Family fantasy film that puts another nail in the coffin for M. Night Shyamalan's career.
Based on the original Nickelodeon children's program, The Last Airbender is about a fantasy world in which four tribes representing the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water, exist amongst warfare and tension. Within each tribe there are certain members who can learn to control their element, and use it in a magical way, but mostly as a weapon. Amongst the four tribes lives an Avatar, a very special being who can learn to master all four elements, and then use this ability to install peace across the land.
Pretty basic plot line, taking an ancient story such as mastering the elements, and then throwing in some baddies and martial arts moves for good measure. The film has a family appeal, as the action is lighthearted and comical, while the violence is tame. However, the film lacks any sense of true grit, and seems to skim over the issues amongst the people of the nations, and tries to patch together a coherent storyline. There are no worthy performances to comment on, and the open ending makes me shiver with the thought of a follow-up.
In the plus column, it is easy watching, some very nice CGI landscapes, and a few moments of acrobatics that will make your muscles ache as you watch. Shyamalan has failed to live up to his outdated reputation, with consistent blunders at the box office, and The Last Airbender is definitely not his saving grace.
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