The Last Airbender

[Saya]

http://i34.tinypic.com/2dhg2nn.jpg

M. Night Shyamalan lines up his cast for 'The Last Airbender'. (http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/12/shyamalan-casts.html?xid=rss-hollywoodinsider-Shyamalan%20lines%20up%20his%2 0cast%20for%20'The%20Last%20Ai rbender')


M. Night Shyamalan has found the cast for The Last Airbender, his upcoming live-action film based on the popular anime-inspired Nickelodeon series. The youthful group is mostly filled with unknowns who are likely to be household names by the time Paramount opens the first in its potential three-film franchise in July 2010. After an open casting call in Texas, Shyamalan discovered karate star Noah Ringer and offered him the part of Airbender's 12-year old hero, Aang, an Avatar with superpowers who must stop the Fire Nation from destroying the world. Twilight's Jackson Rathbone has been asked to play Aang's pal Sokka, while Nicola Peltz (Deck the Halls) will star as his sister Katara. Genial singer Jesse McCartney, meanwhile, is negotiating to play against type in the role of the Fire Nation's evil prince Zuko.


http://i38.tinypic.com/334kwf6.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2znvomq.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/30jjtqx.jpg

[Sycophant]

I am uber-curious about this project.

[Stay Puft]

http://i33.tinypic.com/jaw8c7.gif

[Dukefrukem]

huh? Is this for real? Does he have kids or something??

[Sycophant]

http://i33.tinypic.com/jaw8c7.gif

Expound?

[Watashi]

Hmmm.

[KK2.0]

Dunno what to say about it either, never watched the show although i've heard pretty good things and i'm actually curious to watch Shymmy doing something that he didn't wrote.

[Watashi]

Dunno what to say about it either, never watched the show although i've heard pretty good things and i'm actually curious to watch Shymmy doing something that he didn't wrote.
He is writing it.

[KK2.0]

He is writing it.

then it will suck :P

[Stay Puft]

Expound?

Fan of the show. Not of M. Night. This news is...

I don't even want to think about this. It might be different if he wasn't writing it, but probably not.

[Watashi]

I'd rather just rewatch Sozin's Comet.

[Saya]

I'd rather just rewatch Sozin's Comet.

I think I accidentally watched a large part of that on tv a few weeks ago. It was pretty awesome. However, it kinds sucks knowing what's going to happen in the end now, because I have only seen book 1 so far.

[Wryan]

I thought that said "genital singer" and didn't think twice about it. Also, Jackson Rathbone is pretty and probably doesn't deserve the awesomeness of his name.

[Wryan]

Also, what is with the apparent bald fetish of these characters?

[Watashi]

Also, what is with the apparent bald fetish of these characters?
Watch the show.

[Qrazy]

Well now that I know he's writing my interest level has plummeted to zero. I had hoped that with someone else working on the script he could potentially return to form but not going to happen I guess.

[Sycophant]

I guess I'm among the few who still harbor hope (if not faith) in Shyamalan's abilities. Admittedly, he's no great writer. But working within someone else's story might be the confines he needs to rein his self-indulgence in a bit.

[Skitch]

In the hands of an American director, I struggle to see this working. God I love the show, though.

[EyesWideOpen]

In the hands of an American director, I struggle to see this working. God I love the show, though.

You do know it's an american show right?

[Wryan]

Watch the show.

Nah. I'm guessing it "adds to their powers" or somethin.

/intentionally condescending?

[Skitch]

You do know it's an american show right?


Yes. I just think it would be handled better by the masters of martial arts cinema.

[transmogrifier]

So an Airbender basically, what, makes wind?

'Cos I can do that already.

[Thirdmango]

the show is so brilliant, I'm scared but happy also to see if it is done well.

[Sycophant]

Anyone heard/paid attention to Derek Kirk Kim's protest about the predominantly white casting of this film with ostensibly, identifiably Asian characters? He's had a petition going. Gene Yang's in on it. I can't tell how it's registered with the rest of the Internet, but you can find out more about what's going on on his website/blog (http://www.lowbright.com/).

Well, Jesse McCartney just dropped out of the cast because he'd rather play music and Zuko has been recast as Dev Patel. Derek's conflicted about this (http://derekkirkkim.blogspot.com/2009/02/advice-wanted.html) as, though it's an Asian in the cast, that leaves the only Asian presence in the four heroes the one whose family is an antagonistic force
and he later becomes one himself?

[Stay Puft]

Prince Zuko is the original antagonist in the show, although that changes. I've only seen book one, so I'm not sure how his relationship with Aang develops, but I accidentally read a spoiler that suggests he basically becomes a good guy.

Anyways, Dev Patel casting choice is hilarious, this will be an abomination, etc.

[Saya]

Aang & Zuko revealed (http://lastairbenderfilm.com/2009/05/22/meet-avatar-aang-and-prince-zuko/)

Aang:

http://i40.tinypic.com/10en22f.jpg

Zuko:

http://i43.tinypic.com/nzn6uv.jpg

[megladon8]

This is going to be so bad.

[lovejuice]

they look like two teenagers doing cos-play than being characters in a movie.

[Watashi]

Wow.

....

Wow.

[Watashi]

This is going to be so bad.
You should really watch the show. You'd like it a lot.

[megladon8]

You should really watch the show. You'd like it a lot.


Really?

Isn't it that show everyone talks about as being an Americanized version of anime?

I didn't realize it was something actually worth watching. I just thought kids liked it because, you know, they have terrible taste. Due to being 5.

[Watashi]

Dude... no. I thought the same thing until I watched it.

Plus, it has many fans on this board alone (Stay Puft, Saya, lovejuice).

It's not an American version of an anime. It blends both the very best of Eastern and Western animation. Plus Andrea Romano (Batman: TAS) did the voice casting, so it has excellent voic3 work (Mark Hamill voices the villain).

The character are insanely likable and the action is mindboggling.

I'd highly recommend it.

[megladon8]

Cool, well, I'll try and check it out.

I still think this movie looks and sounds terrible, though :)

[Watashi]

Cool, well, I'll try and check it out.

I still think this movie looks and sounds terrible, though :)
Well, yeah. The picture of Aang looks horrendous.

Here is the thread on the show: http://match-cut.org/showthread.php?t=788

[Skitch]

I loooooooove the show, yet have little hope for the movie being any better than Dragonball.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm pretty nervous about this. Aang has to be good or the film will fall apart. And that kid is so young. Plus, it's M. Night.

[Qrazy]

Really?

Isn't it that show everyone talks about as being an Americanized version of anime?

I didn't realize it was something actually worth watching. I just thought kids liked it because, you know, they have terrible taste. Due to being 5.

It's good. Watch it.

[Saya]

Cool, well, I'll try and check it out.

I still think this movie looks and sounds terrible, though :)

I'll also say that the show it really awesome. Definitely check it out. And it's only 3 seasons long, so it's not that much. :P

[Watashi]

A slightly better picture, but still bad. Where the fuck is the scar?

http://pics.livejournal.com/dndragonmare/pic/0006z494

[Winston*]

A slightly better picture, but still bad. Where the fuck is the scar?

