Sokka saves the day

[secondlina]

Oh, yes, it's the time for summer movies again.

This weekend, the dreaded "Last Airbender" movie comes out. The movie is dreaded by many fans for being an silly, over-angst-y , potentially racist re-make of a pretty darn good youth tv series called "Avatar the Last Airbender".

For those of you who don't know, this is basically a movie where 4 nations themed by elements are at war, mainly the nation of "fire" is kicking everyone's collective ass. In every nation, you have "benders", people who can manipulate the elements using martial arts moves. And you have one spirit, always reincarnated, the avatar - the only person that can use all four elements. And his job is to keep things in balance. War is not balance apparently. So basically, this plot mixes adventures, action, martial arts and "magic". The tv series also had a good dose of humor, which I found might be lacking in the movie.

I have been debating whether I wanted to see this movie or not.

On one side, the terrible racist attitude towards the casting, the costumes and the apparent lack of humor make me NOT want to go.

On the other side, the martial arts seem excellent and respected (everyone went to boot camp), I love the idea of an Hindou inspired firenation (Devi version of Azula.... My god. I'm in love), and the special effects look computastic.

So this weekend, will I go see "The Last Airbender?"

Not this weekend. But the next one? Yes.

Why?

I guess you could say my curiosity got the best of me. And I want to see if this movie is truly as awful as the fans make it to be. I can at least agree with everyone that the costume feature horrible mistakes (like being folded the wrong way, indicating that a character is "dead").

The main thing that convinced me to go was this TV spot. Because in this spot you see Sokka being funny, as he should be. Sarcasm and a giant yelling of "WOO-HOO". And i'm thinking, if they kept that instead of turning Sokka in pure angst, I mgiht as well give the movie a chance. Yeah, I have a soft spot for Sokka.

So, fan friends who are less curious then me and stick to your boycotts, i'll be glad to inform you later if this movie is fail or win. Though i'm thinking, it's probably going to be neither. Somewhere smack in the middle. Like so many fantasy movies these days, it's going to be neither good or bad.

Fantasy movies nowadays seem to generalize the "magical country". See Narnia and Tim Burton's Alice. The country doesn't seem to have any specific cultural elements other then "generic fantasic medieval setting à la King Arthur miniseries". And this movie seems to be going the same way (due to several asian elements being "americanized"). Countries on the same WORLD are dramatically different. I don't know why fantasy lands are so darn similar to us. Needs work, people.

- Isa

EDIT : GAAAH The reviews so far are painful.

Comments

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I can see both sides of the debate about this movie. I get why fans don't want to support this movie, but I get the other half that just want to have fun and get excited to see the movie because IT'S an Avatar the Last Airbender movie.

It would be like if they made a live action Slayers movie in North America. A lot of us Slayers fans would know it wouldn't be great, a lot fans would probably refuse to see it, but we would still go just out of curiosity.

Personally, I think I'll save my money and wait to give it a DVD rental (or just want for it to be in a bargain bin. You know it will be at some point, because that's what happens to most fantasy movies. XP) However, I will want to hear your opinion of it. ^_~

In the meantime, I'm going to get excited by watching trailers of the Sorcerer's Apprentice. *giggles over knowing it's Hiccup's voice actor

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

I'm more curious then outraged, and thought I agree with the fact that the casting directors made serious racial faux-pas I find that the racebending webcommunity members are about 50-50 on those who really care about giving roles to minorities and others who just want to chant "they changed it and not it sucks" by changing the tune a little. Hence why I want to see it for myself. The paramount execs are turning a blind eye, the racebending comunity is drawing horns on all the posters... Really, I just want to make up me own decision. And if thinking for myself means I have to see it, then so be it.

I'm not going to see it in 3D though. Wearing glasses over glasses annoys the crap out of me.

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

In the end, making your own opinion is the way to go. I will see it as some point, but considering there are a lot of movies this summer I want to see (and that fact that my local theater only gets the 3D version when I would be happy seeing it in plain old 2D doesn't help.) I'm going to wait and save my money.

