Avatar 3 Movie Review: Avatar 3 (Avatar: Fire and Ash) was released in cinemas on December 19. The film has triggered strong reactions online. James Cameron’s return to Pandora has split viewers who are impressed by the visuals but unhappy with the story.
Early viewers shared mixed opinions soon after the first shows ended. Some called the film a big win for 3D cinema. Others questioned Cameron’s creative choices. The hashtag #AvatarFireAndAsh started trending. Fans and critics argued over whether the filmmaker has “lost the plot”.
Avatar 3 Movie Review: Viewers Disappointed By Same Story
Most viewers agree that the film looks stunning. The visuals have earned praise across social media. The CGI feels rich and detailed, and the sound design stands out. Pandora once again looks immersive. The new Ash People have caught attention. The third act (packed with action) impressed many. Several users said few directors can match Cameron’s visual scale.
However, it is the film’s story that has drawn criticism. Many feel it follows the same path as earlier films. One viewer shared his Avatar 3 movie review and wrote, “The story is same as the prequel one but with more navi characters and that’s it!! There is nothing new which we can discuss. The pissed off screenplay with Jake-Sully taken to the base and then getting rescued by this family again and again for 3 hours is not cinema.”
Another shared, “Story-wise this was a mess. Repeating the last instalments.”
A third user wrote on X, “James Cameron is the most overrated director who has not created anything different in the last 30 years. Same Movie, Same story and same VFX .”
One more said, “The familiar Avatar formula, predictable story beats and weaker emotional impact slightly hold it back.”
Check out some more reactions below!
James Cameron’s Film Has ‘Tiring’ 3-Hr Runtime
The long runtime has also become a talking point. The film runs for nearly three hours and 15 minutes. Many viewers found it tiring. Some called it “numbingly boring”. Critics said the film relies too much on spectacle. They also pointed to repeated emotional beats. Weak dialogue, especially for younger characters, was another concern.
The response is reflected in its critical score. Avatar: Fire and Ash currently has a 70 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This is the lowest score in the franchise. For some fans, it suggests the series may be losing momentum. Still, Oona Chaplin’s villain, Varang, has earned praise. Even critics of the film liked her performance. Many felt her character needed more screen time.
The film follows Jake Sully and Ney’tiri as they protect their family on Pandora. The Sky People return once again. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang return to the franchise. Kate Winslet and Cliff Curtis also feature. The cast remains a strong point as the debate around the film continues.
