Okay, so....since I have been so horrible at updating since Cecilia was born I am finally setting a plan in action. I hope to post one comic a week, on Monday - starting today.
On another note (for anyone who is actually still reading this blog) I am a HUGE Avatar the last airbender fan. I was incredibly excited when I heard that a live-action version was being made (though, it is completely unnecessary). I was even excited that Shyamalan was directed - despite critics I have always been a supporter of him.........that is.........until "The Happening" happened. But, I was hopeful, after all he had great material to work with. And, despite somewhat gloomy-looking trailers I was still optimistic.....
But the movie was not good. The main problem being that they removed all humor from the series and they changed the pronunciation of all the characters' names (why, I will never understand). There was also stiff acting, slow battle sequences, harsh editing (I think it would be difficult for a first-timer to understand the plot), and completely unnecessary narration (why tell us when you can show us). Upon the first viewing I hated it and hated how it ruined an excellent animated series that will probably suffer due to the movies ratings - the quality of the film has nothing to do with the animated quality of the animated series. But, after watching the entire series again and then re-watching the film (yes, I've only seen this on a downloaded camcapture version) I actually didn't find it quite so horrendous. The film still lacked any real character development (except maybe for Zuko) and Aang lost all personality (as did Katara and Sokka), but the writing wasn't as bad as I thought it was upon first viewing. In fact, I can understand some of the plot decisions and approve of some changes to the locations of certain events.
In the end, I don't think the movie deserves as much harsh criticism as it gets from those who weren't fans of the series. It was actually enjoyable when viewed as a film separate from the series. There is so much potential to make an incredible second film, but I fear it will never happen and I'm sad to not get to enjoy more of a wonderful franchise.
OK, rant over and done with - Watch the animated series!!!
6 comments:
Yay! I heartily approve of this plan, as I have missed your comics but totally appreciate why they had been postponed!
Thanks ^_^
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Avatar movie. I love the animated series and I somehow doubt that I actually want to see the live action movie.
I certainly don't recommend seeing the movie at the theater (especially not in 3D - too expensive). But, it's worth a rental and the DVD will probably be available in a few months since the ratings are so bad. I never thought a live-action version was necessary, but it could've been fun. Oh well, this'll most likely be the end of it.
I am a big Avatar fan as well. I thought the movie was decent when viewed as a fan film. Just neat to see some of the stuff in live action. But, yes, the animated was a masterpiece in its own right. I caved and bought the series (when the movies came out Target had them $20 per season). But all in all I liked the movie ok. I want to see a second one though b/c I want to see Toph. (I think Chloe Moretz from Kick ass would be good).
sidenote: M. Night said the pronunciation changes were made to be more accurate. Like, Aang's name came from a chinese word but the word is actually pronounced Ong. And given that people have always said M. Night's first name wrong he wanted to be more accurate. I think it just alienated fans a bit and was dumb.
I agree that Shamalan ailienated fans by changing the pronunciations. It was too late to do something so drastic. I'm torn now, because the movie DVD is available and I feel I should support the effort of making a live-action movie, but at the same time I feel that the movie wasn't that great.....But if purchasing the DVD might help promote a sequel....then I might buy it. I would love to get to see Toph (Chloe Moretz would be a good choice) and I'd like to see the action sequences be as fast-paced and well-planned as the animation. There is just so much potential for a good live-action version. (I'm jealous you managed to get each season for $20, that seems like a good deal)
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