Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan, Paramount Pictures, PG, 103 Minutes.
Filmmaker M Night Shyamalan (‘Signs’) has directed an enjoyable fantasy film on the adventures of Aang (newcomer Noah Ringer) the successor to a line of Avatars- a spiritual figure committed to maintaining an even balance between the four mythical realms.
After being rescued by two Water tribe members, Katara (Nicola Peltz – ‘Bates Motel’) and Sokka (Jackson Rathbone – ‘Twighlight’), Aang is called upon to stop the Fire realm from subjugating the other realms of Water, Earth and Air.
Assisted by his new-found friends, Katara and Sokka, Aang must first learn to master all the elements in the mythical world only to discover that he is being pursued by the Fire realm’s Prince Zuko (Dev Patel – ‘Slumdog Millionaire’).
In order to satisfy his domineering father-the Fire realm’s Lord Ozai (NZ actor Cliff Curtis – ‘Sunshine’) Zuko is determined to find the long-lost Avatar by proceeding with his mission to bring Aang to Ozai as a prisoner.
As it turns out Aang manages to escape due to the efforts of a masked marauder-Blue Spirit-which allows him to be taught waterbending by the master Pakku (Francis Quinan – ‘Constantine’) prior to engaging in a battle in the spirit world.
On defeating the Fire realm’s aggressors led by their strongman Admiral Zhao (Aasif Mandvi – The Proposal’) Aang is finally able to embrace his destiny as the last airbender unaware of Ozai’s future plans.
Although the script-written for the screen by Shyamalan-appears at times confusing it is well compensated by a combination of thrilling action sequences, some stunning settings and special effects that makes this movie an entertaining experience for any age group.
Apart from Ringer’s enjoyable portrayal of the enigmatic character of the Avatar-Aang one cannot overlook Patel’s pleasing performance as the Fire realm’s prince Zuko (following his scintillating role in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’) as well as that of Curtis as Ozai.
As indicated in the closing scenes this movie was intended to be the first in a trilogy with sequels to further expand on Aang’s future adventures but this is now unlikely considering the movie was released in 2010.
The Last Airbender is to be televised on 9Go at 7.30pm on Friday 6 November
Vic’s Verdict: 3 Stars
