Running Time: 197 minutes
This film from 20th Century Studios opens exclusively at cinemas on December 19th and can be seen in a variety of large screen and 3D formats, as well as in standard 2D.
Over several decades, writer/director James Cameron has continually pushed boundaries and broken ground in film technology. This includes the digital effects used in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, as well as the underwater shooting involved in The Abyss and Titanic. He’s also responsible for reintroducing 3D into movie theaters 15 years ago with the original Avatar film and upgrading motion capture capabilities. As expected, Avatar: Fire and Ash is another visually stunning showstopper. In my neck of the woods, it was previewed in 3D using two projectors playing the movie at 48 frames per second. Almost all films are shot and displayed at 24fps, and in the past the results of the technique have been jarring (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey being the primary example). Cameron tinkered with the process in the previous chapter. This time out, he has found a way that not only makes it all look natural, but results in an even more immersive experience.
That’s what this filmmaker continually delivers. A bold, brash epic that isn’t going to look like any other film out there. Admittedly, you’re not going to find much subtlety as far as the story and themes go. The plot and story structure of this picture is also overly similar to the previous sequel, so major surprises are in short supply. But even still, I cannot deny being completely wowed by the spectacle and, once again, drawn into a unique and fantastic world.
After the events of the previous chapter, Na’vi family Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), sonLo’ak (Britain Dalton), daughter Tuktirey (Trinity Bliss), adopted daughter Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and teenage human adoptee Miles “Tuk” Socoro continue to live with the Metkayina at the edge of a vast sea. All are aware that human military invaders, led by General Frances Ardmore (Edie Falco) will soon be returning with even larger forces. Colonel Miles Quarich (Stephen Lang) is also out looking for payback on Sully, who escaped his grasp the last time out. As the protagonist argues over how to prepare for another assault, more complications arise. “Tuk” develops an adaptation that, if discovered by human forces, could help them adapt to the planet easily. And the villains convince the leader (Oona Chaplin) of a volcano-dwelling Na’vi group to work with them in the hopes of attaining wealth and power for her people.
With the 13-year gap between the first and second installments, there was a bit of catch up involved to reintroduce its characters and get viewers back into the story. With the shorter break, it is easier to step into this fantastic world and follow the characters. Additionally, the events of the previous story and the developing relationships add some tension to the proceedings. Sully and Quarich are still ready to fight to the death, but the teenage “Tuk” adds a new and interesting wrinkle. The youngster is the son of villain Quarich, and while General Ardmore would like nothing more than to capture and cut up the teen, her henchman isn’t pleased with the plan. In fact, he considers briefly putting aside differences and working together. This situation also causes friction between Sully and wife Neytiri, who realizes that simply killing the boy would ultimately benefit all of Pandora.
All of the kids have their own subplots and relationships to sort out while they are being hunted. Even Jemaine Clement makes a notable impression in his return as a marine biologist. This time, he considers the possibility of officially rebelling against his human employers, putting him in the middle of the fracas when a major conflict breaks out at one point in the story. Yes, the drama plays out in a grandiose manner. The movie is on-the-nose in its environmental assertions and the horrific effects of colonization, but it’s an important message nonetheless.
And, of course, the action is all exceptional to behold. There are exhilarating chase sequences in the jungles, the barren volcano environment is a new and impressive locale, and the film makes great use of the human base during an elaborate action scene involving a break-in and escape. While the finale is essentially a redo of the previous picture’s climax, it is even grander and more spectacular, with multiple forces battling across the sea, land and sky.
This is a very long movie and isn’t perfect. But if you appreciated the previous entry, you’re certain to find this film just as, if not more, colossal and awe-inspiring as its predecessor. Avatar: Fire and Ash is another impressively mounted saga from a man who specializes in this increasingly rare form of entertainment. Check it out, and be sure to do so in 3D and on the biggest screen possible.
