the live action Avatar was better than I expected
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- FLAMEO HOTMEN! 🔥
I finally started watching the live action avatar and it was better than I expected? (Though we're only 1 episode in, there's still a lot of episodes to judge!) Is it really good? Or did I just have no bar because I watched the 2010 live action first?? We shall see as I watch the rest of the episodes!
As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments 🌊🪨🔥🌬️
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Timestamps
intro: 00:00
the changes in maturity: 00:20
aang's backstory: 1:05
sokka's sexism: 4:40
zuko is a drama queen: 6:38
katara: 7:20
what we lose: 8:50
final episode 1 thoughts 9:45
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for a live action adaptation, i think they did a solid job. you touched on those moments of comfort and silliness, that is the biggest thing this show lacks. there's not really a time when the pacing is "slowed" and we get that slice of life. it feels like action, action, action, and dialogue exposition.
i also really think the internet isn't giving the actors enough credit: these are CHILDREN. it's also literally impossible to act the scenes out exactly as they are in the animated series. it's really sad to see people hate on literal children for trying their absolute best.
totally agree with all of this! 👏🏼
But that is sadly a main problem with the standart 8 episode thing they do now at netflix and others, it always feels rushed. It is too little to let you know the people involved in the story also for later. Furthermore that they just dumb a whole season, instead of weekly releases, makes you feel the rush even more. You can not let it sink and get the "confort part".
2 more episodes would have helped with reducing the paste a bit (I felt this issue also really strong with netflix's The Dragon Price S2+....) .
I like weekly releases more. Plus it build up hype better and would improve the views on later episodes due to it.
@@LeafianaI hate when shows feel too short.
i am not hating on the actors they did a great job on trying to make the characters feel like the characters
but they dont only because of the writing, i HATE how much they changed. for a live action adaptation its writing is ass, its not even close to the main plots of the source material. i will give credit for the CGI and Clothing it looks great but the story holy shit they changed so much.
@@Leafiana yes I agree. However let’s see how things will be season 2.
the heart of the show was in the right place. i understand why some people are upset by the changes, but it still felt like the same avatar spirit that we know and love.
Maybe it's because I haven't watched the orignal in years, but I really, REALLY enjoyed the show. Some of the changes even made more sense to me than what happened in the og too. I especially loved the Blue Spirit episode because I felt like they made Zuko's backstory really sad and meaningful, gosh do I love that emo fire boy... But yeah, I get why people don't like it but it was pretty great to me!
I feel the same. I haven't seen the show in like 8 years so i do remember most of the plotpoints but not in a great detail. And I'm enjoying the show a lot! I'm on ep 4 and while it's not some groundbreaking cinema, I'm having fun.
Same I actually really enjoy it
The Blue Spirit (Masks) episode was the best! But it also followed the original episode pretty closely, so.... I think that's part of it. But also, Zuko is the best child actor in this show
@@kristaolsen6236 Agreed
@@tracim3080 The only way any of that is true is if you WANT it to be that way, nowhere in the show are other women shown as being 'too weak' for change to happen, more that they've been living in an unfair system, and in the OG those same women STILL LIVE IN THAT SYSTEM, so guess what? The message on that end is the exact same. You are deliberately making the most bad-faith take that you can because you want to hate the show and nothing else, or you're just parroting talking points that others have made without any further thought. The LA is not perfect, I have my issues with it, but the way people are being SO unfair about it really makes me wonder if any of you actually WATCHED the show, or at least watched it without wanting to hate it. Because it comes off like both are the case most of the time tbh. Have your issues with it, I don't actually care if people hate it, but stop trying to make it disliking this show into some morally correct thing to do instead of a personal opinion.
"you will always be my friend" how I read it "you will always be my son". I'm so glad you like the new show as much as I do.
Knowing the backstory is even sadder. Because Gyatso was a very good friend with Aang's past live and predecessor, Avatar Roku
@@ninf5041 I think how they have re imagine gyatso was really good, I did cry when aang saw him again in the spirit world. I really liked how they also included him more in the story now then they did in the cartoon.
