“AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH” - MINI-REVIEW
This is the third AVATAR film, but whereas the first two films felt a little like they were being imposed upon its audience, this is the first in which I felt like I was invited.
Here, as they explore other biospheres and cultures of Pandora, they dig a little deeper into prejudice, and the film is at its most powerful when it’s exploring the prejudice Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) holds for the Ash people led by Varang (Oona Chaplin, the film’s standout). There are moments of genuine emotional wonder. Plus, visually, it is the best, most immersive use of 3D and high frame rate filmmaking ever. You will feel like you are there (and I hate 3D).
You could argue that the script feels largely like a rehash of THE WAY OF WATER, and you could wonder why FIRE AND ASH is almost as long as THE BRUTALIST, and you could bemoan James Cameron‘s dialogue, in particular the inclusion of choice phrases that date poorly or that interrupt the flow of the incredible worlds that he and his teams are creating… you may also wonder why Cameron went all in on the character of Spider (Jack Champion), or why Jemaine Clement doesn’t get to be funny…
Or! You could just surrender. That’s what I did, and I got swept up into the world of Pandora all over again. Like the previous installment, there was room to breathe here, to absorb the visual splendor. I still can’t believe what I’m seeing, and especially when I hear about how they made it. It is truly remarkable on a technical level.
I enjoy these movies. I admit that I don’t really think about them when I’m not watching them, but while I’m watching them, I truly enjoy them, and for me, each one is better than the last. Cameron has recently teased the idea of moving on from this series, pending the success of this one. It could end here, certainly, but as long as he keeps making them, I’ll keep coming back.
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH is in theaters everywhere Friday, December 19.
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Zach is a proud member of the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA). For more info about Zach, the organization, or to read other great reviews from other great Minnesota-based film critics, click here: https://mnfilmcriticalliance.wordpress.com/