I only saw two movies in theatre in 2025 - "Wicked: For Good" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash". Although "Wicked: For Good" was a memorable experience for my wife and our daughters, I felt that "Avatar: Fire and Ash" was the stronger film.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
I saw the movie with my nephew Anatol and my daughter Sophia at Cineplex Cinemas in Ancaster, and was pleasantly surprised when some parts were projected upon either side wall, to create an immersive, wraparound, effect (something I hadn't seen, before).
Taking a page from Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "Fire and Ash" was shot simultaneously with "The Way of Water" in New Zealand. If successful, the final two films will probably be filmed simultaneously, also.
There are many evocative new cultures showcased in the film, such as the nomadic Wind Traders in their huge, living, airships; and, of course, the "Ash People", fiery versions of Na'vi, inspired by the Baining people in Papua, New Guinea.
As with previous Avatar films, the spirit of Edgar Rice Burroughs as a source of inspiration was apparent throughout - as well as themes of colonialism, treated sensitively and with due respect for aboriginal cultures, in my opinion.
Cameron has accomplished something remarkable - the cinematic realization of a richly detailed, fantastic world (something I likewise appreciate about Jim Henson's "The Dark Crystal" (1982), also), and one that is worth returning to, again and again.