Son."
Yeah and literally stolen from Man of Steel. Only difference the acting in Man of Steel was better
@@aishaarshadalam3412 and people should be able to like a show, without people saying that it sucks. But you know that’s life I guess. And it’s totally not like nearly every movies have been copied just a little bit.
What i love most about the live action adaptation is that the translation in my country (Germany) brought back the original voice actors from the animated show. So if you watch (and have watched the original) in German, Sokka, Katara, Zuko and i think also azula have the SAME voice like in the original
That's so cool! I was hoping for the same in my dubb but unfortunately no. Really glad some countries did it!
Woah that's so amazing!
i really appreciate finding someone who actually doesn't completely hate the show! i had heard some terrible ratings before watching it too and was nervous at first but i actually found it enjoyable. like, i can understand that it wasn't going to be exactly like the cartoon but it still did a pretty good job with it. love you, mikaila, and can't wait to see what you think of the rest of the episodes!!
I loved your Percy Jackson adaptation reviews so I'm really looking forward to more ATLA ones. Not enough people really understand that adaptations are retellings not recreations of a story. I don't appreciate everyone criticising it just because they added/removed/changed things, it's the application of those changes that really deserves to be critiqued. The show wasn't perfect and I definitely have some criticisms (pacing, dialogue) but some of their changes and expansions were quite good. Overall, I had a fun time watching it and I want more seasons.
Exactly, adaptations and remakes are different. Adaptations can be a different take on the main story, or viewing the main story from a different angle. And as long as they don't go away from the core/spirit of the main fundamental story and message, it is okay. We should judge the show based on this show's merits and flaws, not for how many scenes of the Original version they have managed to recreate. More people need to understand that.
And both versions are always available. You can always watch whatever the comfort and fun-filled children's show version or the realistic action emotion oriented version. Both has its flaws and good parts. And both are always available to watch.
It's a win-win situation for ATLA fans.
I mean I have criticisms about the first season like - I did not like the facial CGI and the facial emotions of the child actors at times, especially the actor playing Aang, but I knew he was a child actor and he would improve and all the child actor's acting did improve across the episodes. And also I believe that like most shows, the producers, writers and actors will get better at making the show as the episodes go on and they listen to criticism and work on their shortcomings.
Overall the show has done so many things right, and I love it. Hopefully Netflix gives us a Season 2.
Episode 1 escaping zuko ship, aang steals his book full of sketches, locations and past avatar info. Episode 2 they use it as guide to go other places, where the cartoon version season one they just wondered aimlessly lol. Later episode of netflix version, katara reads it mentions some of kyoshi backstory thats from her own origin comic. All of this is such a great addition to this adaptation of the franchise.
To me, that was one of the funnier moments in the show, where Sokka says “you have no idea where you’re going do you”
And Aang said “Nope!”
But Zuko thinks the entire opposite 😂
You and Movie Flame are so far the only two RUclipsrs that actually give praise in some way shape or form to the live action. And I totally agree on the comfort of what Avatar was vs now even though missing those points, it’s understandable.
ReverseBLT has an amazing reaction as well, very appreciative towards the Netflix show.
@MonicaCatapusan has good reactions to the show as well. Initally she was very critical, but later on she grew to accept it as an adaptation and the fact that it is not a remake, and she went on to love the show. She gave good criticisms, but appreciated the good things and has accepted that the show has done a lot of things right, and that the re-imagination makes sense in a lot of ways.
Overanalyzing Avatar was mostly positive in his "overall review"
A lot of live reactors actually most of them gave praises too
and strugglenation as well
I went in cautiously optimistic, but I genuinely loved this show. It has some definite improvements it can make, and I hope we see that in the coming seasons, but for now this was a good start.
Zuko is literally perfect. He couldn't be more Zuko.
