Synopsis: Avatar Aang, the world’s last Airbender, learns of an ancient power that could save his culture from extinction. With the help of his friends, he embarks on a global quest to find it before it falls into the wrong hands and threatens to upend the peace they sacrificed everything to achieve.
Progress or power, what do you really want? Throughout time, those without power, wealth, or wide-reaching influence have fought for equality and a seat at the table in hopes of helping their neighbors and those worse off than themselves. However, some let being powerless consume them and eventually will stop at nothing to get it, ultimately becoming the very thing they despise. Will a taste of power always consume us, or are there those of us that actually want a cohesive world that benefits us all? Perhaps the answer is a bit more complicated. That said, I know my answer; you decide yours.
“This could be the final step to rebuilding the world.”
When the world was on fire, Aang and his friends fought tirelessly to restore peace and learned a lot along the way. Now that they’re all grown up, can their experience help them stop a new force that threatens their new home and the peace they have achieved? Directed by Lauren Montgomery, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is a gust of nostalgia that feels too expansive to be a passing breeze. Without a doubt, this should’ve been a series. Even if only one season, this movie and the story it presents offer too much unexplored lore, character growth, conflict, and bending possibilities to be just a snack in a universe we know is expanding.
Along with its titular character, the animation has matured, donning a more vibrant, sophisticated, and cinematic aesthetic. Moreover, there’s a more traditional anime appeal. The anguished-filled journey of the Avatar is one of guilt and distrust, but beats with hope in its heart and unity and harmony at its core. While it lacks some of the charm and warmth of the series that bore it, the wonder and beauty remain as the action is dialed up. And while the stakes feel immensely high as a dark cloud of death and destruction envelops one of the most jubilant and life-altering discoveries in the history of the Avatar universe, there’s the lingering notion that with this taking place decades before the established The Legend of Korra series, we already somewhat know what the outcome will be. While it may not be a difficult task, you do have to suspend that knowledge to be fully present.
“A new Air Empire will rise. Kill them all!”
All that said, the action is intense and incredibly stunning. There are bending techniques that we have never seen that even stun Aang in more ways than one. With the introduction of Tagah, voiced by Dave Bautista, a formidable force bearing the markings of an ally, and the Denied, a group that is seemingly a precursor to the Equalists who are vehemently unhappy with the power imbalance between benders and non-benders, conflict happens early and often. As Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Katara have worked together to build Republic City, a place where all nations are welcome to live together in harmony, that peace soon faces a potential chaotic future as an unfathomably powerful staff of myth, once wielded by an ancient Avatar, is in danger of being found. It’s up to Avatar Aang to get the gang back together, Appa and Momo included, to stop those who seek it.
Leading to a treacherous quest where an untold history is learned, and trust and friendships are tested; lives are also lost. And eventually becomes about redemption. The depth of where this journey could’ve and should’ve gone is exactly why this should’ve been a series, and unfortunately, the movie feels rushed. What unfolds is a season’s worth of story crammed into a single outing. It’s like eating at a buffet of all your favorite foods, but the restaurant closes in 99 minutes and will never open again; there’s no time to try everything. The brief character catch-ups, the windstorm of introductions, and the rush through of history are not enough. And sadly, that also meant that, while the action we get is dazzling, the use of bending by all those who can is a mere dust-up compared to the complete unhinged, overpowered, Super Saiyan, omega-level bending storm we could’ve gotten with episodes.
Nevertheless, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender does scratch that nostalgic Avatar itch. The animation is beautiful, the score is transportive, and the airbending is impeccable, but again, we need more. If you’re looking for that fun, action-packed, superpowered high school reunion vibe, then look no further. There is a lot to enjoy about this cataclysmic adventure, but it also leaves much to be desired. You’ll no doubt enjoy splashing around in the waterbent pool of what should’ve been; who knows, maybe they’ll properly revisit this time period in the future. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pace & Pop
If this movie were released in the early 2010s, not long after the original series ended, or even right after The Legend of Korra, the pacing could be justified. Unfortunately, being so far removed from both results in an incredibly rushed pace. The story badly wants to catch up with everyone from the group, but instead speed-rushes the re-introductions and nosedives into conflict. Fortunately, by the time it reaches the middle of the tumultuous adventure, you’re mostly concerned with how and if it ties into the series it’s a prequel to. What really pops is the film’s twist. The ominous vibe that lingers for a beat makes the turn rather predictable; however, it’s explosive nonetheless.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Eric Nam (“Aang”), Dave Bautista (“Tagah”), Jessica Matten (“Katara”), Román Zaragoza (“Sokka”), Steven Yeun (“Zuko”), Dionne Quan (“Toph”), Freida Pinto, Ke Huy Quan, Taika Waititi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Ronny Chieng, and Ken Jeong, Dee Bradley Baker (“Appa” and “Momo”)
Because we are so accustomed to the youthful voices of Aang and the rest of Team Avatar, hearing them as adults is a tad jarring initially. Nevertheless, after settling into a mostly new audible experience, the cast delivers great performances. Dave Bautista as Tagah is easily the standout. Not only do his deep, unshakable vocals fit the character visually, but he perfectly captures the pain and anger that drive and cloud Tagah’s ambitions. Eric Nam captures the blinding hope and desperation of Aang. Jessica Matten’s Katara continues to be the nurturer and voice of reason that she’s always been. Now, the self-proclaimed greatest earthbender, Toph (Dionne Quan), is easily bored when not challenged and is occasionally driven by her baser urges. Román Zaragoza’s Sokka has not changed an ounce. He is still down for any adventure and still exaggerating stories. Steven Yeun’s Zuko took more of a backseat than expected and seemed to be mentally distant and a little too cooperative without the pushback you’d expect. And then there’s Appa and Momo, who are still more important than they let on.
Prior to Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender premiering on July 25th on Paramount+, a fan screening took place on July 24th in Ballroom 20 at SDCC. Stay safe and stay woke.
Rated: PG Runtime: 1h 39m Director: Lauren Montgomery Screenplay: Tim Hedrick and Christopher Yost Story: Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, Tim Hedrick and Kenneth Lin Producers: Latifa Ouaou, Maryann Garger, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino Co-directors: Steve Ahn and William Mata Based on the Animated Series Created By: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is a gust of nostalgia that feels too expansive to be a passing breeze. Without a doubt, this should've been a series. Even if only one season, this movie and the story it presents offer too much unexplored lore, character growth, conflict, and bending possibilities to be just a snack in a universe we know is expanding.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
