Could anything have saved M. Night Shyamalan’s much-vilified adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender?
So beganRoger Eberts reviewofThe Last Airbender.
Night Shyamalans most expensive and, ultimately, most derided film yet.
But unlike other misfires from Shyamalan, this wasnt based on his own original idea.
Its almost harder to try and figure out what, if anything, went right.
This is Aang, the reincarnated Avatar who can control all four elements and usually keeps the order.
Aside from all of this negative hype, the film didnt do too badly at the box office.
So what was wrong with the film itself?
As You Know… For starters, it is absolutely deadpan.
Theres not a bit of intentional humor in the whole thing.
If a fireball hits anything or anyone in this movie, it doesnt set it on fire.
Even when it should be stunning to look at, its a let down.
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M. Night Shyamalan Movies Ranked
What Went Right?
You cant have many doubts left about what we think of this movie, but is it entirely irredeemable?
Wed also contend that actors Dev Patel and Shaun Toub come out of this with their heads held high.
My child was nine-years-old, he explained.
So you could make it one of two ways.
I didnt do that.
Certainly,Avatar: The Last Airbenderis for kids.
None of that is true of the film version.
Andhe has since rebounded strongly.
