The Last Airbender movie

[silverthunder]

So, there's actually a full trailer for the Last Airbender movie now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udeaR1-O-Gk

Sokka and Katara feel distinctly un-Sokka-and-Katara-like; not just because of their race but because of the way they act in the new trailer. Particularly Katara. Given that she's the only major female character in season one (which this movie is based on), I really really hope they're not planning to make her weepy and useless. Bleh.

Sokka is an insecure teenager who tends towards cynical and often gets the crap end of the stick for comedy relief purposes. Katara is a girl with talent in a society that has distinct gender roles, with a short temper and a competitive streak. I didn't get that from this trailer.

But again, this is more of a new interpretation of the Avatar story rather than a complete retelling, so I guess I'll just have to get over it. I'm still going to see the movie.

Dev Patel makes an adorable Zuko. Still haven't seen him do 'angry' yet. Maybe this Zuko won't be so angry? That would change his whole character.

I have no comment on Aang, because he hasn't said a damn thing in any trailer I've seen and he always looks serious. Really, same kid? His tattoos look cool, except for the completely unnecessary cross on his back. Why would the Air Nomads use a cross in their tattoos? The airbending looks pretty awesome, though. Actually, the effects in general look cool.

Storywise... In my opinion, for this to be even a marginally decent retelling, the following things need to happen in this movie:

* Basic introduction of full plot, including:
- history of the four nations
- introduction to bending
- who the Avatar is and what the heck he/she is supposed to do
- explanation of the war and why the Air Nomads were wiped out
- the fact that the Avatar's been missing for 100 years
- and was actually hanging out in a block of ice the whole damn time
- and has a Fire Nation prince obsessed with capturing him

* Aang and Zuko backstory parallels established

* Sozin's comet pointed out

* Aang and Katara learn waterbending

* The whole Yue-moon-spirit thing happens

* Iroh established as awesome (okay, I guess it's not NECESSARY, but...)

That is the BARE minimum, for story only. Lots of other stuff really should happen too, but I'm not going to expect a heck of a lot from this movie.

Comments

[jupiterah2.livejournal.com]

If they do make Katara into a wimpy character, all of us Avatar fandom should rise up as one and unleash our furry over the internet like nothing seen before. Movie directors need to know that useless female characters are no longer socially acceptable.

[silverthunder]

Have you watched the trailer? In almost every scene she was in, she looks like she's either on the verge of tears or has been crying. I don't remember Katara doing a lot of crying in the series... especially not in the first season.

Kind of reminds me of Ember Island Players - in that ep, the group is watching a play about them, and get really annoyed with how their characters are portrayed. In nearly every scene, the Katara character is crying very very loudly and talking about how 'it just gives me SO MUCH HOPE'. So... that kind of makes me think of this trailer. Heh.

I'll withhold judgement until I see the movie, 'cause who knows? Maybe those were just very emotionally charged scenes they picked. The one where she and Aang hug is probably after the finale at the North Pole, and that IS a pretty emotional moment (althoug she wasn't crying in the cartoon :P maybe they added more drama?).

I will also be ANNOYED BEYOND BELIEF if they leave out her battle with Zuko.

But you know, as mad as I'd be if they made Katara wimpy, I'd be infinitely more pissed if they then went on with the second movie and made TOPH wimpy.

I'd be convinced at that point that the movie is a bad fanfic.

[boo-spot.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...I think I'll go see it too! Even if I haven't seen the anime yet :)

[silverthunder]

You should watch some of the show first! I recommend it. :)

Next time we meet up, I can give you all the episodes Cody has stored on his harddrive. XD We could even watch a couple.

[boo-spot.livejournal.com]

Sounds good. I'll be back around the 20th for car insurance and stuff, so I should have some free time! Looking forward to it!!

[sunhawk6498.livejournal.com]

Zuko looked suitably intense though. I agree, it would be annoying if Katara gets the shaft in the movie.

[silverthunder]

Yeah, Zuko's one of the characters I think will probably turn out all right. I'm less sure about some of the others... And Katara's treatment is important mainly because she'll be the only female character with a major role in the movie. I've seen way too many action movies with useless female characters; I don't want to see anything based on A:TLA that continues that irritating tradition.