It's there, just not very noticeable.

[Saya]

Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04XwyRPTQig) is a sneak peek of the trailer that will premiere on monday. There's a couple glimpses of the trailer.

[Watashi]

Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04XwyRPTQig) is a sneak peek of the trailer that will premiere on monday. There's a couple glimpses of the trailer.

They are actually referring it as "M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender".... :frustrated::frustrated:

[Kurosawa Fan]

They are actually referring it as "M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender".... :frustrated::frustrated:

Yeah, this is guaranteed to suck.

In other much better news, my son and I finished Book One and have Book Two waiting for us at home after our vacation. Quality stuff.

[Saya]

More bootleg footage (http://lastairbenderfilm.com/2009/06/22/ets-first-look-at-airbender/)

http://i39.tinypic.com/1zdvtpu.jpg

[Watashi]

Here's the non-bootleg version. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0ZjjMBXMpk&eurl=http%3A%2%2Flastairbender film.com%2F2009%2F06%2F23%2Fth e-last-airbender-teaser-trailer%2F&feature=player_embedded)

[Watashi]

This will be so lame.

I fear how Appa will be translated on to the big screen.

[lovejuice]

oh dear. everything about this is wrong. even i'm willing to believe in Shyamalan, but he's the wrong director for this.

[Saya]

Some articles on the movie. I still think Shyamalan can pull it off.


M. Night Shyamalan, Dev Patel Go Big With 'Last Airbender' (http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1614497/story.jhtml)

PHILADELPHIA — The lavish ice palace had gone silent. The Fire and Water nations were no longer waging acrobatic battle between its frosty walls, and from the snow covered steps to the blown-glass chandeliers hanging above the balconies, a beautiful tranquility had descended. Meanwhile, the production was in full, hectic swing across town, where another massive hangar housed another set for M. Night Shyamalan's gargantuan, fantastical adventure story, "The Last Airbender." Packs of extras wearing Samurai-like battle gear wandered here and there. Workers drilled and sawed and hammered. And Shyamalan and his star, Dev Patel of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame, were in the middle of it all, filming a pivotal fight scene.

Take after take, they kept at it, kept pushing to get it perfect, until the director decided to move on. "We'll live with it," Shyamalan said with a smile as MTV News watched from the sidelines.

Could this really be the same director who earlier in the day called himself a "complete control freak"? Or might Shyamalan — at the tail-end of a four-month production that is two-and-a half-times the size of any of his other movies, including hits ("The Sixth Sense") and busts ("Lady in the Water") — be growing as a filmmaker, concentrating on what he can control and trusting that his vision will deliver on the rest?

"I'm scared to death," he admitted. At the same time, though, he professed to savor the opportunity to become a student of film again, to learn what it takes to make such a big movie.

In that respect, he has something in common with the 19-year-old Patel. "It's crazy — I've just been thrown into the deep end," he told MTV News during some downtime on set. "It's a real stretch for me. At the start going into it, I was a bit naive, and I thought, 'This is just going to be a big laugh. I'm playing a cartoon character.' Then I got on set with everyone and read the script and M. Night's in front of me and there's a lot of soul-searching to be done."

"Airbender" is based on the hit Nickelodeon animated series. Set in a wholly imagined world, the film follows the Air, Water, Earth and Fire nations, each of which can manipulate one of the four elements. The Fire tribe — along with its Prince Zuko (Patel) — has been waging a century-long war against the other tribes, when a boy named Aang (12-year-old newcomer Noah Ringer) discovers he is the last person on the planet who has the power to control all four elements and thus bring about peace.

Other than the conversion to live-action, Shyamalan said the only significant change he made to the original story was to strip away the cartoon's more slapstick humor — "fart jokes," he laughed — that had been written into the TV show for the very youngest viewers. The director noted that his "Airbender" has similarities to franchises like "The Lord of the Rings," "Harry Potter" and "The Matrix" — plus, he declared, "me smothered all over it!"

That Shyamalan has even stepped behind the camera on this movie — if all goes according to Paramount's plan, "Airbender" will be the first in a trilogy — is something of a reversal for the director, as he's turned down numerous opportunities to helm big-budget franchises.

"I've been toying with a lot of the franchises and thinking about them and just never found that one with the perfect match that I could say something about myself," Shyamalan said.

Such an explanation jibes with what "Airbender" producer Frank Marshall told MTV News: Shyamalan preferred to enter into a franchise at the beginning to make an original mark, as opposed to picking up where another director's vision had left off.

Early Tuesday morning (June 23), MTV News debuted online the first video of that vision — an "Airbender" teaser trailer that Shyamalan conceived and shot himself, in which Aang shows off his martial arts skills and we get a glimpse of the epic scale of the film.

"Airbender" itself won't hit theaters until next summer. And Shyamalan and Patel still have a few weeks left before shooting wraps and they'll both have no choice but to "live with it."

"I'm not good at disappearing into a movie," the director confessed. "But I would love to find it where my accent is complementary to the piece."



Secrets And Glimpses Of The Last Airbender Filming (http://io9.com/5301315/secrets-and-glimpses-of-the-last-airbender-filming?skyline=true&s=x)

M. Night Shyamalan's recreation of the epic cartoon Avatar has released its first official footage of the airbending Aang. Plus, we went on set, and learned how Night brought the 16-foot tall and 40-foot long flying Bison, Appa, to life.

Last Tuesday io9 was a guest of Paramount, along with a few other reporters, on the set M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, The Last Airbender. We headed over to Night's favorite cinematic city Philadelphia, to see what the the director of The Sixth Sense would do with an expansive fantasy world. Night is, in a sense, building an entire world with only the cartoon and a specific, but loyal, following of fans to keep him in check (some of the biggest fans being his own daughters, who were the inspiration behind his tackling the project).

For those of you not familiar with the Avatar world, the fantastical realm is divided up into four nations: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. They lived together in peace, until the Fire Nation took out the other three, plummeting the land into war. Many years later, a bald little boy Aang (played by the adorable and new Noah Ringer) awakens to find he is the last of his kind, the Airbenders and the balance of the nation's future rests on his shoulders. Together with his newly acquired friends, a rowdy brother and sister pair Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) and the waterbending Katara (Nicola Peltz), the three set out to put the nation back on the track towards peace.

Unfortunately for them, the Fire Nation isn't too keen on the idea of Aang, and sends out a giant army after him (which you can see in the teaser) along with Prince Zuko (Slumdog Millionaire's Dev Patel) who's full of spite and anger. We're actually quite excited to see this total departure from Patel's previous role.