7:24 LOL I was cracking up every Katara preachy line lolol
“we need hope more than food” maybe YOU do katara, the rest of us gotta eat 😭😂
When I watched her say that line I was thinking about the Ember Island Katara
Who in the world is saying Zuko doesn't sound like Zuko? I've been watching the animated and live action together and it still floors me every time I hear live action Zuko speak because he sounds uncannily like animated Zuko! Him and Iroh were easily my favorite parts of the show
I cried so many times with their scenes 😭 They were so good
@@rightsarentpolitical saaaame!
i watched it with my brother the nostalgia was real and we loved it
the moments of nostalgia hit hard! I’m a couple more episodes in now and I really appreciated the little moments they put it because they know they’re important to the fandom (like the 🥬🥬 man) there were some changes that took me off guard but having those little moments of nostalgia makes it worthwhile for me!
@magicbymilkaila i like how they handled the missing episodes. you went on that thing about having to cut stuff in adaptations in your (poj show vids i think) but i like that little moment in the bar when they mention that they did the cavern off camera (at least that how i interpreted it) incase you're not at that episode yet guess you have summin to look out for lol
Please do a video for each episode! I would love to hear your analysis as it goes on. It’s obviously not going to be the same as the original, but like you said, it shouldn’t be - the important thing is that it stays true to the characters and maintains the heart of it. So excited to go on this journey with you!!
I agree
I agree x 2
I agree * 3
I agree x 4
Finally, someone with a positive opinion.
There are several positive reviews for this live action series
@@tovolume I find positive reactors but I have yet to find a positive review. This show is far from perfect but I wouldn't call it trash like so many videos do
@@MewDenise it ain't hard to find
5:50 this! I don’t mind it either and yet so many people are pissed about it. Saying that by getting rid of his sexism they are getting rid of his character development, which is true in a sense. What those people forget to see is that they did not just get rid of his sexism, they decided one of his many other personalities and struggles would be better to focus on in THIS ADAPTATION. Sokka will still have character development!!
Yes. He was more exist in season 1 basically changed by episode 4 with suki. And then it wasn't until season 3 once his dad is around that we see his insecurities in leading. Meanwhile he was always being incharge. So him being more insecure from the beginning in this makes sense.
The hilarious part is that it gets resolved so quickly in the show I had completely forgotten it was even a thing, until people were getting mad about it.
@tracim3080 100% this. I think ppl are less upset what it did to Sokka's character vs what removing this point of contention with him did to Katara and Suki.
The writers could have handled their stories differently to still get them to the same place. But this Katara lacks a lot of her fiery personality, mothering & optimism (which is really never mentioned again after ep 1 live action).
Sokka ended up opening Suki's eyes to the world instead of the other way around, diminishing the value Suki is supposed to bring to the story.
Even Sokka & Yue ended up weird. Making live action Yue immediately smitten with Sokka in the spirit world, so much so that she cancels her engagement with Hanh before the group even reach the North. Taking away Yue's internal struggle of wanting to be a teen who makes her own choices VS shouldering responsibility she feels from the moon spirit.
@@intergalactic92 Nah, it was still a thing when he fought Ty Lee. By then end of his sexism arch, he was more afraid to fight women then men 😂
I also want to observe that sokka IS still sexist. he tells karata not to be a little girl, and he pushes her not to fight and to obey tribal elders in the north.
he's a casual misogynist in this adaptation rather than a blatant one. this contrasts beautifully with the master paku once they get to the north. katara looks to sokka to support her against the elders, but he initially does not, preferring the current power dynamic because it's his instinct to assume such things.
so yeah, he's still sexist. just not comically. it's more subtle. I liked it tbh.
Your review is so refreshing among others. It radiates so much positivity and still recognize what can the show improve. People online are being TOO critical and not recognizing that there are some good things in the show.
I’m interested in all eight episode breakdowns as separate videos. I will watch all of them! And it’s so refreshing to see someone give a positive review of the show
Seeing as you seem to be one of the few creators who's viewing the show in a more positive light (while still being realistic with its flaws), I would love a reaction to each episode, but might I also suggest paired videos.
What I mean is, episodes 3 & 4 are kind of paired, 5 & 6 are paired, and 7 & 8 are paired with their locations and plots. Episode 2 would deserve its own episode, but this would reduce the number of videos you'd have to produce while still making complete sense and feeding us content.
