Avatar: The Last Airbender

At long last, Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender has arrived. And I must say, I didn't necessarily care for it too much. This calls for the classic line: If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.

I wasn't swayed one way or the other. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. It kind of just exists. I couldn't help but compare everything in the show to the original cartoon. (One of the best TV shows ever in my book.) Everything was done in its shadow.

At one point I was watching with my brothers and we were like "this is kind of mid. We should just watch the cartoon." And that's what we did. I think that tells you all you need to know.

I heard someone say that this was on par with Disney's recent live action remakes. Mostly soulless remakes. And I would have to agree.

The best part of this show is the casting I would say. The acting is just ok though.

Overall, I didn't care too much for it.

I really loved the animated Series of Avatar, watched it so many times.

Good things : Although this season is much better than last flop movie but they missed so many things. CGI is much better, effects and fights are really good. Bending effects couldnt be better .

Bad things : The fun of characters was nowhere to be seen. Sokka was suppose to be a funny guy but they made him look so angry all the time. Same goes for bhoomi and Iroh.

Story has been changed much enough that for person who never watched it wouldnt understand all of it.

Dialogues and script is so cringe at some places. Specially dialogues of kitara and sokka. Unnecessarily trying to fit the dialogues of animated series without setting up the whole script .

So its 6/10 for me.

My daughter and I recently completed the 8-episode series Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024) on Netflix. The storyline unfolds in a world where tribes are aligned with the elements-Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Some members of each tribe can "bend" or control their respective elements, while only one person, the Avatar, has mastery over all four elements. After the Avatar disappears for over a hundred years, the Fire Nation seizes the opportunity to attempt world domination. Meanwhile, children from the Water Tribe stumble upon the long-lost Avatar, possibly just in time to save humanity.

This series is directed by Michael Goi (American Horror Story), Roseanne Liang (My Wedding and Other Secrets), Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space), and Jet Wilkinson (Home and Away). It stars Gordon Cormier (The Stand), Kiawentiio (Beans), Ian Ousley (Young Sheldon), and Daniel Dae Kim (Lost).

This live-action adaptation does an impressive job recreating the Avatar universe, characters, and storyline. While some of the acting feels slightly uneven, and a few character designs may not entirely match the animated series, overall, this is a commendable relaunch. The universe is stunning, especially the creatures and visual effects for bending. The bending abilities look fantastic, adding to the visual appeal. There are also well-incorporated subplots and side stories from the original cartoon. The characters' struggles are well-portrayed, and the series ends at a fitting point. There's a lot to appreciate here.

In conclusion, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a solid live-action relaunch of the beloved animated series. I'd give it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

Sooo, all in all, I think this is a decent adaptation with an okayish casting, though the acting and scripting is a little lacking. The characters seem at times too grim, or lacking the humor that defined them.

Aang is a great choice as an actor, but the character is far too mature, instead of the kid he is supposed to be. Katara is more somber than in the animated version, and she and Aang lack chemistry. Originally I didn't like Zuko's actor choice (Zuko is my favorite character), but he grew on me by the end. Uncle Iroh is pretty good, but like could've been better? He seems too somber as well. I mean he's ok, but he doesn't inspire in you the ways the original uncle Iroh did, if that makes sense. I did not like the Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee castings at all. However Sokka is perfect. I think the actor is a tremendous choice that embodies Sokka both in looks and in character.

The plot is kinda messed up at times, with plot holes and some scenes that could've been done better. But overall I enjoyed watching the series and the special effects were amazing. But I felt that it lacked the epicness of the animated series.

I'm excited for seasons 2 and 3 though, to see where it goes.

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.