I will be looking are reviews out of curiosity though. It would be nice if it turned better than I thought it would. ^_~

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

So far the reviews are speaking of eye melting boredom. Huh.

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

I'll be curious to see if how http://www.spill.com/ reviews it.

With that said, the reviews aren't being very hopeful are they? -_-;

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Also YES JAY BARUCHEL I LOVE HIM

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

War can't be balance since the very foundation of war is about overthrowing the other side. Although sometimes, and we tend to forget this, war has to be waged to restore balance. What would Europe be like if WW2 had been lost, etc.

I think regardless of how the movie really is, it's never going to be quite as good as the television series since it doesn't have the gift of time. The movie is going to have to wrap the plot up in three hours or less, while the television series goes on for a lot longer than that. I'm curious to see the movie, but at this point I want to finish the first season at least. I might have seen the first Harry Potter movie before diving into the books, but it seems wrong to scratch the surface of the cartoon, only to plunge headlong into its movie version.

Question though: Have you read the Narnia series? It may all seem to be generalized in the movies, but given they've only showcased two cultures (Narnia itself is a country within a world), it seems a bit unfair to classify it as just "magical country". I don't know if the movies will ever go so far, but the world Narnia inhabits has quite a few different countries with vastly different cultures. But given how one is very heavily influenced by Middle Eastern/Islamic culture, we might never see that culture on the big screen...

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Wars are giant economic boosters and yes, they do bring along social changes. Conflict is often part of what brings change to restore balance... However, it is still a really, really horrible thing.

In the world of Avatar though, it seems people are suppose to stay in their element-themed nation or something. I never really got why the nations were so separated. I guess to keep it simple for kids?

Yeah the Narnia books present a more diversified version of Narnia, but i'm sorry - in the movie, Prince Caspian didn't really seem all that different. Just darker-skinned. And about a 100 years passed for narnia and the clothing and technology seemed virtually the same. They didn't really illustrate the differences and the evolution of the land so well.

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

Oh, trust me, I'll never say war is a good thing. It's a necessary evil at times though.

The nations would thrive wherever the elements they can control exist, hence why water benders are at the poles, earth benders live in mountainous regions, airbenders live high in the mountain peaks, etc. Plus, it does break things down and make it easier for kids. Also, it would be far easier for a specific race of benders to be killed off if they were conveniently in one area instead of being spread throughout the entire world population.

Hee hee, I have to laugh. They actually added to the culture of Prince Caspian's people (gah, brain, the Telmarines?) for the movie since they originally were white Anglo-Saxons, blonde hair, blue eyes, etc. Having the more Spanish influence and darker skin and hair made them stand out much more against the Pevensie children than they would have otherwise. And you can blame C.S. Lewis for things staying the same. In Narnia alone, the inhabitants seemed content to stay close to basics and worship Aslan than to try and develop the world as ours is. Really, if you look at our own world history, up until the past couple of centuries, there was very little change in how the world was. Something has to trigger change.

[starmetal-oak.livejournal.com]

I'm going to see it. I'm not someone who really watched the series but I think the movie looks fun and I frankly don't care who they cast. I think the boy lead looks exactly like the cartoon version. I don't care what race is family is from.

If this was an Asian-made anime that was changed in American hands, it would be different. But this anime is American and I think they have the right to chose how the characters look. It's a fantasy world, and to assume that since they do martial arts and live in an area that looks slightly asian in appearance and therefor they must be asian is just as stereotypical.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

People who knew the original series are the ones who are the most affected by the "racial" issues. Because the series was very clearly asian oriented. They had a chinese language and a ancient clothing specialist as part of the development team. For a kids shows. And all the signs in the background are written in flawless ancient chinese. In the tv series, it was more then a "slightly asian setting". It was fully a magical version of ancien asia.

