Will fans give 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' the same pass they gave the first two films?

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" will spur similar reviews that its two predecessors got: It's pretty to look at, but it doesn't offer much else.

If you're already a fan of the previous "Avatar" movies, you'll be quite pleased with the fantasy, spectacle, and action in "Fire and Ash" — it's mostly a replay of the first movies. Yet, there are a couple notable surprises that will give audiences something to talk about.

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This latest "Fire and Ash" chapter is a continuation of the "Avatar" lore, updating us on the characters we know, where they are going, and the state of things on Pandora. That's its primary purpose — deliver another episode. It doesn't push the cinematic needle forward like the first film did when it awestruck viewers more than 15 years ago. And it doesn't tell a new story.

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" repeats old plots and themes from the last two films — humans, greed, and oppression are bad, the environment is holy, so let's fight! It's a story as old as "Dances with Wolves," or "Fern Gully," whichever you prefer.

This is evident when you watch the preview for "Fire and Ash." I have a general rule with trailers: When a movie's story is weak, then its preview will essentially show the entire film — you will get a sense that you watched three acts and then some in just a couple minutes. This is the case with the spoiler-filled trailer for "Avatar: Fire and Ash," leaving little, if any, revelations for a theater viewing.

There are standout moments in "Avatar: Fire and Ash," thanks to actress Oona Chaplin, who takes on the role of Varang, the villainous Na’vi leader of the Mangkwan clan. Chaplin's performance draws all attention when she's on screen. It shows that, through all of the technology, acting is still very much a part of "Avatar." Chaplin steals the show in this movie.

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The Mangkwan clan also stands out because filmmakers did something new with this "Avatar" and gave us Na’vi characters who stray from stereotypes — they're villains! Yes, Na’vi can be bad guys, too. With this, "Avatar" has finally introduced a level of complexity it has previously lacked. It's this part of the film that will give audiences something to talk about.

Because of its impressive technology at the time, audiences largely gave the first "Avatar" a pass and were willing to overlook its lacking story and cheap characters (another aspect of "Avatar" that hasn't gotten as much praise, but should, is its sound). All those impressive cinematic feats continue to hold up in "Avatar: Fire and Ash." But now that audiences have seen and done this before, will they so easily give "Fire and Ash" a pass this time around? We'll know the answer if they keep making more.

Indeed, the best things to come from "Avatar" have been its technological contributions to modern filmmaking and SNL sketches.

"Avatar: Fire and Ash"

2.5/5 stars

Screen or stream?: Screen. You don't need 3D glasses for this film, which will certainly be an option. But "Avatar" movies are truly meant to be seen on a massive screen. It's worth the ticket to see high-tech Hollywood magic at scale. At over three hours long, plan your bathroom breaks.

Rated PG-13: There are some mature themes happening in this film that folks might not expect, such as suicide, genocide, torture, or other death-related aspects that can be jarring.

Good for kids?: Perhaps, given the above comment about this film being rated PG-13. Though, parents might want to guard kids from the dialogue, unless they don't mind if their kids' vernacular becomes 90% "bro."