While I'm still not sure how this film is going to be marketed to those over 20 and unaware of the Airbender franchise, Night's new world certainly has a gorgeous backdrop going for it. Each set we walked on was more expansive and detailed than the last. The ice cave that holds the Moon Spirit was completely transformed into a strange and ethereal space, with a towering cherry tree looming over a reflecting pond. Every single blossom on the twisted branches was hand painted individually, with three different shades of pink. It truly felt like a mysterious oasis where brilliant green mold grows over ice.

But that wasn't even the kicker. Night has constructed a life size representation of the Fire Nation battleships, that can unleash furious fire power and where Dev Patel told us he'd spar with his crew. Dusty crumbling temples were erected, with gold statues of past Avatars, and even those can't compare to Airbender's pièce de résistance world-building moment, which just so happens to be the largest set ever built on the East Coast... which we're saving to tell you more about later.

So how much did they diverge from the cartoon, to make a story about warring nations and it's citizens who can bend the elements believable? Producer Frank Marshall explained that they have high hopes to stick to a PG rating. "I'm not even sure we want to get in the PG-13 realm," he explained.

But the director did have to whittle some things away. While taking a break from filming in the dusty floors of the North Air Temple Night told us what had to be cut: "I took away a little bit of the slapsticky stuff that was there for the little little kids, the fart jokes and things like that. We weeded that stuff away and the other stuff came out. We grounded Katara's brother, who's the comic relief in the show. We grounded him, and that really did wonderful things for the whole theme of the movie."

For a man building an entire world, he seems supremely calm and focused on set, but I was relieved to see that even he was at times overwhelmed by the sheer size of this project, "There are two and a half weeks left of not being as scared to death, but there were plenty of days where I was scared to death of what I'm doing." This film is really the first time Night has worked with elaborate CG backgrounds, or worked on constructing his own franchise, for that matter.

But I know you all want to know, what of Appa the giant white Sky Bison who flies? You've been asking ever since the film was announced. How will is it even possible to bring such a mythical creature to life? While we got to glimpse the enormous white furry top half of the magical six-legged creature (who will be part mechanical and part CG, the top half being mecha for the actors). Production Designer, Philip Messina, answered our Appa questions, reassuring us all that "I think once you see him on screen, you will see the Appa from the cartoon realm brought to life, but [that] still has the essence of his character. He has a character and a personality, he's an actor in the film to some extent."

Good luck getting those six-legs in order, guys. Even though the crew has recently wrapped filming, they still have a long road ahead of them.

[Saya]

Poster:

http://i41.tinypic.com/214wm79.jpg

[Kurosawa Fan]

Am I right in thinking he altered the symbols? They don't look right to me.

[Saya]

Yeah, now that you mention, the symbols look a little off.

[Ezee E]

I can safely say that I won't be seeing this.

[Dukefrukem]

When was the last time Shyamalan pulled anything off? 2002?

[Ezee E]

When was the last time Shyamalan pulled anything off? 2002?
Whenever Signs happened. Completely fell apart to me after.

The Village - *
Lady in the Water - **
The Happening - 1/2 *

[EyesWideOpen]

When was the last time Shyamalan pulled anything off? 2002?

Every movie he's ever made. He's one of the best working directors.

[Ezee E]

Every movie he's ever made. He's one of the best working directors.
Please defend The Happening. While I've seen some good criticisms for Lady in the Water, and a couple for The Village, I haven't seen one good response to The Happening. There's been attempts, but none that I would take into consideration.

[Qrazy]

I have zero faith in Shyamalan but the trailer looks passable. I know he has some talent as a visual director even if he's a shit writer and sometimes gets really bad performances (probably mostly the fault of his shit writing). So here's to hoping against hope that the film is at least decent and the trilogy is completed. I only watched half of The Golden Compass but as mediocre as it was I still kind of wanted to see the entire trilogy.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Please defend The Happening. While I've seen some good criticisms for Lady in the Water, and a couple for The Village, I haven't seen one good response to The Happening. There's been attempts, but none that I would take into consideration.

I gave it the old college try here (http://www.houseofhorrors.com/crypt/pages/recent_reviews/article_2237.shtml).

I dug the film's Pulse-lite atmosphere and Night's mean streak.

[number8]

12 episodes into first season. Pretty good stuff. I can already tell it's going to get better.

So far the highlight is that Aang/Zuko fight inside Zuko's cabin in episode 2.

[Watashi]

Jet is such an awesome character.

They better not fuck him up in the movie.

[number8]

It's definitely better than I thought it was. I've watched random episodes before and it seemed really bland. Watching it in order definitely helps.

[Watashi]

It's definitely better than I thought it was. I've watched random episodes before and it seemed really bland. Watching it in order definitely helps.
Just to let you know, if you're digging the first half, it gets A LOT better. The first half of season one is easily the weakest of the entire series.

"The Storm" is where it starts to pick up.

At least you've already watched what is regarded as the worst episode of the series (The Great Divide).

[number8]

Yeah, I can tell that they're just doing away with the kiddie one-offs first, and then things are picking up. It definitely has that feel.

[lovejuice]

Jet is such an awesome character.

They better not fuck him up in the movie.

agree. and his acrobatic fight scene with aang in the forest is simply amazing.

i don't think, he will be or should be in the movie though.


At least you've already watched what is regarded as the worst episode of the series (The Great Divide).

really? i quite like it. and i can think of worse episodes. the bad guy and gals taking vacation on the beach in season 3, for example.

[Watashi]

agree. and his acrobatic fight scene with aang in the forest is simply amazing.

i don't think, he will be or should be in the movie though.



really? i quite like it. and i can think of worse episodes. the bad guy and gals taking vacation on the beach in season 3, for example.
See, I'm like one of the very few people who enjoy The Beach.

It has nothing to do with the overall arc of the show, but it's so freakin' cheesy and goofy that I love it.

[Watashi]

Jet better be in the movie. He plays a pivotal role in Season 2.

[lovejuice]

It has nothing to do with the overall arc of the show, but it's so freakin' cheesy and goofy that I love it.
speaking of a filler episode, i love the mimesis one in which the whole crew watching the reenactment of their whole adventure on stage. it's brilliant. very hamlet-like. and i love the use of chinese traditional stage device.

[Watashi]

I can't wait until number8 is exposed to the awesomeness that is Toph.

[lovejuice]

Jet better be in the movie. He plays a pivotal role in Season 2.
i don't think the movie, with its time limit, should follow the series. it'll just be too much unless they are planning on at least five of them.

[number8]

The movie is just book 1. They'll probably focus solely on the water tribe and the legend of the Avatar.

[number8]

Finished Book 1. That finale was amazing. Obviously very Miyazaki inspired.

Unfortunately, Book 2 is not on Instant Watch.

[number8]

WHY SO SERIOUS?

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/EspanolBot/Screenshots/aange85.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/EspanolBot/Screenshots/katarafe2.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/EspanolBot/Screenshots/sokka9a0.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/EspanolBot/Screenshots/zuko10d.jpg

[number8]

I'll tell you what the movie really needs: THE BOULDER!!!!

[Qrazy]

Finished Book 1. That finale was amazing. Obviously very Miyazaki inspired.