Though I can see why this debate can seem ridiculous to someone who doesn't know the series and goes "what gives?" But it's about the same type of debate as the one that surrounded the "all white" cast of the "Tales of Earthsea" miniseries. If you haven't read the books, you don't care. But if you read the books and know that that world is suppose to be uber-diversified, you feel somewhat hurt or insulted by the changes.

As for the last Airbender, The casting itself is not the thing that really bothers people I think. It was the pure insensitivity of the casting crew who told people to come in ethnic garb with sentences such as "If you're Korean, wear a kimono!" (sic). Of course, that's their own lack of research speaking.

I think my point is, I see both sides of the debate, both the "who the hell cares?" side and the "racist movie" side.

And yeah, the movie looks kinda fun. The bottom line is, I want to see it and make my own opinion.

[savageknight.livejournal.com]

Well you already know I'm going to see it tomorrow afternoon... :)

My point of seeing it is to watch a (hopefully) entertaining movie. In regards to all the changes... simple. Shamalamalamala needs this thing to bring in the big bucks so he can complete his trilogy. To do that, he has to make it appealing to as broad a North American (or U.S., really) audience as he can.

As a long-time comic fan who has had ALL his heroes skewered on the big screen, I've long since given up hoping for authenticity and simply let all the different "medias" be different interpretations/ "universes". Makes it easier to not get caught up in stuff out of my control ;)

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

...Good point.

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

*nods* That's actually a good way to look at it. ^_~

[mirai17.livejournal.com]

At first I was frustrated with the casting--being a hardcore fan of the show as well as Asian--but I've accepted the reality with passive defeat and was intending to be entertained for the sake of the original series, as well as Mike and Bryan who are completely awesome.

Until the reviews started rolling in. Dear goodness, like you I was expecting the movie to be swimming the in river of mediocrity, but from what I gathered this movie is HORRIFIC. As in mind-numbingly bad. 0% on RT so far. That kind of shocked me.

On one hand I'm happy that Shyamalan is getting what he deserved. Seriously, is any studio going to let him touch another movie again?

On the other I'm very, very sad that this is being associated with the TV series. I wish the movie was of Harry Potter or LOTR caliber--something that would want to make people turn to the even BETTER source material, not turn them away (Eragon and Percy Jackson come to mind, though I didn't like the books either). Mike and Bryan deserve so much better, and so do the fans.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

I just saw the reviews myself.

Just when you think "Boretastic" isn't a word, somebody uses it!

I was expecting mediocre. I really wasn't expecting critics to be this bad. I'm shocked too. Wow.

I'm not saying Shyamalan deserves chocloates and puppies, but he deserves better then this. Oh man. I'm afraid that if the movie is this awful, it's going to reflect negatively on everything related to it, Shyamalan, Mike and Bryan and the original series. Hell, it might kill the developement of the "Story of Kora". I wanted the movie to at least be decent to insure that Nickolodeon seems money-making potential and goes on with the "kora" project. This might actually fully kill it.

*is worried for Kora*

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

That would be the most worst/ironic thing to happen.

We get this terrible movie that a lot of fans were not happy with, only for it to kill future seasons of the original shows fans fell in love it. @_@ *crosses fingers and hope this isn't the case*

[mirai17.livejournal.com]

LOL someone actually used the word "boretastic"? Link please?

Korra's is independent from the movie, so I don't think it will be affected. If anything, I hope that it proves to people that Avatar IS FREAKIN' AWESOME.

Speaking of which, I hope we don't get those ridiculously long hiatuses again. I don't know why, but I feel that the Nick execs didn't give the premium treatment the series deserved and kept shoving it aside in favor of SpongeBob and iCarly. LOL I remember back in '05 when they kept airing Catscratch in the Avatar slot. It's so frustrating when the TV listing says "Avatar: The Last Airbender 7PM" but then the annoying Catscratch theme song came on AAAARGH.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

It is due to how nick execs treated Avatar in the past that I fear the revival might get killed off if the movie does badly. Think about it, they decide to make a new series just as the movie comes out? Then again, if enough movie is already in, the project will come to fruition. It just worries me.

