After years of anticipation and sky-high expectations, Avatar 3, officially subtitled Fire and Ash, is finally beginning to be revealed through the first international reviews. The verdict, however, is more mixed than expected. While James Cameron continues to impress on a technical level, this third installment has proven to be more divisive than its predecessors, earning the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of the trilogy so far.
Avatar 3 Faces a Sharp Drop in Critical Reception
With around 69% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, Avatar 3 is underperforming compared to Avatar (81%) and Avatar: The Way of Water (76%). This noticeable decline has sparked early discussions about potential fatigue with Cameron’s formula, although the film is far from a critical failure. Overall, critics agree on one main point: Avatar 3 remains an extraordinary spectacle, but it struggles to deliver enough new ideas to justify its nearly three-hour runtime and ever-expanding ambitions.
When it comes to visuals and technical achievement, James Cameron continues to raise the bar. Critics have praised some of the most impressive action sequences of the year, stunning aerial cinematography, and special effects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in film. In short, Avatar 3 is a visual masterpiece. The introduction of the Wind Traders, breathtaking aerial sequences, and confrontations set in volcanic environments are frequently highlighted as standout moments in modern blockbuster filmmaking. Wētā FX’s contributions have received unanimous acclaim, with some even noting that the only unrealistic elements on screen are… the human actors themselves. In this regard, Avatar 3 remains a must-see in theaters, especially in premium formats that Cameron favors.
Where the film falters, however, is in its storytelling. Many critics have pointed out that the structure feels too similar to The Way of Water, with repetitive situations. Captures, rescues, and final confrontations that strongly resemble those in the second film give the impression of replaying familiar scenes. Avatar 3 fails to surprise. This feeling can be partly explained by the fact that Avatar 2 and Avatar 3 were originally conceived as a single film before being split into two. This decision is seemingly evident on screen, with The Way of Water often feeling more like a direct sequel or “Part 2” rather than a truly standalone chapter.
Source: RottenTomatoes
