Avatar: The Last Airbender

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.

First (1), the best arc that set the bar high in acting, casting, look and feel, storytelling, direction for Avatar is the Kyoshi Island arc (episode 2). They definitely got that right, 9.5/10. BRAVO! Whoever was involved there, give them a raise!! The worst and most disappointing arc was the Omashu arc (episode 3). They tried to do too much in one episode, it seemed rushed, as a result, it was just a mess, 4/10. I almost gave up watching the rest of the show because of episode 3. It was like the director, scriptwriters, editors took the day off. Should have just concentrated on a favorite arc and run upwards with it (my preferred would have been a way better King Bumi arc, drop the Jet, Teo and badger mole arcs). Or give them entire episodes each. I repeat, episode 3 was a mess, very disappointing. Second (2), everywhere else (that is not the Kyoshi island arc), the acting still needs a lot of improvement (which means the director needs to step up as well and bring it out of the actors). I rate the acting as follows: Aang (6), Katara (6) lacks emotion, Sokka (6) needs to be funnier/goofyer, Azula, Sozin, Ozai (5), Iroh (6). I think these actors did a way better job in portraying their characters: June (8), Zhao (8.5), Zuko (8.5), Avatar Kyoshi (9), Suki (9), Yukari (9). Third (3), the characters as they were presented have too many flaws. Azula is too weak rather than scary/powerful or frightening/intimidating. Maybe she could have played the part Toph better, but needs to act tougher. The old movie had a better Azula. The actress who played June (bounty hunter) would have made a way better Azula. Sozin was too friendly looking, doesn't look like anyone who wants to conqueror anything. Ozai though they got the look right didn't appear scary and overpowering/intimidating/bent on conquest. Mai and Tylee - almost invisible. Would have preferred more airtime and character development of them rather than Jet and Teo arc mess of episode 3. Fourth (4), the Northern Water Tribe arc, I thought it was just OK, the storytelling of animated version was just way better. The actors for Yue and Pakku, I think they did a good job, 7 each. Overall, I give the live action season a 7/10. Will watch season 2.

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.

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.

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.