Synopsis:
Avatar: Fire and Ash sees James Cameron take audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Na’vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the Sully family. The film, which has a screenplay by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, and a story by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno, also stars Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, David Thewlis, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi, Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Brendan Cowell, Bailey Bass, Filip Geljo, Duane Evans, Jr., and Kate Winslet.
It’s been said before, but for those who don’t know, there’s a substantial difference between a dad and a father. To some, they are merely interchangeable titles held by one man. This man is genetically entangled, but may never form a genuine bond and may fail to be there to see life through for his own selfish reasons. On the other hand, a dad is a protector. Dads prioritize connection, development, and a loving environment, even if they have no biological ties. It’s not always easy, but they never expected it to be. It should go without saying that fathers can be dads; most probably are. However, it gets tricky when a non-biological dad steps up when the father wouldn’t, but all of a sudden, he wants to be superdad. Not only is the child placed in an awkward situation, but so are the men; just ask Jake, Spider, and Colonel Quaritch.
“I’m not taking a knife to a gunfight, or a prayer.”
Tensions on Pandora have reached a boiling point, and that intense heat comes by way of a roaring fire. From out of this fire is no phoenix, only ash and fury. Within that rage arises the Mangkwan Clan or Ash People, and if they have it their way, they will burn down everyone and everything that gets in their way. Directed by James Cameron, Avatar: Fire and Ash is visually triumphant yet narratively familiar. This otherworldly epic is an awe-inspiring feast for the eyes, but most of the film is eerily reminiscent of its 2022 predecessor. Nevertheless, with its new additions, continued world-building, elaborate storytelling, and blockbuster climax, audiences should prepare to be mindblown.
The hunt for Jake and the war to keep Pandora decolonized continue. But this time, deals must be struck, and alliances must be made for either side to gain the upper hand. The lush foreign planet and its history are further expanded in this vibrant second sequel. From the introduction of the new tribe to customs and creatures we haven’t seen, and a further dive into Na’vi spirituality, not to mention a life-altering miracle, Pandora is becoming fully realized. Jake’s journey in this film continues to be about family and the protection of the planet he’s chosen as his new home. However, survival is more crucial than ever as he is no longer the only person of interest. This leads to clashes and showdowns that will alter the future of this franchise.
As crisis points are reached, the characters must confront choices where the stakes are life and death. With a scale and scope that’s larger than ever, it’s hard not to be impressed. Unfortunately, when you take a step back, much of the film feels rather rinse and repeat. While the stakes are higher, they are essentially the same. Instead of the bully wanting five dollars, they now want ten, and that mean kid from the bus is helping them get it. Now, by no means is any of it bad or uninteresting, just repetitive. Fortunately, the last hour of its three-plus-hour runtime is phenomenal. It may still reside in somewhat lived-in territory, but it’s tremendously satisfying. With humanity at its ugliest, more than ever before, it’s kill or be killed, but for some, that’s easier said than done. And not everyone is going to make it out alive.
“We should just kill him.”
My biggest gripe is that if you’re going to tell a violent story of colonization, don’t stop at the interpersonal relationships. We understand that love and familial drama are present, but where is the urgency? Where is the nuance and depth when dealing with the stealing of resources and possible extermination of culture, customs, and the beings that they belong to? If you’re going to accept the responsibility of cultivating and expounding on an incredibly serious and sadly relevant topic, don’t tiptoe around it; dive all the way in. Don’t let the jaw-dropping, fully immersive visuals fully distract from a point of view that is and has been all too real for millions throughout history and today.
The film is breathtaking. It’s masterfully crafted, sounds amazing; it is truly a sight to behold. The colors pop like nothing you’ve seen, and the movements and attention to detail are unmatched. Moreover, to fully appreciate what Cameron created, seeing it in Dolby 3D or IMAX 3D is the only way. I literally felt like I was drowning at one point. Buckle up. This is tribe versus tribe, Na’vi versus human, good versus evil, right versus wrong, and there’s more to come. It’s dark, exciting, thought-provoking, smile-inducing, and ultimately a good time. But it is also longer than a CVS receipt. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pace & Pop
Despite its excitement and all of the story’s moving pieces, the pacing can feel a bit sluggish in the film’s first half. However, some of that is also in part due to its copy-and-paste experience. What pops in the installment is the addition of the Ash People, specifically Varang. The antithesis of Neytiri in almost every way and a fierce scene stealer, she’s sure to wow and garner her own fanbase.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Oona Chaplin, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, David Thewlis, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi, Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Brendan Cowell, Bailey Bass, Filip Geljo, Duane Evans, Jr., and Kate Winslet
Like its predecessors, Avatar: Fire and Ash features one hell of an ensemble performance. While Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña’s characters, Jake and Neytiri, lead the way, there is a great deal of focus on Spider (Jack Champion), Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), Quarich (Stephen Lang), and Varang (Oona Chaplin), and they did not disappoint. Whether it’s the subtle steamy moments or all-out chaos, the more they’re on screen, the better the experience.
Avatar: Fire and Ash releases in theaters on December 19, 2025. Stay safe and stay woke.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 3h 12m Director: James Cameron Screenplay: James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver Story: James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno Producers: James Cameron, p.g.a., and Jon Landau, p.g.a. Executive producers: Richard Baneham, Rae Sanchini, and David Valdes
Avatar: Fire and Ash is visually triumphant yet narratively familiar. This otherworldly epic is an awe-inspiring feast for the eyes, but most of the film is eerily reminiscent of its 2022 predecessor. Nevertheless, with its new additions, continued world-building, elaborate storytelling, and blockbuster climax, audiences should prepare to be mindblown.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