Unfortunately, Book 2 is not on Instant Watch.

You can find the entire series here.

www.ovguide.com

[number8]

Man, Book 2 is so much better. A lot of the scenes on the show surprise me with their great writing.

Much love for the scene where Sokka and Suki are about to kiss, and in the background, the moon is between them, pretty much stopping them. So good.

[Watashi]

How far are you in Book 2?

There is one episode that will make you cry like a little girl.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Man. I just want to reiterate how awful this movie is going to be. Those pictures are embarrassing.

[Ivan Drago]

It would kill Dev Patel to show more than one emotion.

[number8]

Okay, okay, okay... I just finished the first episode of Book 3, and I'm gonna continue on, but I just want to stop by first and say HOLY FUCKIN SHIT, THIS SHOW IS SO AWESOME.

[Watashi]

I love you, 8.

[Watashi]

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/9164/uncanny20resemblance.gif

[Saya]

Okay, okay, okay... I just finished the first episode of Book 3, and I'm gonna continue on, but I just want to stop by first and say HOLY FUCKIN SHIT, THIS SHOW IS SO AWESOME.

Haha, awesome! Did you watch the whole second season in one day? :)

[number8]

THE BOULDER RETURNS!!!

[trotchky]

I think this movie will be bad.

[number8]

I'm done! That was really good. Some spoiler-free thoughts:

- Great characters. I love how they all matured, and I noticed that it fits with the Books, too, though I don't know if that's intentional. In Water, they were all light-hearted and wandering around, very loose. In Earth, the stories are more connected, the characters are more grounded and they all find their footing, especially Zuko. In Fire, it's all angsty, revenge-filled and facing up to challenges. Kitara's arc is very nicely done here.

- Fantastic action sequences. Very detailed, yet fluid, and epic. I think it rivals Justice League in intense animated action.

- The voices are great, but it's distracting for me when it has two major villains being voiced by Lex Luthor and The Joker. It was hard to get pass. I kept expecting Aang to hit puberty and have his voice turn into Kevin Conroy's.

- Iroh is easily my favorite character, next to THE BOULDER. I got teary-eyed at the finale.

- The music!!! Oh, man, great score. They need to reuse the score for the movie.

- There is no way M. Night Shyamalan can pull this off.


P.S. I want Eric Bana to play Sparky Sparky Boom Man.

[Watashi]

Sokka: Whoever took Aang and Toph left this.
Katara: If you want to see your daughter again, bring 500 gold pieces to the arena. It’s signed Xin Fu and The Boulder.
Sokka: I can’t believe it.
(Pause)
Sokka: I have The Boulder’s autograph!

[Qrazy]

- Iroh is easily my favorite character, next to THE BOULDER. I got teary-eyed at the finale.

Ah yeah when Iroh and Zuko are reunited, so brutal.

[number8]

Holy shit. The Boulder was voiced by MICK FOLEY? :eek:

Awesomeness scale just shot up again.

[number8]

Toph is pretty great.

Sokka: It's so dark down here! I can't see a thing!
Toph: Oh no, what a nightmare!
Sokka: ...Sorry.

[lovejuice]

Sokka: Whoever took Aang and Toph left this.
Katara: If you want to see your daughter again, bring 500 gold pieces to the arena. It’s signed Xin Fu and The Boulder.
Sokka: I can’t believe it.
(Pause)
Sokka: I have The Boulder’s autograph!

i was going into this show expecting sokka to be an annoying comedic relief. he turns out to be genuinely funny.

[Sycophant]

So season 1's on Netflix instant view? I'll start this soon.

[Watashi]

Indeed. Plus there's multiple sites out there to stream every episode.

It is my goal to get everyone hooked on Avatar.

[Watashi]

8, you should move on to The Spectacular Spider-Man next.

[Saya]

Some new set pics (http://lastairbenderfilm.com/2009/10/07/catching-up/)

I don't really like the look of Iroh. Too skinny perhaps?

And Aang doesn't seem to have much fun on the set.

[lovejuice]

And Aang doesn't seem to have much fun on the set.
not impressed either. and i still haven't seen any pic of aang that inspires confident. either he looks too effeminated, young, or...chubby.

[Sycophant]

So season 1's on Netflix instant view? I'll start this soon.

This was a lie.

[EvilShoe]

Finished the show, was awesome.

Movie looks terrible. The humor in the series is one of the best aspects! Typical Night would remove it.

[Saya]

Poster:

http://avatarmovie.files.wordpress.co m/2010/01/international1.jpg

[lovejuice]

Poster:

not feeling it. :frustrated::sad:

[Dead & Messed Up]

Welp, they did it.

They fucking did orange and blue (http://i.imgur.com/eTDM4.jpg).

Stop it stop it stop it!!!

[number8]

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2009/353/6/f/THIS_KEEPS_HAPPENING_by_Kimchi Crusader.jpg

[Sycophant]

Welp, they did it.

They fucking did orange and blue (http://i.imgur.com/eTDM4.jpg).

Stop it stop it stop it!!!

Y'know, orange-and-blue are nice-looking complementary colors, and really the only complementary colors available. Red-and-green look like Christmas and yellow-and-purple is effectively disqualified because lol purple.

Also, this movie gets a pass because of elements.

[Skitch]

I like the poster okay. I'm still hesitant until I see a full trailer with some dialogue...and M. Night...ehh...

[Dukefrukem]

test audience reaction


Harry,

Longtime reader of your site (since 98 or so) and I wanted to contribute what I experienced at my very first test screening.

I saw a test screening of "The Last Airbender" tonight at a theater in Glendale, Arizona. They said we were the 1st audience to see this, and based on what I saw, I hope it was the last audience because the movie was pretty horrible. I saw an extremely rough cut of the film (missing special effects and I assume music) but I seriously doubt they can go back and fix the acting.

Whoever cast this film should be taken to task, because, if this was the best group of actors you could assemble, I'd hate to see the ones you rejected. This was some of the most wooden acting I've ever seen. The lead child actor was the main culprit and he seemed amateurish compared to some of the others, his two friends weren't much better. Out of the adult actors, the guy who portrayed Commander Zhao should never be allowed to act again. His line reading was atrocious, especially when acting next to others such as Cliff Curtis (although he's been better) and Dev Patel . They were actually the only ones coming out of this one unscathed.

There were also some weird scenes here and there interjected throughout the movie. An oddly miss-placed scene featuring a foot massage as well as some corny attempts setting up romances. One scene that I laughed at (but was intended to be serious) is when a certain baddy punches a fish to death. The horror the horror!

The only redeeming value of it was the story which was pretty cool as it dealt with the different elements (Air, Water, Fire and Earth) and groups of people who are able to control it. I've never seen the tv show this was based on but I thought it was cool.

M. Night sets this one up for a sequel or two because I guess the Airbender has to 'learn' new elements (Fire and Earth) to complete his destiny. I doubt this series will get past this first one.