Exactly, episode 2 can be a seperate episode, but all other episodes(episodes3 & 4, episodes 5 & 6 and episodes 7 and 8) could be paired and can help in better understanding and in giving a better review of each sub-plots.
I started the show and hated it so much but after getting to episode 5 something changed. I had the chance to read people opinions and different perspectives and it changed my mind. Finished all 8 episodes and loved it
Thank you for giving it a chance with an open mind.
I would appreciate you doing commentary on each episode! You give adaptations a fair chance without being unnecessarily harsh and critical. I really appreciate your commentary and it makes me feel better about liking things when other people say they suck lol
I've been watching this with my family over the last couple of days, and even though it's obviously not as good as the original series, I'm really impressed with it. It has some things I preferred in the cartoon better, but they did and AMAZING job with the CGI. It's been really well done so far and I'm excited to see more of it. (They also got most of the actors spot on which was nice. It's the only thing me and my siblings have been talking about recently)
I do appreciate that they try to combine “filler” and in some cases swap with season 2 “filler” to draw parallels and add complexity of seeing opposites at the same time (trying not to spoil) like seeing two characters from episode 3 and how the trio has to come to terms with the plot
I liked how they made the avatar state less of a.. sonic screwdriver. Instead they show it as equally dangerous as it is useful, so right now it's not even worth messing around with. But it still leaves open the possibility of him using it in the future as he gains some control. Plus I think that will make it more satisfying to see him kick ass in the avatar state because he earned it.
I didn't realize this was just for the first episode.
I actually loved the series I thought that even though it has it's flaws I thought it was so good. I can't wait to hear what you thought of the rest of the season. I would love an episode break down for each one.
I didn't grow up watching ATLA, but I've seen the original show a few times and I absolutely love it. and I fell in love with the new adaptation: the cast is great, the kids are so amiable, the costumes, props and surroundings are exactly from the show and even better. the music and some shots, and some lines are love letters to the fans indeed. I don't mind the changes so far. can't wait for seasons 2 and 3!
I love the way you phrase you thoughts. It is so refreshing. But the show is really good!!! There are changes and the biggest flaw for me would be the lack of fun the trio has compared to the animated. However, the additions make up for it.
Mikaila, thank you for literally putting my crazy random thoughts about this show into coherent sentences!! I'm autistic and I have such a hard time talking with my friends about atla and pjo bc I can't articulate my ideas well but these videos just sum up everything I'm thinking so well ❤
This comment is exactly what I feel myself, being autistic as well and all that
It's so refreshing seeing a positive video on this. Personally, I love the live action adaptation. In fact, the parts i liked least is when they tried and force a 1 for 1 of the cartoon. The parts where they change events around or create their own are for sure the strong points. When they try to match the cartoon exactly just left me comparing it to the cartoon. I love Zuko's and Iroh's interactions, seeing how much respect Zuko has for Iroh and love Iroh has for Zuko as an adopted son. I like seeing how side characters from different episodes would have interacted if they were in the same place. And of course, seeing more of the back ground scenes like the fire lord pitting his child against each other and the attack on the air temple.
What's better is it's drawing in a bigger audience. My husband didn't grow up on Nickelodeon shows so there is no nostalgia nor motivation to watch a kids show. However, he loves the live action remake. A remake like this is more than just for the fans, it pulls outside people into this awesome world.
for everyone who hates on this:
you may think it’s bad, but remember, *we’ve already had much worse*
What do you mean? There’s no other adaptation. No movie that was made before nope? (/j)
There's no movie in Ba Sing Se
FINALLY i found someone who is going in with an open mind, and is not outright bashing the show in the title and thumbnail.
