Friday, 28 November 2014

Vault Reviews: The Last Airbender (2010)

The absolute worst. An insult.


I despise this film. Basically that's the gist of this review. I adore the source material so I may be considered biased, however I have watched this from non-fans of the show and the reaction was similar. Not a single element in this mess works, not a single idea comes to fruition. So let's begin the burning.

The acting is atrocious. I cannot come up with any adjectives to properly describe how bad it is. It feels like a school play, or an April fools prank. Lines are delivered with no conviction, emotion or confidence and there is almost never any expression Only Dev Patel is able to maintain some dignity in this, and even he would be considered mediocre in any competent film. All the personality and depth found in the performances found in the show are totally nonexistent here.

Next, the unbelievably asinine writing. This is likely worse than the acting, and is frankly an insult on three levels:

1. To any fan of the show, its writing, its universe or its characters.

2. To any fan of film who has ever enjoys a written piece of dialogue.

3. To any human who has ever held a conversation or read a written word. 

Wooden, clunky and lacking any flavour or personality. The leaden exposition turns a magical and enchanting universe into a grey prison cell for creativity. It feels like the script has leeched every spec of power, fun or depth found in the source material. It isn't even funny, its infuriating and brain numbing. The acting in this film sucks, however I feel sorry for any actor who had to read these lines.

Furthermore, the visuals are pathetic. The effects are horribly outdated and limit the awe inspiring visuals and action of the show into becoming a crappy video game. No size, no weight, no impact. The worst that CGI has to offer. The production design is cheap and tacky, again wringing all the majesty of the show out and leaving a wilted husk behind. The same applies to the costume and make-up, which is probably even weaker due to some particular offences (Zuko's scar is barely noticeable, turning his 'horrific disfigurement' into a slight crease and reddening).

I could go into the changes from the show, and other such issues from the perspective of a fan, but that's not the point. This is not a complaint from the perspective of a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, or a film fan. This is from a person who has common sense and standards. This is an insulting piece of filth that showcases pretty much everything that can possibly go wrong when making a film. I don't believe in calling films 'evil' or 'dangerous' but this wreck might be the exception. I dare anyone to offer a hint of praise to this, thing.

Originally posted 23/9/14 on IMDB.com

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