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 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.

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.

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.

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.