I for one would love to see your reactions for all the episodes :D
I personally liked a lot of the live action here, there were definitely a handful of moments that felt wrong and all, but there was also some things that touched my soul. If you saw the thing with zuko’s crew, you’d know
I never watched or read anything related to Avatar before the live adaptation, and honestly when I saw it for the first time I thought it was REALLY COOL! Literal chills during the Kiyoshi battle, and even my husband who's a fan of the animation said that the LA is not as bad as what others said, he personally really like Zuko's Arc here and the relationship between Zuko and Iroh, and with the crew! When I saw Omashu it has blown me away because the design and CGI is just so beautiful! I wish there'll be more Omashu in the future. As for.. people commenting about the physique of the cast.. like idk, they look like healthy, battle ready teenager to me-especially Azula (whom I didn't know is a lot thinner in the animation) who I think looks so strong and ready to beat people up. Sure there are some episodes that feels slow, but overall it made me feel excited for the next seasons. And imo the LA did a very good job at portraying how TERRIFYING fire nation is-- even the Earth Benders! Like the crackling and crushing sound is so good and I thought man, I would never mess with the Earth Benders (which usually potrayed as weaker power / race compared to water, or fire, sometimes even air)!
My brother and I watched this together and we actually quite enjoyed it. The ending could have been less rushed, but we thought the way the storylines were mashed together made sense overall given there would only be 8 episodes. Maybe it's because we're both avid fanfic readers (and have read TONS of ATLA fics over the years) but we really didn't mind that it wasn't a shot for shot retelling; we actually appreciated that it kept us guessing each episode.
I feel like I'm in the same camp as you. I think the child actors are doing a slam-dunk job of acting, I think the world feels very real and lived in, and the bending slaps. Every episode I've watched so far has something I really like and something that bugs me so I'm going to keep watching cause I'm super curious. And since the show has been renewed for seasons 2 and 3 I'm in it for the long haul to Sozin's comet cause that better look amazing. Those episodes better be an actual shot-for-shot recreation cause I can't imagine anything being better
Thanks for making a community where everyone can be positive if they want to be ❤ I really enjoy the show so far. I have a few critical thoughts but I feel like there are more good aspects than bad ones, so 🎉
My favourite Harry Potter content creator likes Avatar, too? Waaaaah!!! What a great day this is!!❤❤❤ I also liked a lot of changes- especially the additions to the back stories to all the characters. Shame the gAAng gets less bonding, but there are new great moments, too. Looove Iroh&Zuko’s friendship. That hug they shared made me cry!😢
it's nice to see someone focus more on the things the show does right. i had a really great time watching because i basically went in without any expectations and i was very positively surprised
I've been watching the show with my 9-year-old daughter, and we both love it.
There are some things I thought they could do better, but overall I think they did a great job.
A lot of criticism I've seen about the show has been pretty petty, like one guy said he turned it off when Aang got down from the temple roof. "Aang could not fly in the anime"
To start with not an anime, second, he is not flying, he is controlling his fall with air bending, third, Aang can literally sneeze himself up into the air and ride around on a ball of air like a bicycle in the cartoon.
Anyway, I would love to see your full reaction to the show, it's pretty refreshing to see a reviewer actually giving it a fair shake.
Edited for spelling mistakes😅
It’s scary how your review of the ATLA could just as easily be applied to One Piece live action. Maybe Netflix is on to something! Moving backstory to the front, more vibrant outfits, nailing the bending / sword fighting, oh they really burned a guy / cut a guy in half, they changed to Sokka’s / Sanjis attitude towards women, etc …
In regards of how many reaction videos to do of something that releases all episodes at once.
Either release more than one video a week--- Do two episodes per video you release--- Two videos for the whole show--- or a mixture!
Either way, those of us subscribed to you have subscribed for a reason! We love your passion and insights! We will probably watch 8 reactions! 🎉🤣
I personally loved it, definitely different from the original and has its highs and lows, but it has a lot to offer and I would love a season 2!
Would absolutely love and appreciate your take on every episode ❤ was constantly looking forward to that with Percy Jackson, and now I'm craving the same joy of your episodic commentary entertainment 🙌🏼
Yes! I love watching your reaction/review videos! Personally, I really enjoyed the live action and am excited to see how the story moves forward. And I will not lie, I was being super emo during this first episode, especially during the beginning.
