Avatar - La leggenda di Aang

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 know Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most popular and loved animated shows of all time. They even tried to make a movie about it back in 2010 the is universally panned. The animated series has a 9.4 rating here and the movie only a 4.0 so people have been hungry for a good live adaptation of the animated series for a long time. It's finally here. It's almost impossible to please everyone who liked the original animated series because everyone has their own expectations on how it should be and they hate when it differs even a little from the original. They don't seem to understand how they don't have the luxury of having unlimited episodes and get go as in depth as the original, it has to be adapted into only 8 episodes per season. I had no problem at all, I liked this series so much that I binged all 8 episodes in only 2 days. I just couldn't stop watching and already looking forward to next season.

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.

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.

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.