Summary
- The live-action
Avatar: The Last Airbender
series on Netflix disappoints with low critical ratings and uninspiring storytelling. - Critics critique the show for tonal confusion, lack of faithful adaptation, missed details, and failing to please both old fans and new audiences.
- Despite some positive reviews praising its faithful adaptation and character development, the series falls short of capturing the magic of the original animated show.
The reviews for Netflix’s highly anticipated live action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender are now in…and they’re not what fans had hoped for. The series, which is available to stream on Netflix from today, has debuted with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 63%, with many no doubt wondering which way the number will go as the reviews keep pouring in.
The reviews that have emerged, however, are sure to come as a disappointment to fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, who had hoped that Netflix would continue the success seen in the recent anime adaptation, One Piece. Kambole Campbell of Empire Magazine criticizes the show, calling it “uninspiring” and scoring Avatar: The Last Airbender just 2/5.
“Some canny casting choices can’t rescue the show from uninspiring craft and tonal confusion.”
The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han felt similarly, concluding that Avatar: The Last Airbender’s critically acclaimed animated original should have been left alone.
“Rather than breathe fresh life into a familiar world, this Avatar serves only to remind that some beloved properties might be better left on ice.”
Related Avatar: The Last Airbender Showrunner Felt ‘Intimidated’ Making Netflix Live Action Show Without Original Creators Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Albert Kim reveals that changes will be made when adapting to live action, while other parts will be strictly accurate.
Total Film’s Rollin Bishop, meanwhile, found that, by attempting to both appeal to die-hard fans and newcomers, the series ends up doing neither very well.
“Trying to please fans and newcomers alike makes for a middling, often baffling adaptation.”
The most scathing reaction to Avatar: The Last Airbender, though, comes courtesy of Discussing Film’s Rafael Motamayor, who concludes that even M. Night Shyamalan’s much-maligned version is preferable to this Netflix effort.
“At best, the show serves as a constant reminder of how amazing the original Nickelodeon cartoon was. At worst, it makes M. Night Shyamalan‘s 2010 The Last Airbender film feel like a mercy because at least that poor effort was only 2 hours long.”
Avatar: The Last Airbender Lands on Netflix Today
Thankfully, it’s not all bad, with Collider’s Therese Lacson finding some enjoyment in seeing the animated series brought to life. However, the storytelling pales in comparison to its predecessor…
“Its eight episodes hit the big highlights of the original show, but miss all the small detail that makes those scenes soar. While the new series starts strong, the cracks begin to show once it starts trying to braid together different storylines.”
Amid the criticisms, there have been some hugely positive reactions to Avatar: The Last Airbender. Jack Seale of The Guardian awards the series 4/5, and calls the adaptation a confident revival.
“The Airbender franchise has confidently revived itself; this won’t be the last we see of it.”
Screen Rant’s Mae Abdulbaki also found much to enjoy and commended the series for carrying the same spirit and focus on characterization as the animated original.
“The Netflix series is a rather faithful adaptation, carrying the spirit of the original through intricate details and proper character development.”
A live-action adaptation of the animated television series of the same name, Avatar: The Last Airbender follows a young boy known as the Avatar who must master the four elemental powers to save a world at war — and fight a ruthless enemy bent on stopping him.
Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Gordon Cormier, Dallas Liu, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Elizabeth Yu, and Daniel Dae Kim,
Avatar: The Last Airbender
is now available to stream on Netflix.
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