I’ve just finished watching the Netflix live action series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and I’m already excited for more. As a kid I loved the animated show and I didn’t hate the movie that everyone despised. People who treat it like the worst movie ever to exist clearly have not seen Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. I felt too old for The Legend of Korra and just couldn’t enjoy the few episodes I did watch – plus a nagging woman is the main protagonist.
Just like One Piece, Netflix has managed to create a brilliant adaptation to the anime. They seem to be committed to harnessing an already existing audience and doing it in a way that doesn’t annoy them. It seems that their stock halving in 2022 has been the best thing that could have happened to this company, because it forced them to start making content that people would actually enjoy. Compare this to the Death Note movie that Netflix created in 2017 and the difference in care is obvious.
Some of the acting is kind of cringe worthy and Aang’s crying at the end of episode 1 is so poor that they felt like they needed to just make him CGI for most of it. The other noticeable problem is that some of the CGI in general looks goofy – but overall it’s acceptable and you get use to the style pretty quickly. I also have mixed reaction to the casting for various roles. I checked the age of the young lady who plays Katara and you’ll unfortunately have to wait until Season 2 until I give my full review of her.
Overall I’ve felt some genuine emotion with this show. I was nearly tearing up in some parts and felt overly gleeful in other sections. It’s hard to describe, but I think the general corniness actually had me more empathetic as it was reminding me of a simpler and more nostalgic era. I’ve come to really appreciate the basic good versus evil dynamic over a blurred grey scale where everyone is trash. I’ve met people in real life that shine with light and ones that embody darkness. It’s as realistic as the constant grey that is so commonly presented by the media.
It’s a pretty universal plot that I think all ages can enjoy, so go watch it if you haven’t already. And remember… I am Vayne, The Last Vandal.
