Preview: The Last Airbender (2010)

Synopsis:

A young student of the air must stop a powerful nation from destroying all others.

• Poster: (B); B

Review:

The dichotomy displayed in the poster is entirely fitting considering the subject matter and it's glossy enough to be attractive while still highlighting its actioner heritage.

The previous poster has disappeared, so the previous review has been nullified. This new poster is a bit less colorful, but looks more professional and streamlined.

• Trailer: B; B-; C+

Review:

I don't know much about the series, but it seems to be a very popular anime program. This is a live-action version of the story and with M. Night Shyamalan behind the camera, the chances for a cohesive narrative are good, but of an overall strong film are far weaker. The trailer has some interesting visuals, but not much in the way of plot.

The first trailer seemed interesting. This second trailer only highlights the limited range of the film's actors and suggests that a few too many of Shyamalan's filmmaking styles are present. The effects do look quite good, but will this be just another lame attempt to carbon copy anime films for a live action audience or will we end up with a new twist on the genre. Not so certain we'll get much new here, but there's still some hope.

How do you make a film that's all about visual effects and not about performances or plot? This is how you do it...Shyamalan hasn't written a good film in years and it almost looks like he's taking his directorial cues from Michael Bay.

Oscar Prospects:

For one thing, I'm fairly certain it will be a strong contender for Best Visual Effets. Other awards are debatable at this point and it's way too far in advance fo the 83rd Oscars to really discuss such matters.

Release Date:

• July 1, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (June 28, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (March 14, 2010) New Trailer; New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (April 25, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (June 20, 2010) New Releae Date (changed from Summer 2010)

-Wesley Lovell (July 4, 2009) New Poster