If you use this, call me Sharkfarts

BTW my friends said M. Night was in the audience, but I couldn't verify it.

[Skitch]

Ugh, sounds about what I was expecting...

[Dukefrukem]

Super Bowl spot (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43877)... LULZ

[Watashi]

Avatar is SERIOUS BUSINESS!

[Wryan]

Also, this movie gets a pass because of elements.

Except that it's not likely to have heart.

http://zemzelett.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/planeteers.jpg

Oh god I'm so sorry...

[KK2.0]

Super Bowl spot (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43877)... LULZ

i expected worse

[number8]

Is that the 300 trailer music?

[eternity]

I saw this yesterday. It was okay. Atrocious acting though.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Super Bowl spot (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/43877)... LULZ

No dialogue. Nicely played Shyamalan.

[lovejuice]

i expected worse
it looks pretty good actually.

[Watashi]

I saw this yesterday. It was okay. Atrocious acting though.
Uh huh.

[number8]

Uh huh.

There were test screenings yesterday.

[eternity]

Uh huh.
Last night. Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18. Peoria, Arizona. Because I have no care for privacy, I live 3 miles away from that theater.

Eternity 1 Watashi 0

[Kurosawa Fan]

Last night. Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18. Peoria, Arizona. Because I have no care for privacy, I live 3 miles away from that theater.

Eternity 1 Watashi 0

BAM!

[Qrazy]

Can you give more details?

[Watashi]

Last night. Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18. Peoria, Arizona. Because I have no care for privacy, I live 3 miles away from that theater.

Eternity 1 Watashi 0
I will rape you.

[Watashi]

Alright, alright, just fill me in with these questions:

Spoil if necessary..

1. How is Appa and Momo? Are they merely background characters?

2. Is the film uber-serious or does it have a lot of humor?

3. Who gives the best and worst performance?

4. How big is Suki's role?

5. Without following the show, was any of it confusing?

[number8]

Speaking of Appa, did you guys notice he's in that Superbowl spot?

[Qrazy]

Speaking of Appa, did you guys notice he's in that Superbowl spot?

Where?

[Winston*]

Where?

In the background about second 10.

[Qrazy]

In the background about second 10.

Ooh.

[eternity]

Alright, alright, just fill me in with these questions:

Spoil if necessary..

1. How is Appa and Momo? Are they merely background characters?

2. Is the film uber-serious or does it have a lot of humor?

3. Who gives the best and worst performance?

4. How big is Suki's role?

5. Without following the show, was any of it confusing?Appa and Momo were mostly incomplete CGI wise, but they were there.

It's got humor. M Night got the gist of the feel of the few episodes of the show i've seen.

Nobody gives the best performance and everyone gives the worst performance.

Big enough.

Yeah, it was pretty confusing but I caught on to it. The cut was nearly 3 hours and it packed just about everything imaginable in.

[Watashi]

Full trailer (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810071569/video/18070297).

Outside of the Snyderesque slo-mo action sequences, it doesn't look half-bad. I expect the acting to suck, but at least it gets the look right.

I just need to see some Momo in action before I make my final judgement call.

[BuffaloWilder]

I will rape you.

Unsurprising.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Again, very little dialogue. To me, it's imperative that the actors be able to hold their own on the screen, and if they can't the film is sure to fail. Until I see some evidence that they can, I'm uninterested.

[KK2.0]

The screening was an unfinished cut?

I haven't seen this teaser anywhere, despite the atrocious voice-over, it looks nice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R36ofjxBY_Q

[number8]

This shit looks way too serious. It's just going to be silly if it keeps that up.

I wanna see some of the great humor of the series.

[Watashi]

This shit looks way too serious. It's just going to be silly if it keeps that up.

I wanna see some of the great humor of the series.
Shyamalan as the Cabbage guy?

[number8]

Shyamalan as the Cabbage guy?

Speaking of which, the Earthbender in the trailer... is that the cabbage guy?

[eternity]

The screening was an unfinished cut?

I haven't seen this teaser anywhere, despite the atrocious voice-over, it looks nice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R36ofjxBY_Q
Yeah, it was really, really, really unfinished. I'm almost sort of surprised that the trailer looks so sharp because of how unfinished it actually was.

[Dukefrukem]

New Trailer. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRQADBveOMg)

Question, what is an Airbender? And why is he the last one?

[lovejuice]

New Trailer. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRQADBveOMg)

Question, what is an Airbender? And why is he the last one?

Airbender is the one who can control air and wind. Aang is the last because his race is wiped out by the Firebenders.

[Dukefrukem]

Airbender is the one who can control air and wind. Aang is the last because his race is wiped out by the Firebenders.

I see. But there are still people who can control earth and aater I'm assuming from the trailer...?

[number8]

I see. But there are still people who can control earth and aater I'm assuming from the trailer...?

Those would be Earthbenders and Waterbenders.

[Dukefrukem]

Those would be Earthbenders and Waterbenders.

Gotcha. So is there a significance of why having only 1 Airbender is bad? Just because it's the last of it's race? Are they the least powerful or something?

[number8]

Gotcha. So is there a significance of why having only 1 Airbender is bad? Just because it's the last of it's race? Are they the least powerful or something?

About as significant as Superman being the last of Krypton.

[lovejuice]

Gotcha. So is there a significance of why having only 1 Airbender is bad? Just because it's the last of it's race? Are they the least powerful or something?
dude, you got the Law of Inverse Ninja wrong.

[Stay Puft]

Aang is an avatar, which is why he's a big deal. His being an Airbender is not a necessary relationship, simply a part of the avatar cycle. The Firebenders destroy the Airbenders because they know, according to the avatar cycle, that the next avatar will appear in the Airbender tribe. And they want to do this because the Fire Lord is an asshole.

[Skitch]

Aang is an avatar, which is why he's a big deal. His being an Airbender is not a necessary relationship, simply a part of the avatar cycle. The Firebenders destroy the Airbenders because they know, according to the avatar cycle, that the next avatar will appear in the Airbender tribe. And they want to do this because the Fire Lord is an asshole.

Good job sincerely answering the dude's question, sir.

[D_Davis]

But fire needs oxygen to live. Without the airbenders, there can be no firebenders.

[Winston*]

But fire needs oxygen to live. Without the airbenders, there can be no firebenders.

They bend the air, they don't create it. They're not trees. Geez, Daniel.

[number8]

They bend the air, they don't create it. They're not trees. Geez, Daniel.

Yeah, what are you, some kind of stupid person or something?

[Qrazy]

Aang is an avatar, which is why he's a big deal. His being an Airbender is not a necessary relationship, simply a part of the avatar cycle. The Firebenders destroy the Airbenders because they know, according to the avatar cycle, that the next avatar will appear in the Airbender tribe. And they want to do this because the Fire Lord is an asshole.

For the sake of full clarify... Avatar's can control all four elements. And now you know, the rest of the story.

[Dukefrukem]

For the sake of full clarify... Avatar's can control all four elements. And now you know, the rest of the story.

