I've watched Avatar: Fire and Ash, and here's why I believe it's the top film in the franchise.

      James Cameron's newest sci-fi hit, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has finally premiered in theaters, establishing a new benchmark for the beloved Avatar series. This installment continues the Na'vi's battle against the RDA on Pandora as Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) fight to safeguard their children from Col. Quaritch (Stephen Lang) and a brutal new Na'vi tribe.

      While Avatar: Fire and Ash does have its shortcomings, repeating several plot elements from earlier films, those willing to endure the lengthy runtime of over three hours will find it to be the franchise's strongest entry in many significant respects.

      It broadens the Avatar franchise’s lore

      Like its predecessor, Avatar: The Way of Water, Fire and Ash enhances the lore and richness of the Avatar universe. The second film introduced the aquatic Metkayina tribe, while the third film unveils two new tribes on Pandora – the airborne Wind Traders and the aggressive Ash People. This expansion provides a deeper understanding of the Na'vi and the various cultures within their world.

      One of the most captivating new aspects involves the Na'vi deity, Eywa. Fire and Ash reveals that Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) was conceived by Eywa herself, granting her the power to manipulate the flora and fauna of Pandora. While this concept was suggested in the previous film, it is in Fire and Ash that Kiri is solidified as a Messianic figure for the Na'vi.

      A significant twist occurs when one of Pandora’s woodsprites revives Spider (Jack Champion), enabling him to breathe freely without a mask and establish mental connections with animals. Essentially, Spider has transformed into a human-Na'vi hybrid.

      This revelation prompts a reevaluation of everything known about Pandora, illustrating how humans can coexist alongside the Na'vi. Although both races could ideally live together, the RDA poses a threat to exploit Spider’s newly acquired abilities for humanity’s complete dominion over Pandora.

      Fire and Ash’s characters are significantly more compelling

      In comparison to earlier Avatar films, Fire and Ash dedicates more time to developing its main characters, resulting in a more captivating narrative. We specifically witness the Sullys grappling with Neteyam’s death following Avatar: The Way of Water, which brings out the darker sides of all the characters.

      Jake immerses himself in his work to avoid confronting his grief over Neteyam. Neytiri's prejudice against humans intensifies, straining her relationships with Jake, Spider, and their other children. Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) is consumed by guilt over his brother's passing, to the point of nearly taking his own life.

      Fire and Ash ventures into darker themes, examining the characters' imperfections and pushing them to their limits as tensions escalate between them and the RDA. This is especially evident when Jake contemplates killing Spider to prevent humanity from mimicking his ability to breathe freely on Pandora.

      The threequel also shifts focus to the younger characters introduced in The Way of Water, who emerge as more engaging protagonists than Jake. Kiri begins to realize her true potential as Eywa's child, while Spider finds a newfound sense of belonging with the Na'vi, reminiscent of Jake’s journey in the first film. Lo’ak also gathers the courage to challenge his people's customs and fight for what he believes is right and for those he cares about.

      Fire and Ash also excels with its antagonists, particularly Quaritch, who has consistently been one of the franchise's standout characters. The Way of Water took a unique approach by reviving Quaritch as a Na'vi clone retaining the memories of his human self.

      Fire and Ash deepens Quaritch's character, showcasing his internal struggle between loyalty to the RDA and love for his human son, Spider. Here, he demonstrates a more nuanced morality, often partnering with Jake to ensure his son’s safety. Although Jake attempts to persuade Quaritch to reconsider his views on himself and the Na'vi, Quaritch remains bound by his obligations, presenting a complex exploration of freedom and identity through a captivating villain.

      The film also introduces a formidable new antagonist in Varang (Oona Chaplin), the destructive leader of the Ash People. She is a fearsome character with relatable motivations, stemming from feeling forsaken by Eywa after a volcanic eruption devastated her village. Varang serves as an effective counterpart to Neytiri, who similarly allows her grief and anger to dictate her actions in this narrative.

      This connection is artfully illustrated as Neytiri disguises herself as one of the Ash People, later removing her red face paint as if washing away blood, all while Jake is contemplating harming Spider. Varang and her tribe ultimately demonstrate that not all Na'vi are innocent victims of humanity's encroachment on Pandora; they too are capable of heinous acts.

      It carries a weightier tone with deeper themes

      The Avatar series has long grappled with