I LOVE Zuko and Iroh. They were my favourite part of the live action. Cant wait for the next two seasons to see how they go about the rest of the story
I have seen the full show so dont want to do any full spoilers for you but I generally think it was good and dont really see what people are upset about with it i think the problem is that people are just upset its not exactly what we already have though i kind of just see it as a pretty good retelling of the amazing story we already have. Loved seeing you react to this and cant wait for more.
I enjoyed hearing your take and will easily watch videos of all 8 episodes.
THANK YOU! I am so glad you agree that the show is good. I have been seeing so much hate all over the internet, over changes that I believe are minor or inconsequential. Like you said, it's an ADAPTATION, not a RECREATION. People get upset over small things, and fail to appreciate that this show is a really good show in it's own right! If this was an original show, and it wasn't adapted off of anything, people would love it! But the problem is many people are comparing it to the animated series, which: 1. Is an impossible bar to clear, and 2. Means that people get upset with small changes, even when said changes do work. Thank you for being one of the only people on the platform praising the show for the impressive accomplishment that it is. ATLA is not an easy show to adapt to live action by any means, and the showrunners did a damn good job.
P.S. Mikaila, no spoilers, but you will cry at LEAST two more times this season, if not more
subscribed to see u do all the episodes, i loved the show
I know a lot of people don’t care, but the removal of Sokka’s sexism really damages future episodes as well Katara’s anger issues being underplayed and almost forgotten about. These removals feel like, while done with good intentions, will be detrimental in portraying the same character arcs later on. It really makes the show feel like Aang and Zuko’s story rather than the ensemble show it was animated to be.
You're a voice of reason in these salty times. 😂 Please do all eps. 🙏
Completely agreed. You really put a bunch of my after-show thoughts into words. Like, nothing is going to be better than the original show. It was the original, it's got nostalgia and also I have hardly seen any complaints about it. Avatar is genuinely a show I think is hard to improve on. I've got my complaints about the live action show, sure. I think they watered down Katara a little (I miss her temper) and I miss Aang goofing off as much as he did in the original for example. But they also got to show serious moments that were too graphic or just too serious for kids at the time. Not to mention they got me to cry at leaves from the vine again. I had a great time and that's what matters.
This was by far the most intelligent take I've heard so far! Thanks for the perspective, and I would LOVE hearing your thoughts on the rest of the series in whatever format that would take.
I actually appreciated most of the changes - don't get me wrong, I adore the original. It was a huge part of my childhood, and I will always love it, BUT I no longer think it is entirely perfect worldbuilding or characterwise. Really good, and especially amazing with what Nickelodeon allowed to the creators, but there were smaller and bigger issues (let's be real, Ozai is a very plain antagonist, with no redeeming qualities, just pure evil, and almost everyone gets out of very traumatic situations with minimal issues? Like hell, Suki was in prison for like months, Aang saw his entire nation murdered, and half a day later he kind of forgot it, and wanted to have fun. Hakoda's kinda toxic behavior was never actually called out... the list goes on, there was room for development, especially if they had the chance to show it). So I liked the bit darker theme, while keeping a bit of the lighthearted humor. I liked that the message shifted (from Aang trying to stay a normal kid, to the topic of whether one can even stay a decent human in a war, where everyone sacrificed everything). I liked that we actually got to know Gyatso as a character, and not just as Aangs mentor, that Ozai showed some interesting qualities, that Zhao was smarter as an antagonist... I just all in all really appreciated the sense of consistency in the whole thing, even if it meant sacrificing some of the lovable moments. And I liked that they didn't just remove things (like sexism) but changed the background too, so it makes more sense (Sokka not idolizing Hakoda that much and not being looked down by the female members of his tribe certainly made it more logical). All in all, I hope this series will be continued - it would deserve it.
Kids who go through trauma tend to avoid thinking about it directly and act like nothing happened until something triggers the memory or they're in a stressful situation. There are a lot of peaceful, mundane moments in the cartoon that act as buffers between the serious stuff and the fun stuff, something the live-action missed out on. By season 3, the gravity of the situation does catch up with Aang though.
