Avatar: The Last Airbender

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.

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.

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.

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.

I understand that adapting a cartoon series scene by scene into a live adaptation is impractical. However, removing the lead character's pivotal arc, which was integral to the essence of the original story, weakens the storytelling. The Aang portrayed lacks the innocence and depth of the 12-year-old protagonist we grew to love; instead, he's presented as a young adult novel archetype warrior.

Moreover, the characters seem to lack the comedic traits that defined them, resulting in scenes that feel devoid of emotion and overly somber.

The direction feels stagnant, with characters rigidly placed and delivering exposition rather than engaging dynamically with the world around them.

Numerous unnecessary changes detract from the impactful moments, surprising reveals, and character development that made the original series so compelling.

While I appreciate the efforts put into the visuals and action sequences, they shouldn't be the sole focus of a production with such a substantial budget.