The reviews for Netflix’s highly anticipated live action adaptation ofAvatar: The Last Airbenderare now in…and they’re not what fans had hoped for. The series, which is available to stream on Netflix from today, has debuted with aRotten Tomatoesscore of 63%, with many no doubt wondering which way the number will go as the reviews keep pouring in.
The reviews that have emerged, however, are sure to come as a disappointment to fans ofAvatar: The Last Airbender, who had hoped that Netflix would continue the success seen in therecent anime adaptation,One Piece. Kambole Campbell ofEmpire Magazinecriticizes the show, calling it “uninspiring” and scoringAvatar: The Last Airbenderjust 2/5.
“Some canny casting choices can’t rescue the show from uninspiring craft and tonal confusion.”
The Hollywood Reporter’sAngie Han felt similarly, concluding thatAvatar: The Last Airbender’scritically acclaimed animated original should have been left alone.
“Rather than breathe fresh life into a familiar world, this Avatar serves only to remind that some beloved properties might be better left on ice.”
Avatar: The Last Airbender Showrunner Felt ‘Intimidated’ Making Netflix Live Action Show Without Original Creators
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Albert Kim reveals that changes will be made when adapting to live action, while other parts will be strictly accurate.
Total Film’sRollin Bishop, meanwhile, found that, by attempting to both appeal to die-hard fans and newcomers, the series ends up doing neither very well.
“Trying to please fans and newcomers alike makes for a middling, often baffling adaptation.”
The most scathing reaction toAvatar: The Last Airbender,though, comes courtesy ofDiscussing Film’sRafael Motamayor, who concludes that evenM. Night Shyamalan’s much-maligned versionis preferable to this Netflix effort.
“At best, the show serves as a constant reminder of how amazing the original Nickelodeon cartoon was. At worst, it makes M. Night Shyamalan‘s 2010 The Last Airbender film feel like a mercy because at least that poor effort was only 2 hours long.”
Avatar: The Last Airbender Lands on Netflix Today
Thankfully, it’s not all bad, withCollider’sTherese Lacson finding some enjoyment in seeing the animated series brought to life. However, the storytelling pales in comparison to its predecessor…
“Its eight episodes hit the big highlights of the original show, but miss all the small detail that makes those scenes soar. While the new series starts strong, the cracks begin to show once it starts trying to braid together different storylines.”
Amid the criticisms, there have been some hugely positive reactions toAvatar: The Last Airbender. Jack Seale ofThe Guardianawards the series 4/5, and calls the adaptation a confident revival.
“The Airbender franchise has confidently revived itself; this won’t be the last we see of it.”
Screen Rant’sMae Abdulbaki also found much to enjoy and commended the series for carrying the same spirit and focus on characterization as the animated original.
“The Netflix series is a rather faithful adaptation, carrying the spirit of the original through intricate details and proper character development.”
A live-action adaptation of the animated television series of the same name,Avatar: The Last Airbenderfollows a young boy known as the Avatar who must master the four elemental powers to save a world at war — and fight a ruthless enemy bent on stopping him.
Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Gordon Cormier, Dallas Liu, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Elizabeth Yu, and Daniel Dae Kim,Avatar: The Last Airbenderis now available to stream on Netflix.