So Aang can control all four elements but he's an airbender?

[number8]

So Aang can control all four elements but he's an airbender?

You know what...

http://www.vbox7.com/play:290e5141

[Qrazy]

So Aang can control all four elements but he's an airbender?

Yes, so he already knows how to airbend (that's his heritage), but he has to learn the other three skills. As the Avatar he's the only one in the world who can manipulate all four elements. Everyone else can only bend one element, except for those who can't bend at all.

In past centuries there were Avatars who were primarily firebenders, earth benders, etc.

[KK2.0]

So Aang can control all four elements but he's an airbender?

:frustrated:

[Sycophant]

Duke. You trollin'?

I was gonna try to watch this series in order, but I found the first episode borderline unwatchably shrill. Is there an episode fairly early on in the series that might convince me it's actually worth watching? Avatar at its best? Even though it might spoil earlier episodes' events for me?

[Qrazy]

Duke. You trollin'?

I was gonna try to watch this series in order, but I found the first episode borderline unwatchably shrill. Is there an episode fairly early on in the series that might convince me it's actually worth watching? Avatar at its best? Even though it might spoil earlier episodes' events for me?

Watch it from the beginning.

Here's a fan made trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie3mX550N84) to give you some hints at the goodies to come.

[D_Davis]

Avatar: The Last Airbender (But He Can Control the Other Three Elements as Well)

Just doesn't have the same ring to it.

[D_Davis]

Duke. You trollin'?

I was gonna try to watch this series in order, but I found the first episode borderline unwatchably shrill. Is there an episode fairly early on in the series that might convince me it's actually worth watching? Avatar at its best? Even though it might spoil earlier episodes' events for me?


Same here. Watched the first few episodes and found it mediocre at best. Not really into the Americanime style, either.

The movie looks pretty slick though.

[Sycophant]

Watch it from the beginning.

My point is after watching the first episode, I've no (zero. none.) desire to watch the second for fear that it doesn't ramp up in quality immediately. I want proof it gets better. If an episode impresses me, I'll then try to watch the series from the beginning to the end.

I'm weird like that with TV. If the first episode I watch turns me off, I usually don't hang out for a second.

[Qrazy]

My point is after watching the first episode, I've no (zero. none.) desire to watch the second for fear that it doesn't ramp up in quality immediately. I want proof it gets better. If an episode impresses me, I'll then try to watch the series from the beginning to the end.

I'm weird like that with TV. If the first episode I watch turns me off, I usually don't hang out for a second.

In this case have faith in those of use who like the show. When have my animation recs steered you wrong? ;)

Also edited my post above with a fan made trailer.

[KK2.0]

Some series take a few episodes to pick up steam, the first four episodes of Torchwood nearly lost me, but it only got better after that and a few episodes in i was hooked.


i want to watch Avatar someday, heard a lot of praise for it.

[Dukefrukem]

:frustrated:

Why was that such a ridiculous question? How the fuck was I supposed to know Avatars can control everything but he's only an Airbender and Airbenders control air because he needs to learn how to control the other shit.

Ya know what, I don't even give a shit because this movie is going to fucking suck.

[KK2.0]

:D

[Sycophant]

You trollin'.

[Dukefrukem]

rollin'

[D_Davis]

Is it possible to bend air like in the avatar show?


http://en.site1.answers.com/templates/icons/abar_a.gif?v=66176 yes you can. You can go to 4 element tribe and they will give you great ways to air water fire or earth bend but it is very dangerous doing what they tell you because you have to go to the spirit world and you have to ignore evil spirits in the spirit portal but it does work good luck

[Watashi]

If I stopped watching a television show after one dull pilot, I would be missing out on a lot of my favorite shows. I think "The Boy in the Iceberg" is a decent episode, but the first half of season one is all set-up. You have to introduce these characters first and then get emotionally invested in them as the journey goes on. I can't fathom how you would get "no desire" to continue the series. The animation, music, voice-acting, and choreography are all top-notch. It takes a while to get used to the humor, but me, Qrazy, KF, Stay Puft, number8, and others have all loved the series to recommend it.

I just don't get it.

[Watashi]

Plus, Appa, man.

Appa.

[Sycophant]

Not dull. Grating.

[Watashi]

Not dull. Grating.
You gotta cite examples if you're going to toss out wrongful adjectives at me.

[Sycophant]

Nah. I found it grating, so I'm just done with the show. Just thinking it's not my bag. No hard feelings, I hope. Should've kept my mouth shut.

[Winston*]

You're never going to get to see Toph then, Sycophant. Sucks for you IMO.

[Watashi]

Nah. I found it grating, so I'm just done with the show. Just thinking it's not my bag. No hard feelings, I hope. Should've kept my mouth shut.
So do you turn off a movie 5 minutes in if you also find it "grating".

No offense dude, but if you're just going to say these extreme words without anyone knowing why (I'm not necessarily going to force you to watch. I'm just curious on your criticisms), then you are really weird person.

[Sycophant]

I don't commit to watching 10-40 hours of television when the first 20 minutes annoyed me. I found a lot of the voicework obnoxious, the humor corny (in a bad way), the overall pacing languid, and the animation pretty blah and occasionally awkward, despite a couple of neat designs. Maybe I'll give it a shot at a later date, but my interest is pretty well killed for the time being.

Sorry to threadcrap.

[Watashi]

It's all good.

The remarks against the voice-work and animation make my heart bleed. :cry:

[Skitch]

Duke. You trollin'?

I'm confused...why is asking reasonable questions trolling?


I was gonna try to watch this series in order, but I found the first episode borderline unwatchably shrill. Is there an episode fairly early on in the series that might convince me it's actually worth watching? Avatar at its best? Even though it might spoil earlier episodes' events for me?

Ah, nevermind. You're obviously insane.

[Sycophant]

Wats, I'm sorry to make your heart bleed. :sad:

[lovejuice]

You're never going to get to see Toph then, Sycophant. Sucks for you IMO.
good point. How's about this, Sycophant? somewhere along the series, there is this blind girl who kicks so many asses it makes bruce lee hurts.

and to answer your question, how's about "Jet", the tenth episode? the tree fight between him and aang remains one of my favorite scenes in the series.

[number8]

I think the moment that the show roped me for good was the first Aang/Zuko fight in Zuko's bedroom. Amazing close-contact choreography/animation.

[Grouchy]

I don't commit to watching 10-40 hours of television when the first 20 minutes annoyed me. I found a lot of the voicework obnoxious, the humor corny (in a bad way), the overall pacing languid, and the animation pretty blah and occasionally awkward, despite a couple of neat designs. Maybe I'll give it a shot at a later date, but my interest is pretty well killed for the time being.

Sorry to threadcrap.
You're the only person I know who has felt like this about the first episode. Like Watashi said, it's not where the most dramatic events occur, but bad animation and voice-work? That's just lies.

