that of James Cameron Avatar: Fire and Ash hits theaters this weekend and the review embargo is now lifted.
Like the reactions on social media, the full reviews are mostly mostly positive, but a common criticism comes up in many of these articles.
As you might expect, the visuals and action sequences garner near-universal praise, with several critics hailing the trio as a “technical masterpiece.” The film’s new villain, Varang (Oona Chaplin), would also be a highlight of the film.
On the more negative side, Fire and Ash would seem far too repetitive and far too similar to the previous film, The way of water.
Ultimately, it doesn’t look like this movie is going to make any converts, but fans of the previous films will want to see this sci-fi spectacle on the big screen.
Fire and ashes currently sits at 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 100 reviews. There’s still a lot of room for fluctuation, but as it stands, this is the lowest RT score in the franchise so far. The way of waterIt’s 76% and that of the original film 81%.
James Cameron does it again. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is bigger, longer, heavier and the most gripping Hollywood blockbuster in years. Moving spectacle. A heartbreaking melodrama. An overwhelming beauty. Nobody makes old-fashioned religious epics like this https://t.co/cZ62oSxJ3D
– Siddhant Adlakha (@SiddhantAdlakha) December 16, 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash is a visual and aural treat, and anyone looking for a big, jaw-dropping blockbuster to close out 2025 will be far from disappointed. https://t.co/DpSC66XzpR
— /Film (@slashfilm) December 16, 2025
“This is truly epic cinema, well worth watching for three hours.”#Avatar: Fire And Ash sees James Cameron return to Pandora, as the grieving Sully family faces new villain Varang – in cinemas this Friday.
Read the Empire review: https://t.co/9nW7C6cQhi pic.twitter.com/DH7xgHiEvM
– Empire (@empiremagazine) December 16, 2025
Whatever Avatar: Fire and Ash lacks in novelty, it more than makes up for with familiar characters and a satisfying finale that’s worth the wait.
Our opinion: https://t.co/FX8qxrovXo pic.twitter.com/IsYhIFx3qX
-IGN (@IGN) December 16, 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash Review: Another electrifying viceral experience https://t.co/D0ad3ex7FZ pic.twitter.com/INyIuM7w9T
– JoBlo.com (@joblocom) December 16, 2025
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH, much like the first two films, is a visually spectacular experience, but also the most emotional entry yet, building on the world and characters in fascinating ways. I loved it. #AvatarFireAndAsh
My full review ➡️ https://t.co/gbwERTuynt pic.twitter.com/HCcdx8F3ko
– Shaurya Chawla (@_ShauryaChawla) December 16, 2025
Avatar Fire & Ash: James Cameron has finally made a film that feels like something you’ve seen before. soft stuff (if only for its unreasonably high standard), and I guess his last film Avatar. I loved the fire Na’vi domme.
my opinion: https://t.co/GNmbc7rPwk pic.twitter.com/eKIvRHQZwr
– David Honestly (@davidehrlich) December 16, 2025
“Avatar: Fire and Ash”: rather Fire and Rehash – @JohnMovieWatch #Avatar3 #AvatarFireandAsh https://t.co/gouRYh0IuR
– The Cosmic Circus (@MyCosmicCircus) December 16, 2025
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ review: James Cameron’s epic franchise still stuns, but there’s a major problem at its heart https://t.co/gVMZHKCHVi
– Collider (@Collider) December 16, 2025
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ review: Oona Chaplin brings witchy villainy, but the third installment of James Cameron’s sci-fi saga is stuck on repeat https://t.co/UXAHmZ4L0x
– The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 16, 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash review: The story is good, the action great, while the third ‘Avatar’ film offers new variations on a vision that is no longer new https://t.co/s4vmGpN0ZG
– Variety (@Variété) December 16, 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash review: James Cameron’s repetitive and hypocritical sequel gives us the blues https://t.co/1aTow5tOJm
-TheWrap (@TheWrap) December 16, 2025
We recently learned that Avatar: Fire and Ash will last 3 hours and 15 minutes, making it the longest film in the franchise to date. 2009 Avatar lasted 2 hours and 42 minutes, while that of 2022 The way of water was 3 hours and 12 minutes.
While these films certainly have their detractors, the first two films were hugely successful at the box office, and we expect Fire and ashes follow suit – especially since it has now been confirmed that the first trailer for Avengers: Apocalypse will be screened before the film.
Avatar 3 will see the return of actors Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Giovanni Ribisi, Dileep Rao, Matt Gerald, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell, Jemaine Clement, Britain Dalton, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion, Bailey Bass, Filip Geljo and Duane Evans, with David Thewlis also on board as a new named character Paylak.
Fire and ashes has experienced numerous delays, but is finally scheduled to hit theaters on December 19. Two additional sequels, as yet untitled Avatar 4 and Avatar 5, are in various stages of production and are expected to be released in 2029 and 2031, respectively.