[mirai17.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, that does worry me. I did hear a theory that the execs gave Bryke the project to keep them quiet about the movie. Pure speculation, of course, but it is odd that a new series is announced around the same time the movie comes out.

[elirrina.livejournal.com]

I'm really curious and plan to see it, but I'm also kind of concerned based on reviews. But on the other hand, I usually like silly movies that get poor reviews. But some silly movies are just too awful. I hope this one is just silly. I'm definitely not going to see it in 3-D.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Glasses over glasses in pain. For 10 extra dollards.

[the-flowergirl.livejournal.com]

I actually started out being really excited for it, and now I am not. Gourry is dragging me to it kicking and screaming and I may get kicked out of the theater.

[dqbunny.livejournal.com]

Could always wait for the DVD. Get it, find an online drinking game and there you go. Or go to the restroom then sneak into another theater. Toy Story will be good medicine!

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Good old movie hopping.

Urgh, a drunken evening with Dragonball Evolution, Twilight and Airbender would leave my liver crying for mercy XD

[the-flowergirl.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a bad waste of alcohol.

I'll just go to Toy Story instead, time and money well spent.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Agreed! Let me know how you like it!

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

The bad reviews feel like a bucket of water just got dumped on me. Why? Why? This could have been so cool.

[the-flowergirl.livejournal.com]

I wasn't anticipating it to be teh awesum, but I was expecting it to be slightly better than this.

[dqbunny.livejournal.com]

Well, I've finally just got it into me to give the proper series a try, so I will stick with it. Mike and I saw the new Karate Kid last week and there was a long promo for Last Airbender, but it just doesn't look interesting to me. It looks rather overblown. Your description makes the series sinus more appearing.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

The overblown-ness is very there. What I liked about the series was that it WAS epic, but still remained modest. With humor. I just don't know anymore. Must. See. Movie. To. Forge. Opinion. But. So. Afraid.

Hey, if you decide to show up in July, we can actually have that evening where you, me and joanne watch Avatar together, just like we promised! XD

[amelia-seyroon.livejournal.com]

On the other side, the martial arts seem excellent and respected (everyone went to boot camp), I love the idea of an Hindou inspired firenation (Devi version of Azula.... My god. I'm in love), and the special effects look computastic.

I know, darn those special effects! Even the earthbending looks awesome! @____@;;;;

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

"But the effects were decent" XD

[putri-nih.livejournal.com]

I'll wait for the DVD. I still have the memories of teh TV series to sustain me <3

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Sweet, sweet colorful memories XD

[jason-register.livejournal.com]

I know nothing of the series this is based on, and was thinking of watching the movie to get an idea of the story. What racist action was taken in this film?

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Two of the main characters are suppose to be inuit. They are no longer. Also, despite the white heroes, members of their family are clearly ethnic. It's basically a lack of respect towards what the series originally standed for culturally.

It's not that important, but it did crush the dreams of minority actors who still can't find roles in big blockbusters as something other then the best buddy if they are lucky.

[jason-register.livejournal.com]

Sad to hear this. =(

[engelen.livejournal.com]

haha, I was about to tell you "This movie is taking aparently"

[spankingfemme.livejournal.com]

You have to see it for yourself for sure :P I know how much you like the fandom, so you'll never be satisfied with someone else's opinion on it I believe ;)

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Indeed. I gotta see this myself. To the end!

[angelchan-2004.livejournal.com]

I'm a little shocked at how bad the reviews are for it, actually. D:

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I am too. I was expecting at least an "okay" movie. Not outright horrible.

Permission to steal icon?

[angelchan-2004.livejournal.com]

Yeah, same. I figured it'd do at least as well, critique-wise, as the new Twilight movie.

Steal away~