The Last Airbender Review Thread (Spoilers)

[4x12]

I just found an interesting read... don't know if it was posted before. If it was, sorry in not read on!

http://io9.com/5578518/what-the-last...e-movie-doesnt

[Vince Bond]

This movie might have been cool if you're six years old!! Brutal acting, decent but not awesome special effects and little kids doing Tai Chi for 2 hours. M. Night we're officially done, you stink!!

[donaldsonjune]

hello all,

maybe if the kung fu was bettter i would have liked it more. they should have hired the yuen woo ping crew (the matrix) for kung fu directing.

[Afrobean]

Originally Posted by gamma626

But the writing WAS bad. Terrible. And good special effects don't make a good movie.

It's funny, because I've heard these same faults levied against James Cameron's Avatar. Avatar has the benefit of having the name of a popular director attached to it though.

Originally Posted by TokyoLee

Me Racist,Yea Rite


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbender#Air_Nomads

It Says Chinese All Over this buddy

haha

Avatar draws inspiration from MANY Asian cultures, from Indian to Chinese to Korean to Japanese and plenty in-between. It also draws inspiration from NATIVE AMERICANS, the Inuits and the Mesoamericans. But nowhere ANYWHERE in the show are any of the RACES identified or even sources cited for the culture they "rip off", and in most cases, the racial appearance of a character is entirely ambiguous. Anyone who looks at Aang's face in the cartoon and says "yeah, he's asian" is a racist. Anime eyes don't equal Asian... or if they do, I guess the whole team of DC's Teen Titans are Asian now (save Robin maybe... his anime eyes are hidden under an opaque mask).

But the most racist thing about it was that the word "Chinese" was used instead of a more accurate descriptor like "southeast asian" or even just "asian". I find it intensely offensive when someone sees an Asian person and just flatly calls them "Chinese". It'd be like if someone saw an Indian person and called them Arabic. It's absurd.

Originally Posted by s00perd00per

Agreed. I mean, do people actually have to be told by the creators that some characters are Chinese or of Asian-descent? Isn't it already blatantly obvious from their names, their clothing, and culture?

That's incredibly racist. You basically just said "only asians can practice martial arts", "only asians can have a name like 'aang' even though that's not a real name in any asian culture", and "only asians can wear clothing designs inspired by asian customs".

They are Chinese Symbols for the Elements.

"only chinese people can speak chinese"

But they're not speaking Chinese anyway in the show. The world the story takes place in is not our own, they are not speaking Chinese or reading Chinese, even if that's what you might interpret. Think of Lord of the Rings: it is a high fantasy World unlike our own and they only speak English because of common convention; within their universe, the language they speak is not English (and in the case of Avatar, the writing they use is not Chinese).

It just so happened that the creative team behind the show decided to use a real-world language that meshed with the art design when written language needs to appear in the show rather than going to the trouble of inventing one (think: Futurama's alien language) or just using meaningless symbols (as is common in anime parodies). They could have just as easily used Sanskrit, Japanese, Korean, or any number of other southeast asian pictographic languages.

Originally Posted by 4x12

We where trying to figure who would play other certain key players in the next movies... for example, Toph. Shes a mean little earthbender, kinda cute in her own way... I'm thinking Meagan Fox. Shes gonna fit right in! And what about Suki?? And Jet?? nah... they might not include Jet.

Toph doesn't appear until part-way into Book 2. Shyamalan has gone on record saying that he intends to cast her as Asian, like most of the people of the people of the Earth Kingdom shown already. Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors were apparently supposed to be involved in the film in some way (probably a cameo), but don't appear in the film. Suki will probably be introduced later (which avoids the conflict of Sokka having two different love interests), assuming the sequels get made. Jet was cut because his story doesn't have an impact on the overall arc of Book 1. I think they could easily write around his being involved in Book 2 as well, although they could also just as easily introduce him on the spot to play his part in the political arc that runs through Book 2.

[4x12]

Originally Posted by Afrobean

haha

Anyone who looks at Aang's face in the cartoon and says "yeah, he's asian" is a racist.

What??? Are you F'ing serious?!?!?

Originally Posted by Afrobean

But the most racist thing about it was that the word "Chinese" was used instead of a more accurate descriptor like "southeast asian" or even just "asian". I find it intensely offensive when someone sees an Asian person and just flatly calls them "Chinese". It'd be like if someone saw an Indian person and called them Arabic. It's absurd.

Really? Arent you being a little too sensitive here? I really doubt that anyone here who uses the term "Chinese" means in a bad way or disrespectful way.

Originally Posted by Afrobean

That's incredibly racist. You basically just said "only asians can practice martial arts", "only asians can have a name like 'aang' even though that's not a real name in any asian culture", and "only asians can wear clothing designs inspired by asian customs".

