I love going back to Pandora. Every time I do, I’m reminded of that first viewing in 2009, seeing the bioluminescent forest in 3D remains one of the best cinema experiences of my life. At this point, the spectacle alone, the visuals, the scale, the world-building, is enough to make me want to see every Avatar film. James Cameron is one of my all-time favourite directors and remains the undisputed king of the epic.

If you love Avatar for Pandora itself, the unbelievable visuals and immersive world-building, the latest film will not disappoint. It is breathtaking. However, if you’re hoping the plot will advance significantly beyond where the last film left off, you may find yourself wondering, as I did, why we’re essentially back at the same narrative point, with only a new villain and some fresh discoveries. At times it feels less like Avatar 3 and more like The Way of Water: Part 2.

I was particularly surprised that after learning about the Forest Na’vi in the first film and the Water Na’vi in the second, the Fire and Ash people are only briefly explored here. Their backstory, culture, and nihilistic, villainous leader are a highlight, but one I wished had been developed much further. In places, the film feels like it’s retreading ground already covered.

This is the darkest of the three films and, with a reported $400 million budget, it is visually rich, but paradoxically, it feels the least original in terms of plot. I found myself wanting to finally see Earth in this universe and to better understand the broader endgame. The heavy focus on Spider, one of the least compelling characters, whose defining trait seems to be calling everyone “bro”, suggests he will play a major role in films four and five.

More than the previous films, the anti-colonialist themes land strongly, particularly the uncomfortable historical echoes of some Indigenous groups siding with invading colonial powers. That strand felt especially resonant. My favourite line, “I have a PhD, how hard can it be?”, made me feel very seen.

Ultimately, I felt transported, wowed, and immersed, but not transformed. I sincerely hope films four and five are completed, because I want to see the full arc of this story. As with all great sci-fi, Avatar is ultimately about our own time. Pandora is Earth, if we know where to look: a reminder that we are all interconnected, with the natural world, and with each other. Please, Mr Cameron, finish the story. 8/10