@@cinderbelle22 My main problem is not that Aang avoids it (I agree that it is a very real coping mechanism), but that when he is not actively focusing on it, the trauma seems to disappear. It doesn't lurk there. He doesn't even seem to avoid it actively, he often speaks about how he is over one hundred with people, even going so far as joking about it. And then suddenly the storm triggers it. Which could be a trigger, yes, but... Bumi, a friend he remembers as a little kid being an old king brought forward nothing but happiness. He can randomly joke at a 100-year-old conflict without feeling bad about it. He can totally dismiss a fortune telling about the final battle, when he already knows he barely has time to prepare, and he shows no anxiety at all, even says that he heard it a thousand times (other times, he is anxious about it, so it is really on and off). He can literally forget that he is already a mass murderer by season three (he denies ever taking a life despite having a full episode centered around how he is afraid of the avatar state because he hurts people in it - and that episode is also kind of late, because by that time, he entered the avatar state several times, and hurt people with it). Don't get me wrong, I love Aang, and I love his journey as he became responsible, but I think the way it was executed could be improved. I really preferred that here we feel the effect, even when Aang is more carefree, because he is constantly faced with the effects of his decision and can't avoid them even if he wants to. And he clearly feels the impact of his current actions (like the battle of the North), too.
Finally, a RUclipsr who actually remembers the original animation and, therefore, doesn't hate on the new show! I LOVE the original show, but I feel like people are constantly making it something it wasn't, forgetting about the amount of silliness. The new one had some problems, sure, but so did book 1 of the animation. Netflix adaptation is really solid and deserves our support.
I agree with everything you said, with one minor exception. I think in the animated format they could get away with Katara being able to call Aang down, because they had the luxury of having it be separated from the first episode. Especially when it would have been seen by many out of order back in the day. But when you’re doing this in a more linear way with fewer episodes, it would feel totally unearned here. There isn’t enough time in the first episode to establish that kind of bond. I think something like that in live action has a much slower cooking time, because you really have to establish the groundwork for their friendship and vulnerability in a way a light hearted animation can just plot around.
I’m almost positive that some of the early character elements and dynamics that we expect from them in the animated show, are actually being built into character arcs. I think we will build towards our team becoming a family, and Katara becoming a strong leader.
i’m gonna be so real i was there for Azula (sue my she’s my favourite) but absolutely fell in love with the gyatso and aang storyline i did end up crying at the “you’ll always be my friend” my boy doesn’t deserve that trauma 😭😭. also mikayla you r legit my fav youtuber ur so cool i wanna be ur friend so bad lol
Thank you for having a sane opinion! For all the hate that I’ve been seeing the series getting, I thought it would be atrociously bad. It was actually pretty decent
The casting was on point for all of the characters. I did feel like some of the emotional scenes with Aang felt off, but I attributed it to a script that was going at light speed and just didn’t have the polish it needed.
The scenery and CGI was very well done. You can notice imperfections here and there, but we didn’t come here to see a marvel movie. As you said the bending was so well done, so I’m not even mad.
WHAT REALLY BOTHERED ME was episode 4 and beyond. The way they changed the story to up the pace confused me a little bit, and the ruined my tunnel scene 😢. I wanted some Katara Aang romance which was completely absent this season. Sokka’s romance also moved so fast with the princess I got whiplash.
Which brings me to my biggest criticism. IF I NEVER WATCHED THE ORIGINAL I think I would not have enjoyed this show. The pacing is too fast, and I wouldn’t enjoy the references. I can fill in the details in my head because I know where the story is going, but there’s no way this would have been an enjoyable experience without having watched the original. I felt like I was watching a spark notes adaptation that was trying to get the big plot points.
Also what did they do to King Bumi 😭. I do not remember him being that angry and bitter. He was the homie…
Ok final thing. I loved Zuko. His actor acted the frick out of that role. He did amazing and the rewrite with the 41st division got me so hard. My friend said it best when he said that the fire nation was the best thing that happened to this show. The script writers should have just made a spin off show following Zuko’s story all the way through!