Again, your flying off the handle here.... I don't think s00perd00per's comment was racist at all. He pretty much stated what most of us think. That doesn't make us racist! C'mon dude, chill out!

Originally Posted by Afrobean

"only chinese people can speak chinese"

But they're not speaking Chinese anyway in the show. The world the story takes place in is not our own, they are not speaking Chinese or reading Chinese, even if that's what you might interpret. Think of Lord of the Rings: it is a high fantasy World unlike our own and they only speak English because of common convention; within their universe, the language they speak is not English (and in the case of Avatar, the writing they use is not Chinese).

Well, according to this, someone somewhere in Avatar land is reading and talking chinese. You might just change your mind on that.

Originally Posted by Afrobean

It just so happened that the creative team behind the show decided to use a real-world language that meshed with the art design when written language needs to appear in the show rather than going to the trouble of inventing one (think: Futurama's alien language) or just using meaningless symbols (as is common in anime parodies). They could have just as easily used Sanskrit, Japanese, Korean, or any number of other southeast asian pictographic languages.

I don't know... ever think the creative team behind the show decided to use english because it was simpler for everyone ??

Originally Posted by Afrobean

Toph doesn't appear until part-way into Book 2. Shyamalan has gone on record saying that he intends to cast her as Asian, like most of the people of the people of the Earth Kingdom shown already. Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors were apparently supposed to be involved in the film in some way (probably a cameo), but don't appear in the film. Suki will probably be introduced later (which avoids the conflict of Sokka having two different love interests), assuming the sequels get made. Jet was cut because his story doesn't have an impact on the overall arc of Book 1. I think they could easily write around his being involved in Book 2 as well, although they could also just as easily introduce him on the spot to play his part in the political arc that runs through Book 2[/B].

And regarding my comment about Toph & Jet, I didn't ask to know when Toph is introduced into the show... I already know. I watched the series a few times also and I also said "in the next movie". And I also mentioned that Jet wouldn't be in there... go back and read it. And that Meagan Fox playing Toph comment, was meant as a joke... you know, wrong person/actor to play that role...and thats a decent part of the crew in the movie...

But dude, seriously calm the hell down... I find it pretty damn offensive that your calling out peoples comments as being racists... No one ever pointed anything in that direction, so I really don't know where your getting this B.S. from... maybe your reading too far in-between certain lines that arent there.

Well i'm off... after a 12pack and starting off my vacation I must say g'night!!

See y'all tomorrow!

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by 4x12

Any reason you won't see the 3D version? It actually looked very good and after watching it in 3D I wouldn't want to see it any other way.

I am just not a big fan of 3D at all, never was. I just prefer seeing movie in 2D.

[croseiv]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I am just not a big fan of 3D at all, never was. I just prefer seeing movie in 2D.

Saw it in 2D. I don't like 3-D either. It gives me a headache, and I'm not the slightest bit eager to adopt this new technology. Especially with all the the warnings that are coming with it...I just don't see how the current trend cand succeed.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by croseiv

Saw it in 2D. I don't like 3-D either. It gives me a headache, and I'm not the slightest bit eager to adopt this new technology. Especially with all the the warnings that are coming with it...I just don't see how the current trend cand succeed.

I find wearing the glasses over my own uncomfortable, after about 20 minutes it just become's annoying and pull's me out of enjoying the movie. I don't mind that people want to see it in 3D, good for them but I wish I was able to enjoy it the way I want. I will be missing Toy Story 3 because all the theaters in my neck of the wood are only 3D for that. When someone is forcing me into something just so they can squeeze a bit more money out of me, that make's me dislike it even more.

[croseiv]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I find wearing the glasses over my own uncomfortable, after about 20 minutes it just become's annoying and pull's me out of enjoying the movie. I don't mind that people want to see it in 3D, good for them but I wish I was able to enjoy it the way I want. I will be missing Toy Story 3 because all the theaters in my neck of the wood are only 3D for that. When someone is forcing me into something just so they can squeeze a bit more money out of me, that make's me dislike it even more.

I've also found that the majority of the time I like movies that get poor popularity ratings and not-so-good reviews. Some recent movies have been considered good by the majority which I just couldn't stomache (the Transformers sequel comes to mind-now that was a badly scripted movie!). The Last Airbender met my expectations, and I had a pretty good idea of what it was going to be like before seeing it. It's not a 1 or 2 star movie at all. The script is good and the acting/story is good. It is geared to the younger crowd.

[TokyoLee]

Originally Posted by 4x12

Well, according to this, someone somewhere in Avatar land is reading and talking chinese. You might just change your mind on that.

Reading that link and looking at the images showing the Wanted posters and about everything they use in the show is Chinese.Thanks 4x12 Hopefully that link will bring all this racist crap to an end.I still dont think anyone was being racist at all.

