Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender Review
You’ve likely heard the trouble that befelled Paramount and Avatar Studios earlier this year, which caused many to worry. The infamous leak caused a social media storm for fans as the animated feature that served as a launching pad for a new era was illegally released online. Hours of work from hundreds of animators and creatives found their way onto the internet, but the online reactions were surprising. Hardcore fans and creators alike offered their support for Paramount to give Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender the cinematic run it deserved. With Paramount finally giving fans what they’ve been asking for, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender became an unexpected totem for this franchise.
That’s because Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender‘s story refocuses on mainline continuity, bridging the gap between the original animated series and The Legend of Korra. Aang (Eric Nam) is living a peaceful life, Katara (Jessica Matten) is getting Republic City operating, Zuko (Steven Yeun) is running the new Fire Kingdom, and Sokka (Román Zaragoza) and Toph (Dionne Quan) are helping where they need to be. However, the Gaang’s solace is interrupted when a clandestine group known as the Denied seeks to find a powerful tool to unleash ancient powers. Aiding the Gaang’s quest is a powerful airbender named Tagah (Dave Bautista), who was trapped in ice just like Aang. Not everything may be as it seems.
From a visual standpoint, the artistry behind this film certainly elevates the original scheme in such innovative ways. The landscapes of this movie are incredibly stunning as each environment’s theme, whether that be in Aang’s Avatar state or the Spirit World itself, instantly pops out with those luminous neon aesthetics. Plus, there’s certainly a lot more fluidity behind the movements and choreography of each character, specifically when it comes to the bending. From the large-scale water-centric attacks Katara does to the intensity of Zuko’s focused fiery bursts, the choreographic animation does an amazing job keeping you hooked. The focus on making those motions feel real also makes those classic goofy character moments land, especially with Sokka and Toph.
In addition, the dynamic animation makes each and every action-centric sequence even better. Although Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender’s plot feels somewhat foundational, it makes those fights between the Gaang and the Denied more exciting. Specifically, there’s one huge fight between the two groups in an area full of tornadoes and storms, which utilizes the Gaang’s bending skills very effectively. There are definitely some inspirations when it comes to the execution of these scenes and showing that teamwork, like the recent Demon Slayer movies. Yet, the collaboration between the teams at Flying Bark Productions and Studio Mir (who also worked on The Legend of Korra) allows each sequence to feel unique.
As for the story of Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, it does hit some familiar beats even though it wants to be compelling. The essence of this film is Aang’s understanding of the necessity of balance, which gets heavily tested because of another character. Aang is given this choice to bring back the Air Nomads thanks to his predecessor Sonam (Freida Pinto), whose magical staff is the sole reason for this quest.
The emotional aspect is seen through the shakiness between Aang and Katara, who believes that Aang’s focus on the destination is making him more reckless than usual. Although there’s ample time to allow how these two characters tug on Aang’s soul, it can feel like these moments reiterate what can already be emotionally felt. As the audience, we already know the struggle that Aang and Katara are putting each other through, but the emotional pull also feels minimal as the Gaang constantly keeps moving.
Plus, the film’s pacing makes the “twist villain” reveal to the Gaang a little less impactful. This is seen through the mentor-like dynamic between Aang and that character, which hits those beats a la Toy Story 2. Sure, the flashbacks that are given by another one of Aang’s past lives, the enigmatic Xian (Ke Huy Quan), drop some hints at this along with the additional presence of the Denied to throw viewers off. After all, there’s supposed to be that empathetic bond between both of them with their shared upbringing. However, the twist character’s act to be subtle about their motivations almost hinders their potential to be truly bad later on. By the time the third act kicks in, the stakes don’t feel as high as they should be because of how everything speeds up to the action.
That said, the voice cast does a great job carrying their roles, even if some characters don’t get as nearly as utilized as others. Nam’s Aang pairs well with Matten’s Katara as they both highlight their characters’ doubts quite well. However, Sokka and Toph are relegated to being the “side characters” of the Gaang, mostly being there to drop the occasional joke that Zaragoza or Quan hilariously deliver. Even Yeun’s Zuko gets less dialogue, but that’s to be seen when the film’s focus is placed on Aang for the most part. The times where every member in the Gaang has something to do is rare, with the one scene that mostly shows this is in the transition into the climax. Fortunately, Bautista’s Tagah does a good job putting the viewer at ease with a calming tone, albeit with a little suspicion later on.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is a striking visual spectacle, delivering with beautiful animation, relentless elemental action, and a solid cast that will keep you invested in the Gaang’s reunion. This film confidently shows the technical prowess that Avatar Studios can achieve in its next projects and I hope that Avatar: Seven Havens will continue to show that.
Rating: ★★★½
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender premieres on July 25 on Paramount+.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.