that help with engagement. Detachment, depression, and radicalization are all explored to varying degrees, and any one of them could easily be the center of the film. However, emotional journeys don’t often have the spectacle that earns billions of dollars at the box office.

Even if it is too long and some dialogue borders on laughable, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is not a bad film. It entrances the viewer, but no matter how magical the water looks, it lacks the siren’s call to lure us back for more visits. “Fire and Ash” won’t win over Avatar haters, but it should leave fans happy, and while it doesn’t feel like the end of the series, it would be an acceptable conclusion. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is a CGI extravaganza that I encourage you to see in the theater, with the best sound and visuals you can find, where you will be rewarded with a 3.5 out of 5 film.

Rating: PG-13 (Bloody Images|Action|Thematic Elements|Intense Sequences of Violence|Some Strong Language|Suggestive Material)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2025, Wide
Runtime: 3h 12m
Director: James Cameron
Producer: James Cameron, Jon Landau
Screenwriter: James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Distributor: 20th Century Studios
Production Co: Lightstorm Entertainment, 20th Century Studios, TSG Entertainment