[lovejuice]

I think the moment that the show roped me for good was the first Aang/Zuko fight in Zuko's bedroom.
we're reading the same slasher fan-fic! i haven't seen more intense close-contact action.

[number8]

we're reading the same slasher fan-fic! i haven't seen more intense close-contact action.

http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/picard2.gif

[Thirdmango]

Duke, pretty much all of your questions can be answered by watching the theme opening.

Also just need to add my support for an absolutely amazing show. Both sycophant and a mutual friend have both stated to me recently how the first episode drove them bonkers. I remember not getting into the show until I had seen about 4-6 episodes. Which is why especially when it's a show which everyone I know raves about, I'm usually willing to give it 4-6 episodes before I turn it off. Imagine watching Cowboy Bebop and giving up before episode 5. That hurts the heart strings.

[Sycophant]

Cowboy Bebop impressed me deeply with both the first episode I saw and the show's first episode.

[Watashi]

We just need Sven in here proclaiming his love for the show and syco has no choice but to continue.

[Sycophant]

We just need Sven in here proclaiming his love for the show and syco has no choice but to continue.

Jealous much?

[Watashi]

Jealous much?
That you're not giving the show a chance?

No... not really.

[Watashi]

But seriously syco, your question has been answered by lovejuice in the last page. You wanted an episode later on that would sway you to continue the show and "Jet" is a good stand-alone episode that showcases great animation, cool characters, and great fight choreography. Plus, Jet is a spitting image of Spike Spiegel.

[Thirdmango]

I would just say give the show a movie's length of a chance and if at that point you still can't do it, don't worry about it. 4 episodes.

[Thirdmango]

Cowboy Bebop impressed me deeply with both the first episode I saw and the show's first episode.

Yes but I brought that point up because I do know people who have watched one episode and weren't impressed and didn't keep going. Heart strings for they miss something so beautiful.

[Sycophant]

But seriously syco, your question has been answered by lovejuice in the last page. You wanted an episode later on that would sway you to continue the show and "Jet" is a good stand-alone episode that showcases great animation, cool characters, and great fight choreography. Plus, Jet is a spitting image of Spike Spiegel.

Yeah, I'll take him up on this one actually. I meant to thank him when I saw it but forgot about it. So, thanks lovejuice!

[Skitch]

Syc, I think you should not give the show a proper chance, that way you will never have to enjoy its brilliance, and I can continue to demean you.

[transmogrifier]

I'm giving up on the show based solely on the title. Airbender? What the fuck is that? You can't bend a gas.

[/diversion]

[Grouchy]

I'm giving up on the show based solely on the title. Airbender? What the fuck is that? You can't bend a gas.

[/diversion]
... A diversion.

http://animekritik.files.wordpress.co m/2009/06/legolas.jpg

[number8]

The shot of Gandalf right after Legolas said that line is one of the greatest facial acting of the decade. In a two-second look, MacKellen managed to convey, "Yes, a diversion, you fucking idiot" so beautifully.

[Fezzik]

The shot of Gandalf right after Legolas said that line is one of the greatest facial acting of the decade. In a two-second look, MacKellen managed to convey, "Yes, a diversion, you fucking idiot" so beautifully.

Not to derail the thread too much, but since you brought up McKellan's facial expressions, there are two in the LOTR that always impress me:

1 - In Fellowship, when the last of the hobbits show up and proclaim they're going too, Gandalf shoots Elrond a "whatcha gonna do now, wise man?" look.

2 - in ROTK, when defending Minas Tirith, they're at the gates and he's saying "whatever comes through that gate, stand your ground." Then, when the gates break and the trolls come through, his face immediately changes to "well, fuck me sideways. I wasnt expecting that."

[number8]

Not to derail the thread too much, but since you brought up McKellan's facial expressions, there are two in the LOTR that always impress me:

1 - In Fellowship, when the last of the hobbits show up and proclaim they're going too, Gandalf shoots Elrond a "whatcha gonna do now, wise man?" look.

2 - in ROTK, when defending Minas Tirith, they're at the gates and he's saying "whatever comes through that gate, stand your ground." Then, when the gates break and the trolls come through, his face immediately changes to "well, fuck me sideways. I wasnt expecting that."

I think what's hilarious is that I haven't seen the movies in years, and yet I remember these two very distinctly.

[Spun Lepton]

This is being retro-fitted with 3D. Enjoy.

http://io9.com/5522647/airbender-and-green-hornet-line-up-to-be-ruined-by-3+d

[Morris Schæffer]

Trailer 3 doesn't look too bad. Maybe there's some potential here. Maybe.

[KK2.0]

whining about 3D conversions is silly, if 2D copies were replaced i would understand but there's still choice, right?


I think what's hilarious is that I haven't seen the movies in years, and yet I remember these two very distinctly.

Me too, his reaction to the "Diversion" line always brings a smile.

[Spun Lepton]

whining about 3D conversions is silly, if 2D copies were replaced i would understand but there's still choice, right?

The retro-fit-3D Clash of the Titans was far more successful than the 2D version. There will not be a choice much longer.

[Ivan Drago]

Haha, I just remembered - the trailer for this played before Iron Man 2. As soon as "in 3D" came on-screen, everyone booed and groaned.

[EyesWideOpen]

The retro-fit-3D Clash of the Titans was far more successful than the 2D version. There will not be a choice much longer.

Not really fair either since at least in every theater in my area the big new release movies play in 3D in 3-4 of the screens and in 2D in only one.

[KK2.0]

wow, the transition to 3D doesn't look that far ahead around here. now i'm worried :lol:

[Wryan]

Btw, if it hasn't been mentioned up to this point, Aasif Mandvi is in this.

Not sure what else to add to that.

[number8]

So this is PG, not PG-13. For some reason that actually relieved me.

[number8]

Woah, I'm pissed. Apparently Shyamalan originally cast Jack de Sena (Sokka's voice actor) to play Sokka, but Paramount forced him to recast. It seems that his role is a little for-hire on this one. Partly because of the tentpole potential and partly because of THE HAPPENING.

[Ezee E]

Woah, I'm pissed. Apparently Shyamalan originally cast Jack de Sena (Sokka's voice actor) to play Sokka, but Paramount forced him to recast. It seems that his role is a little for-hire on this one. Partly because of the tentpole potential and partly because of THE HAPPENING.
Sounds about right and deservedly so. M. Night needed to be brought down a notch.

I guess he has a new script with Bruce Willis, Bradley Cooper, and someone else interested already.

[Dukefrukem]

I still believe in Shyamalan, even if his last films are trending in the wrong direction.

[Watashi]

Did you see this yet, Ary?

[Qrazy]

Sounds about right and deservedly so. M. Night needed to be brought down a notch.


Agreed, but the way to bring him down a notch was not to recast the original voice actor of the character.

[number8]

Did you see this yet, Ary?

Not yet. But Nickelodeon did send me this (http://www.justpressplay.net/movie-reviews/931-tv-reviews/6735-avatar-the-last-airbender-the-complete-book-1-collectors-edition.html).