[s00perd00per]

Originally Posted by Afrobean

It's funny, because I've heard these same faults levied against James Cameron's Avatar. Avatar has the benefit of having the name of a popular director attached to it though.




haha

Avatar draws inspiration from MANY Asian cultures, from Indian to Chinese to Korean to Japanese and plenty in-between. It also draws inspiration from NATIVE AMERICANS, the Inuits and the Mesoamericans. But nowhere ANYWHERE in the show are any of the RACES identified or even sources cited for the culture they "rip off", and in most cases, the racial appearance of a character is entirely ambiguous. Anyone who looks at Aang's face in the cartoon and says "yeah, he's asian" is a racist. Anime eyes don't equal Asian... or if they do, I guess the whole team of DC's Teen Titans are Asian now (save Robin maybe... his anime eyes are hidden under an opaque mask).

Do you even know why Anime eyes are like that? So by that logic, any Japanese character in an Anime that is specifically set in Japan are not Japanese because they have "Anime" eyes. Anime artists don't use big eyes to specify race but rather it is an artistic choice because it allows for more exaggeration and expressiveness in the character. So yes, it's pointless to determine a character's race based on their eyes.

Originally Posted by Afrobean

But the most racist thing about it was that the word "Chinese" was used instead of a more accurate descriptor like "southeast asian" or even just "asian". I find it intensely offensive when someone sees an Asian person and just flatly calls them "Chinese". It'd be like if someone saw an Indian person and called them Arabic. It's absurd.


That's incredibly racist. You basically just said "only asians can practice martial arts", "only asians can have a name like 'aang' even though that's not a real name in any asian culture", and "only asians can wear clothing designs inspired by asian customs".

"only chinese people can speak chinese"

Wow! Are you for real? I admire you for trying to be politically correct but there's a difference between being politically correct and just being absolutely IGNORANT. I think what you're doing is a lot worse because by trying to be politically correct, you are DENYING Asian people or the Chinese for that matter their culture and for being recognized as Asian. You're saying, "No they're not Asian because it's not only Asians who can wear clothes like that or it's not only Chinese people who can talk Chinese." Avatar is great because it promotes certain Asian cultures especially the Chinese, which is under-represented in US television. But instead of trying to promote that there are people like you who try to deny it by saying they are not Chinese or are not Asian because the creators of the show don't specifically mention it. So if anyone's racist here, it's you, because you are denying the right of Asians to be recognized. And if you have to ask, I am Asian and I am proud of it.

Originally Posted by Afrobean

But they're not speaking Chinese anyway in the show. The world the story takes place in is not our own, they are not speaking Chinese or reading Chinese, even if that's what you might interpret. Think of Lord of the Rings: it is a high fantasy World unlike our own and they only speak English because of common convention; within their universe, the language they speak is not English (and in the case of Avatar, the writing they use is not Chinese).

They don't speak Chinese because it's shown and originated in the United States. It's that simple. In other non-English speaking countries, it's either subtitled or dubbed to their own language.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Originally Posted by Afrobean

It's funny, because I've heard these same faults levied against James Cameron's Avatar. Avatar has the benefit of having the name of a popular director attached to it though.

Thats all you can come up with? That's it? No one mentioned that film here. No one. Especially me.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Has anyone seen The Last Airbender yet? Its obvious the special effects are top-notch but is it a good movie? Would a single adult enjoy it?

[Q?]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Has anyone seen The Last Airbender yet? Its obvious the special effects are top-notch but is it a good movie? Would a single adult enjoy it?

It's this years worst reviewed movie according to Rottentomatoes... So I dunno.

[MyBlu-rayBrotherEd]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Has anyone seen The Last Airbender yet? Its obvious the special effects are top-notch but is it a good movie? Would a single adult enjoy it?

At the end of the day the only person who knows if you would enjoy it is you. Take into account that this movie has not been well revieved, and go in with an open mind. If you are interested in seeing it, give it a whirl.

[Chaotic]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Has anyone seen The Last Airbender yet? Its obvious the special effects are top-notch but is it a good movie? Would a single adult enjoy it?

i heard its as bad as Battlefield Earth. so take that as you want.

[Downhere]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Has anyone seen The Last Airbender yet? Its obvious the special effects are top-notch but is it a good movie? Would a single adult enjoy it?

I wrote a short review of it a few pages back...honestly, watch the cartoon and forget the movie exists. Also, the special effects aren't even that great.

[Marcus Wright]

I am going to open a new thread now, Clash of The Titans vs The Last Airbinder, which movie sucked more.

[TokyoLee]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

I am going to open a new thread now, Clash of The Titans vs The Last Airbinder, which movie sucked more.

The Last AirBender

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

i heard its as bad as Battlefield Earth. so take that as you want.

jeez, i mean the movie really didnt look all that great.. but as bad as Battlefield Earth