Avatar: Fire and Ash Review: Stunning visuals, but weak story and characters; Worth a watch?

Avatar: Fire and Ash is the third film in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. The film’s visual and technical aspects are spectacular, especially the CGI and 3D experience, which are impressive. However, the story and characters feel weaker compared to the previous films.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 18 December 2025, 12:24 PM IST

James Cameron’s Third Avatar Film Impresses Technically, Fails Emotionally

New Delhi: 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' is based on the conflict between humans and the world of Pandora. This time, the story is centered in the Fire and Ash region, an environment of volcanoes, fire, and ash. Initially, this place seems new and interesting, but as the film progresses, the story follows old and predictable paths. The excitement gradually diminishes in several scenes.

Screenplay and Plot: Long and Drawn Out

The film's screenplay is quite long, and many scenes don't contribute significantly to the story. The pacing is slow in some places, while in others it suddenly accelerates. If the unnecessary scenes were removed, the film could have been more engaging. The plot lacks new ideas, and some important scenes end too quickly.

Varun Dhawan unleashes fierce avatar in Border 2 first look; Details here

Characters: Weak and Limited

Jake Sully's character hasn't developed much. His behavior and decisions seem the same as before. Neytiri's role is also limited, and she mostly displays a uniform range of emotions. New characters are introduced, but they lack any particular charm. Overall, there is a lack of emotional connection with the characters.

Technology and Visuals: The Film's Strength

The film's strongest aspect is its technology. The CGI is very clear and detailed. Pandora's Fire and Ash region looks impressive. The camera movement is smooth, and the action scenes are clearly visible. The 3D and big-screen experience is even better. However, many scenes seem unnecessarily long, solely for showcasing the visuals, which makes the story take a backseat.

Sound and Background Music

The sound and music help create the atmosphere in many scenes. These elements make the visual experience even more impressive.

Varun Dhawan unleashes fierce avatar in Border 2 first look; Details here

The film's length and repetitive action sequences are tiring. The environmental message is valid, but it's drawn out. There's less emotional connection compared to previous films. Overall, the film is entertaining only for those who appreciate visuals and technology; for those expecting a compelling story and characters, it's an average experience.