[Watashi]

Not yet. But Nickelodeon did send me this (http://www.justpressplay.net/movie-reviews/931-tv-reviews/6735-avatar-the-last-airbender-the-complete-book-1-collectors-edition.html).
I bought that yesterday. Can't wait.

The other two books have dropped in price as well.

[Watashi]

Jesus christ, this movie has a budget of 280 million. I really want this to do good even if the film sucks, I would love to see the final two books adapted.

[number8]

Jesus christ, this movie has a budget of 280 million. I really want this to do good even if the film sucks, I would love to see the final two books adapted.

Why?

[Watashi]

Why?
Because I hate it when a potential franchise falls short and ends on a cliffhanger because it couldn't make enough money. I think Airbender has way more potential than something like Narnia or Golden Compass.

[number8]

You know what? I do want them made. Just to see Mick Foley play The Boulder and Jason Statham as Sparky Sparky Boom Man.

[transmogrifier]

Jason Overbeck, a blogger with relatively decent taste, gave this 18/100.

[Rowland]

Jason Overbeck, a blogger with relatively decent taste, gave this 18/100.Yeah I saw that, but I don't care much for Overbeck's taste, so I didn't think much of it. Not that I'm doubting this will suck.

[Derek]

Jason Overbeck, a blogger with relatively decent taste, gave this 18/100.

Yeah, that's exceptionally low for him, though Shyamalan's been in the shitter for years so I'm not exactly shocked.

[Watashi]

The early word has been terrible.

Fuck you Shymalan. At least I'll always have the show.

[transmogrifier]

Yeah I saw that, but I don't care much for Overbeck's taste, so I didn't think much of it. Not that I'm doubting this will suck.

I find he is pretty in-line with the bog-standard blogger circa-2010 - e.g. worships Tarantino and the Coens....

[Derek]

I find he is pretty in-line with the bog-standard blogger circa-2010 - e.g. worships Tarantino and the Coens....

We've had the same #1 films 4 out of the last 5 years. Dude's alright with me.

[B-side]

Friend of mine on another forum compared it to The Room in terms of dramatic incompetence.

[Sxottlan]

Considering it opens in 24 hours and there's no reviews anywhere, that's never a good sign.

[eternity]

It's only kind of terrible.

[Sxottlan]

Half star from Ebert.

[eternity]

8% Tomatometer, 3100 theaters. Paramount knows this is a bomb. $50 million domestic, maybe less.

[Spun Lepton]

The Onion gives it an F.

[Qrazy]

Some of these blurbs are so choice... "I believe M. Night can ruin the world."

[Glass Co.]

Doesn't even seem like it will be a so bad-it's-good experience. You fail again, M. Night.

[RoadtoPerdition]

I feel bad for Shyamalan. The guy just cannot seem to get it right anymore. Has any director fallen this far before? I know there have been some major blunders critically and commercially for other directors, but this guy, just when you think they can't get any worse, they seem to. Every single time. To me, The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs were amazing, with each one being better than the last. The Village was good, but it really started this downward trend for him. I never thought I could dislike a Shyamalan movie, but Lady in the Water was right on the line and The Happening was just really, really bad for me. I was hoping this movie would be a return to form, though the source material wasn't something that interested me too much. Well, guess we'll have to wait for the next one for a potential return to form, though studios might cut him off at some point after this one most likely turns into another bomb for him.

[Spun Lepton]

I feel bad for Shyamalan. The guy just cannot seem to get it right anymore. Has any director fallen this far before?

Michael Cimino comes to mind.

[Winston*]

Roland Joffe?

[lovejuice]

I feel bad for Shyamalan.
I feel bad for myself, as a fan of the show.

[Skitch]

John McTiernan?

[RoadtoPerdition]

Michael Cimino comes to mind.

I thought of him, but the guy really didn't do anything but The Deer Hunter. I've never seen it, but I think most people like Thunderbolt and Lightfoot but it wasn't a masterpiece really. He seems like more of a one-hit wonder. Correct me if I'm wrong, of course.

[Qrazy]

I thought of him, but the guy really didn't do anything but The Deer Hunter. I've never seen it, but I think most people like Thunderbolt and Lightfoot but it wasn't a masterpiece really. He seems like more of a one-hit wonder. Correct me if I'm wrong, of course.

I've actually heard from a few people that love him that Year of the Dragon is his best film and that Heaven's Gate is pretty good. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is okay and has one amazing scene (you know what I"m talking about people) but yeah it's not great. The Deer Hunter is quality.

[Boner M]

I'm putting M. Night on suicide watch.

[Bosco B Thug]

Maybe it'll still do well? I know a lot of little ones dying to see this.

The Happening was reviled, but it was pretty successful at the B.O. Then again it didn't have this thing's budget.

[Rowland]

Roland Joffe?Captivity was underrated. Still wasn't all that good, but it was hardly the crime against cinema/humanity it was hyped as.

[Spun Lepton]

They also made a video game to go along with the movie. It looks embarrassing, really.

[eternity]

I'm pretty sure M Night just hates the studio system so much now that he's trying as hard as he can to make them lose as much money as they can while he makes it out like a bandit. He always has his next projects lined up and I'm pretty sure this movie's complete and total collapse won't stop it.

[number8]

Wow, so apparently they pronounce the names differently. Aang is "Uhhng" and Sokka is "Sock-Cuh."

[[ETM]]

Wow, so apparently they pronounce the names differently. Aang is "Uhhng" and Sokka is "Sock-Cuh."

Hmm... I haven't seen the show but that's how I'd pronounce them.

[number8]

Yeah, I can see how they would pronounce it that way. It's just very weird considering that it deviates from the source, and it's the main character's name.

And it's not even a case of Ra's Al Ghul, where the name originated in print and the animated series and Batman Begins just happened to pronounce it differently (and I prefer Begins' pronunciation). The source here is a television show, and in the show, the names are never shown written down, only spoken. Why nobody told Shyamalan that that's not their names is beyond me.

[number8]

Firebenders can't create their own fire...

The more I read about this movie, the more I want to kill someone.

[number8]

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100630/REVIEWS/100639999

Ebert's half-star review. I'm kind of surprised to know that he's a fan of the show. That's wonderful.

[Dukefrukem]

Bad reviews all around.

MASSAWYRM calls THE LAST AIRBENDER a crapbending mess (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/45646)

[Sven]

Poor Shyamalan. Guy can't catch a break to save his life.

[Fezzik]

Wow, so apparently they pronounce the names differently. Aang is "Uhhng" and Sokka is "Sock-Cuh."

Um...I cant think of a reason why they'd change this. In the cartoon, they very clearly pronounce it differently.

[number8]

Yup. And Iroh is pronounced "Ear-roh."

[Fezzik]

Yup. And Iroh is pronounced "Ear-roh."

:frustrated:

[Spun Lepton]

Sooo ... five-star review from Armond?