The latest instalment of James Cameron’s Avatar series was released in UK cinemas on the 19th of December following the London premier on the 11th. I was lucky enough to attend the premiere for Fire and Ash and I can say that it’s clear Cameron has a genuine love for the world he has created and the films made to explore them.
As always the visual effects were stunning, the underwater motion capture technology is something that Cameron pioneered himself for the express purpose of making these films possible. This film is truly beautiful to watch if you can stomach the 3 hour and 17 minutes run time which is understandably too much for some viewers, but, if you enjoyed the previous two instalments to this series it is absolutely worth it.
This film does have a slightly darker feel at points as it does centre around the looming threat of both the RDA (Resources Development Institution) who are on a mission to kill as many Tulkun (sentient, whale-like creatures) as possible, and the Ash People; a group of hostile Na’vi with a love of fire and destruction. In my opinion, the Ash People are a stronger aspect of this latest film along with the new villain we’re introduced to; Varang. Her unique and almost uncanny look has made her a favourite among fans and I have to say she is an excellent unsympathetic villain.
On balance I’d say Fire and Ash isn’t necessarily the best of the Avatar films, the film arguably focuses on Spider; the Sulley families adoptive son a bit too much considering the film opens up exploring Lo’ak’s grief after the loss of his brother. If I had things my way this would have remained the focus, however, if like me you’re a lover of sci-fi, absolutely go and see it.
