Full Length The Last Airbender Trailer Pushes Air

While Andy’s convinced The Last Airbender will suck, I’m not so sure. Nothing I’ve seen so far has turned me off — opposite, even. Elements battling elements, dudes being thrown to oblivion, world creation and a kid’s skull lighting up like a Tron car. Despite its inherent kid focus (it’s based on a Nickelodeon cartoon after all)… I think it looks cool and will be, at worst, mildly entertaining.

Earlier trailers have focused on the high-flying gee-whizery of the movie, but the latest focuses a little more on story– and I kinda like the direction. Sure, it’s your standard journey of a hero, but I like the Fifth Element-esque idea of a super powerful kid who’s all alone and emotionally vulnerable– in need of a “family” or connection for safe harbor. There’s a fine line there between cheesy and resonant, but judging by this trailer at least, it’s hopefully steering closer to resonant.

Recent story missteps and name poison aside, M. Night Shyamalan remains a skilled, if now finally humbled,  filmmaker. I’m willing to give him all kinds of benefit of the doubt on The Last Airbender, namely because this world/universe isn’t his material, so the twist gimmick is probably out on this one.

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