FILM REVIEW: AVATAR – FIRE & ASH (12A) ESP RATING: 4/5

The third blockbuster foray into the Na’vi world of Pandora is undeniably more of the same.

And whether you’re a fan of the previous two movies will literally dictate how much that is a good or bad thing.

As a visual spectacle, once again, the special effects are absolutely top drawer from filmmaker James Cameron and company – arguably the best ever seen on the big screen.

But, and it’s a BIG but. To the casual film-goer who maybe saw the second film because of a 13-year hiatus between the original and The Way of Water, this may not sway you – as there are undoubtedly samey elements that could make Fire and Ash a little tedious to some.

Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and the Sulley family – second eldest son Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), and daughters Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss) – are settling into life with Tonowari (Cliff Curtis), Ronal (Kate Winslet) and the Metkayina clan, but still grappling with grief after the death of Neteyam during The Way of Water’s finale.

When they are put into a quandary with how to deal with future of Spider (Jack Champion), they inadvertently encounter a new aggressive Na’vi tribe called the Mangkwan clan – also known as the ‘Ash People’ – led by their viscous leader Varang (Oona Chapman).

As has been a mainstay of the previous films, Jake’s enemy Quaritch (Stephen Lang) is again the main antagonist, and when he aligns with the fiery Varang, it leads to a conflict that brings the story of this third instalment to an epic trilogy-wrapping conclusion.

Which pretty much means a pulsating all-out war between the ‘good’ Na’vi tribes versus the greedy humans alongside the power-hungry Mangkwan – which could have devastatingly lasting conequences for this beautiful planet.

This does lead to similarly inevitable ‘rinse and repeat’ scenarios from the last two films: Jake vs Quaritch, involvement of Tulkan whales, the Na’vi repeatedly using the flying Ikran banshees to take-down airships etc. Oh, and the near-incessant attempted kidnapping of the Sully children.

But that aside, if you are invested in Cameron’s luscious playground, the lack of storyline ingenuity really doesn’t matter – as it’s still more than credibly passable. And a few nice sub-plots do tie-up some loose ends.

Yep, the script definitely won’t win any awards, but with solid continued character development, notable acting performances, some truly sensational action sequences, and – it goes without saying – those breathtaking visuals, then there is still so much to adore here. And to be honest, if you get engaged in the unfolding drama, it doesn’t feel like the three hour-plus run-time.

The Avatar: Flight of Passage ride is one of mine and my 11-year-old son’s favourite attractions at Orlando’s Walt Disney World – and this is very much like that: an immersive experience that draws you in for the thrills.

Understandably the fire is burning out a little bit as the ‘wow’ factor slightly fades, but this franchise has a long way to go until it turns to ash – especially if Cameron can start exploring new narratives in this awe-inspiring universe.

As it stands, this ignites a satisfying conclusion to the current Sully story-arc – but most importantly it is still a cinematic spectacle to behold.

ESP Rating: 4/5

Gavin Miller

Odeon Luxe Peterborough & Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now

Cast: Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, Zoe Saldana, Britain Dalton, Sigourney Weaver, Jack Champion, Oona Chaplin, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Cch Pounder, Brendan Cowell, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jermaine Clement, Bailey Bass, Giovanni Ribisi & David Thewlis

Running Time: 3 Hrs 17 Mins

Director: James Cameron

Film Review Venue: Odeon Luxe Imax Peterborough

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