I couldn't bring myself to watch the series at the time it was released. There was talk everywhere about the new Avatar: The Last Airbender, and so I fought the urge to watch it because of the hype, scared of being disappointed. The animated series was special to me as a child.
And now, having finished the last episode of the series, I wish it didn't end yet and that they had reached the end of the entire story. I was having mixed feelings, however, and it was about certain parts of the film. I had expectations, surely; some were met and maybe surpassed, others not so much.
You see, I was so much of a nerd for the animated series back when it was all we had. And that means that I had a keen eye on almost everything that was done on the film because I valued the Avatar story so deeply and, in a way, was going to "look out for it."
"A young boy known as the Avatar must master the four elemental powers to save a world at war—aand fight a ruthless enemy bent on stopping him." [Google]
It had been a very long time since I watched the animated series. And, although I was going to "keep a close eye" on everything, I had really forgotten many things about the story of The Last Airbender. It was while I watched the episodes of the new series on Netflix that certain things started coming back.
The first episode of the film was very crucial. It had to either pass or fail. The origin story of The Last Airbender is something that the filmmakers needed to get right, as that is where it all started. And so when I went through the first episode and it felt "just right to me," I had a feeling that I was in for a ride.
For me, the story of how Avatar Aang became the last airbender, lived through 100 years, found a few people he would truly call friends, and met his arch nemesis was just the same in this live action series as it was in the animated series.
I had feared that Netflix making their own adaptation of the film was going to ruin it for me, considering that they have a thing wanting to appeal to a variety of ideologies, leading their stories from true context. Thankfully, however, they worked with Nickelodeon on it.
The filmmakers did well to translate things from the animated series to the live-action series in a way that maintains realism and originality, striking a graceful balance to keep the live-action enjoyable. For example, the bending we see in the live action is something to really appreciate for how it was portrayed—in an exciting and captivating way that stays true to the original.
There were only eight episodes in this first season of the live-action series. And because of that, the way the entire story is told is a bit different. The timeline wasn't exact, and it was as though some things were mixed up or compressed. It didn't matter much, though, as the story writers managed to maintain the important parts of the film, at least crucial for the story's development.
I like to think that the heart of the film lies within the characters and how connected they are to themselves. The character development was handled properly in this live-action film and accurately depicted in the animated series.
The actors in this film felt as though they were individually passionate about the project. Each one of them represented their characters with so much soul and excellence. I totally commend every single one of them.
Eight episodes were never going to portray the entire Last Airbender story, as expected. So we find the first season of the live action to end somewhere in the early parts of the main story. I had mixed feelings about that because that's around where previous live action by Paramount Studios in 2010 had stopped and never continued.
Thankfully, Netflix announced the renewal of the show for seasons 2 and 3. So we know that the film is going to continue with the story. My hope and expectation is that they maintain the energy at least.
The live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender by Netflix (in partnership with Nickelodeon) is a film to appreciate for how it strikes a balance between following the original story and keeping it entertaining. It's something that both longtime fans and new viewers would both enjoy. Definitely a 9/10.
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A series that achieved a great impact on all social networks due to the way they presented this new version to us and in my case I already managed to see it and it was really quite impressive how they put it together, despite being live action, some things that I didn't like them, since the essence of the original version of Avatar is lost, without a doubt we will continue waiting and see what will happen in the next seasons of it. The good thing is that again the name avatar was named.
Sometimes, when we think of how it isn't always so easy to implement books and animated films into live action, we might just want to cut them some slack. At the very least, they were impressive to some extent. And they had a pretty good start. Hopefully, you may enjoy the next seasons more.
That is a job that requires a lot of practice and now we have to wait for the next seasons.
I was skeptical too at first making me postpone till I finally finished it. I’ve watched the animated version lots of times so I didn’t want my childhood ruined like how that other Avatar movie ruined it😅.
Thankfully, Netflix did good. Though, some details were missed, I actually think they did good.
So you did watch the previous live action by Paramount? That thing, to me, was rubbish. I mean, the Avatar there didn't even have his tatoo to be blue as we know it in the animated series. And then they didn't even finish the film. Nonsense people. I am glad Netflix and Nickelodeon did a very good job with this one.
Hey Jay, I totally get where you're coming from. As a huge fan of the original animated series, I was also hesitant about diving into the live-action adaptation. But your review has me feeling optimistic!
It's reassuring to hear that the filmmakers stayed true to the heart of the story while adding their own unique touch. Can't wait to check it out myself.
Thanks for sharing your honest
I am glad you found my review useful and that it made you optimisitic. If you ever get the chance to watch it, I hope you share your thoughts on it. Enjoy yourself, man.
I am a lover of the legend of Aang and the truth is that I liked the live action, although honestly episode 3 and 4 bored me a little, but then they picked up the story again in a striking way.
Oh, really? I actually enjoyed those episodes. It was the fifth that I found boring as he spent time in the spirit world. But then, the film was generally exciting.
Agree with your review. I was also apprehensive as I am about all anime to live action translations. But like One Piece before it they have hit this one out of the park too. Hope to see the complete story!
If this first season wasn't this successful, I may not be as interested in the next two seasons as I am now. Unlike you, though, I am not an anime fan. I have nothing against it, though. I just haven't explored it yet. What's your favourite anime?
I actually love Manga. And from that end up enjoying a lot of anime and animation. My favorite one is Rurouini Kenshin. I also love many coming of age or sports mangas like Initial D, Hinomaru Sumo, Yomamushi Pedal, Prince of Tennis, Hikaru no Go, Hajime no ippo etc. :D
This is a nice review and like you stated, while watching the movie a wave of nostalgia passed through me as certain events clicked with that of the original animated series.
Oh, so Becky watched Avatar as a child too? That is very interesting! Let us see if they will keep the energy. I really hope they do.
Fingers crossed Jay.
As a fan of the original show, I think this remake was ok, in my opinion the three main characters are bland compared to the animated series. Hope the creators of the show improve on that for the next seasons.
I understand that. I feel like the characters are a tad bit different than in the animated series. But then, I think they are only just a little more mature in this live action by Netflix. Let's see what they do about it in the next seasons.
I'm glad Netflix got it right with this series. The series lived up to expectation. I agree on the fact that 8 episodes are not enough to do justice to it. I wish there were more.
I hope we will get more like they have promised. I am eagerly waiting to enjoy more of what they have for us.
Yo espero que esta serie de verdad reivindifique el nombre de avatar el maestro del aire el anime
Let's see what they do in the next two seasons.
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