Avatar, le dernier maître de l'air

I'm too exhausted with these pointless live action remakes of animated classics to get angry anymore. This Netflix redo of AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER is at best competent, with handsome production design and costuming. Storywise, it strips out the humor of the original, leaving us with grim imitations of the characters we so loved. The sadsack reimagining of the feisty Katara is particularly horrid.

The acting is spotty. Some of the performers are pretty good, but so many of the line readings come off like community theater. Where's the passion?

While not the fiasco the previous live action feature was, this new AVATAR is just pointless. Yeah it's not bad, but why settle for not bad when the original show was great? I'd rather just rewatch the old one for the hundredth time.

First (1), the best arc that set the bar high in acting, casting, look and feel, storytelling, direction for Avatar is the Kyoshi Island arc (episode 2). They definitely got that right, 9.5/10. BRAVO! Whoever was involved there, give them a raise!! The worst and most disappointing arc was the Omashu arc (episode 3). They tried to do too much in one episode, it seemed rushed, as a result, it was just a mess, 4/10. I almost gave up watching the rest of the show because of episode 3. It was like the director, scriptwriters, editors took the day off. Should have just concentrated on a favorite arc and run upwards with it (my preferred would have been a way better King Bumi arc, drop the Jet, Teo and badger mole arcs). Or give them entire episodes each. I repeat, episode 3 was a mess, very disappointing. Second (2), everywhere else (that is not the Kyoshi island arc), the acting still needs a lot of improvement (which means the director needs to step up as well and bring it out of the actors). I rate the acting as follows: Aang (6), Katara (6) lacks emotion, Sokka (6) needs to be funnier/goofyer, Azula, Sozin, Ozai (5), Iroh (6). I think these actors did a way better job in portraying their characters: June (8), Zhao (8.5), Zuko (8.5), Avatar Kyoshi (9), Suki (9), Yukari (9). Third (3), the characters as they were presented have too many flaws. Azula is too weak rather than scary/powerful or frightening/intimidating. Maybe she could have played the part Toph better, but needs to act tougher. The old movie had a better Azula. The actress who played June (bounty hunter) would have made a way better Azula. Sozin was too friendly looking, doesn't look like anyone who wants to conqueror anything. Ozai though they got the look right didn't appear scary and overpowering/intimidating/bent on conquest. Mai and Tylee - almost invisible. Would have preferred more airtime and character development of them rather than Jet and Teo arc mess of episode 3. Fourth (4), the Northern Water Tribe arc, I thought it was just OK, the storytelling of animated version was just way better. The actors for Yue and Pakku, I think they did a good job, 7 each. Overall, I give the live action season a 7/10. Will watch season 2.

As a longtime fan of "Avatar: The Last Airbender," I approached Netflix's adaptation with cautious optimism. Unfortunately, what I found was a series that fell short of capturing the magic and depth of the original.

One of the most glaring issues was the lackluster dialogue. Lines that were iconic in the original series were either altered beyond recognition or delivered with a lack of emotion. For example, the pivotal moment when Aang emerges from the iceberg and speaks to Katara lacked the sincerity and charm that made the scene memorable. Instead of the heartfelt exchange between two characters meeting for the first time, it felt forced and flat.

Aang: "I need to ask you something. Please, come closer." Katara: "What is it?" Aang: "Will you go penguin sledding with me?"

Moreover, the adaptation failed to capture the essence of the characters. Aang, Katara, and Sokka lacked the depth and development that made them so beloved in the original series. Instead of complex and nuanced personalities, they felt one-dimensional and uninspired.

Overall, Netflix's adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" missed the mark. While the visual effects were impressive and the production value was high, it ultimately failed to capture the heart and soul of the original series. Fans of the original will likely be disappointed by this lackluster adaptation.

Rating: 6/10.

No misunderstanding, I'm loving the latest Netflix live action series. I've really liked One Piece, Yu-Yu Hakusho and Avatar, and I finally see that things are being done right.

The issue with Avatar is another: it's born from a cult series that is very difficult to fill. On the one hand, it has effects that are sometimes very noticeable in terms of green screens. On the other hand, between chapter 3 and 6, so many stories are mixed together that it's a literal mess. We have a good cast, but perhaps the weakest point is Ang himself during some moments. Chapter 2 was a delight, I really liked 7 and 8. It feels like there isn't as much chemistry between the main trio and perhaps the Ang-Katara ship wasn't seen at all during this season. The best thing for me is the Zuko and Ioh plot that develops very well. Well, that's why the title of my review: given the original material, it can and should give more...I look forward to the next seasons.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is based off the animated series of the same name. It takes place in a world that is divided into 4 different nations, each nation is made up of an element (Fire, Water, Air and Earth). The Avatar is the only one who can master all 4 elements and the one who brings balance between all the nations until one day the Fire Nation decides to invade. The Avatar is the only one who can stop them but he suddenly disappears. A hundred years later a new Avatar named, Aang, emerges. With some help from friends he must master the elements to bring peace and balance back to the world. I have to admit that I've never seen the animated series or movie so I went into this with no expectations or prior knowledge of the series. I've read good things and the trailer looked good so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it. I thought it was going to be more aimed to younger audiences but it's enjoyable for everyone.