Indifference is probably the hardest kind of the review to write. It’s even harder when your gut instincts are screaming at you to load up each paragraph with typical snark and common critical sentiments that are often used when talking about any “Avatar” film. It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of this franchise, so “Avatar: Fire and Ash” was always going to be an assignment watch as opposed to something I actually wanted to engage with. But alas, I threw on the 3D glasses, held my pee for over 3 hours and sat still through every single “bro” that gets uttered, waiting around for the final 40 minutes that defenders stand their ground on as the reason none of the narrative flaws and uninteresting characters matter. The arguments on both sides are still the same: this is so boring and unoriginal vs OMG LOOK AT THE PRETTY PICTURES!
With “Fire and Ash” dropping us back into Pandora for another long, epic journey of blue people and whales, I don’t know that it’s necessary to unpack the nuances of either sides’ argument. Not that there isn’t more to discuss from either blanket statement, just that after 9 hours of this, the people who love it will not be swayed and the detractors aren’t going to be converted. And that’s really the big problem with “Avatar: Fire and Ash;” it’s just more of the same for better or worse, feeling more like a rehashed version of “Way of Water” rather than anything new that moves the story forward. Lacking its ingenuity and true character development, this third installment only reestablishes lines in the sand rather than do anything to guide people across. James Cameron feels trapped in a world of his own making, a hamster in the Eywa wheel wanting to continue to demonstrate technology but not really knowing what else to do after the glasses are put on.
All belabored and familiar, “Fire and Ash” following the exact same plot and narrative beats as “Way of Water,” right down to the final act that is ostensibly a shot for shot remake of the sequel. Right down to the same whale doing the same breach on the same ship in the exact same spot in the ocean on the exact same beach. Likewise, all of the characters are exactly the same as when they started in the previous film, that is to say that after a collective 6 hours of story between “Way of Water” and “Fire and Ash” are exactly the same people in the end. Pretty pictures are only ever enhanced when driven by character development, and this latest entry has none whatsoever. “Fire and Ash” is an even longer unskippable cut scene from a video game, this time even more so due to the jarring HFR. The film is overlong, underdeveloped, repetitive, messy as hell, chopped to bits with way too many subplots and characters, and an exhausting rehash of everything that came before it.
But again, none of that matters, because the diehards don’t care and will drive it to a gazillion dollars at the box office and the haters will only continue to bemoan its existence. “Fire and Ash” could’ve been the bridge extended, but instead Cameron is left mining for unuptanium (I can’t believe this is an actual made up resource) on planet that has been run dry. Even the new additions of the Fire People lead by Varang (Oona Chaplin) who should be the spark that ignites new life into this tired franchise is sidelined as quickly as she’s introduced. There’s just no risk here for anyone because Cameron opts to play it safe and familiar at every turn.
Instead of giving us a new iconic villain we get more of Quaritch (Stephen Lang) who should be dead but for some reason only known to Cameron himself is still trucking along with an unearned vendetta against Sully. We’ve spent 6 hours with this guy already, and the moment we get someone knew, burning with a fire of chaos and intrigue, Cameron tells us that’s of no interest and it’s best to worry about this guy instead. Chaplin is innocent in “Fire and Ash,” a woman so hot and horny she breaths the much needed life into a dying story. Chaplin understood the assignment, and I would genuinely enjoy “Fire and Ash” so much more if she played a larger part here.
There’s not really a whole lot more to say; indifference is hard to put into words. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is water we’ve waded in before with little variance and only solidifies whatever stance you hold going into it instead of working to change minds one way or another. It’s the real testament of diminishing returns, spinning its wheels hoping that dazzling colors and beautifully rendered landscapes are enough to stop you from noticing there just isn’t a whole lot going on beneath the surface. “Fire and Ash” may be the entry I dislike the least, but that’s a step down from outright hatred so I don’t know that you can consider that a compliment.
I hope “Fire and Ash” putters out and loses some steam so we can wait another decade before we have to have this conversation again. Let Cameron go make anything, literally ANYTHING else he has in his mind. This one just isn’t for me, folks. Pretty pictures aren’t enough to turn a blind eye to the glaring, exhausting flaws that “Fire and Ash” doubles down on, and while it wasn’t the worst experience I’ve had this year it’s certainly one I hope to never have to sit through again.
If you love whales, “bro,” and horny Na’vi who play with fire, then “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is made for you. If all of that sounds like the worst way to spend 3 hours, you’re better off skipping this one. If you seen the sequel, you’ve seen “Fire and Ash,” so you’re not missing much and don’t let any of the stans convince you otherwise. Lord knows they will try, bro.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is in theaters Friday December 19th. You can watch the trailer below.