It was so good to see your review, I'm so happy with it. I would love to see your reaction for all episodes, even if it comes out later, it's still enjoyable. I agree with you, it's great that it's not a recreation of the original. Also I just love that they started with action and we actually saw the airbenders die. And I enjoyed all the fan service they had
I Love your vids!! They're so insightful!!
I thought your takes were really solid, and I'd love for you to do more videos covering the rest of the season! I have finished watching it now, and thought it was pretty good. But I'd still be interested in coming back to see more videos about it, even though I already finished it!
That’s so true; I was hearing so many mixed reviews and when I was watching it with my friend, we were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed watching it, yes it not going to be the same and there are some changes that didn’t click to me, but there are changes that I fell in love with and overall the heart was there; I’m excited to get your review on it!
I haven’t watched any of the avatar shows/movie but I will listen to Mikaila’s opinions on anything
Love the show. The casting is great, costumes are on point and the world build was breath taking at times. The actors and actress, definitely spent the time on making sure they represented the characters properly. There was so many times with the younger cast were I was like, wow. Now that’s some acting. Not to mention how hard those bending moves had to be to learn. They did a great job. Yes, it was rushed, but it is just the first season .
For me, it did get better. It was nice to actually see bending. I teared up a few times as well. And to your reference of Lord of Rings, I see where you're going there. I watched LOR for the cinematography, world building, and heroism, but it never touched me emotionally. I hope you continue. It's nice to see your thoughts on the show.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's nice to see someone being positive about this show and I would love to watch your reviews on all 8 episodes. And I hope that if this is someone's first time seeing anything Avatar related it makes them watch the original.
I however did not like it at all. I personally didn't like most of the changes made and was confused about what they chose to keep and what they chose to cut from the original. I really did not enjoy this adaptation except for ep 6. But at the end of the day I can still watch the original.
I really enjoyed watching your video because you actually pointed out valid points and not just random hate. I think it was pretty well done, but it didn’t have the same comfort that the original series had for me and felt sometimes a bit shallow. It’s so sad to see the actors get so much hate because they are so young:(
I would 100% watch you reacting to the rest of the episodes. It’s a breath of fresh air for someone to show its pros and cons, and not just calling is a horrible show.
Thank you! I am so sick of people being so critical of what was an amazing live-action season! I would say that it is almost perfect, and let's be honest... There are plenty of cheesy/cringey moments in the cartoon that would not work with real people. This show is a lot more believable and more human. I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like it better because all the filler is gone and the writing is better. People who hate the Netflix series just don't know how to write a story/script, which I actually do. Netflix nailed it by honoring the story, but also telling different perspectives, and solidifying the story. And if anyone comments on this and gets mad... Just be thankful that this isn't the movie, and that it isn't like some of the new Star Wars content or "Lord of The Rings": Rings of Power.
Me and my boyfriend have watched a few episodes and we think it’s really good, amazing! Brings back so much feeling of nostalgia. The special effects are utterly amazing I’m constantly shocked that it’s a Netflix series. The music, acting is also really good too. We are both really enjoying it more than we thought we would we literally cannot stop watching. I see the resemblance to the characters so much like in the original. I think they did a good job with the casting. Also the slight changes make sense in regards to it being a live action and of course you cannot mimic everything from the original animation. I think they did good well done 👏 don’t understand why there is so much hate for it
For the live adaptation, it was pretty good to me. Not crazy stellar but we will see in season 2 and 3, if they get it I hope. To me it was mixed, I made sure to keep a open mindset and some moments where, ehhhhhh could be better and the other moments are AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA OH MY GOSH I LOVE IT AAAAAA
I am just finding out you have long form content and I am so happy
I love your episode by episode reactions! The PJO ones were great and I would definitely watch if you do all 8 of these
Great reaction and review! So happy to see some positivity! And good takes when you actually critique it.
what you said about it showing Aang's backstory at the beggining of the show, was exactly what i thought when I watched it. Love your videos
Do them all!!!
I will watch them all i swear.
I just finished watching the full season, PLEASE make one for every video WE'RE INTERESTED
Spoilers ahead:
About the Gyatso stuff not being devastating enough and the guilt not being enough, you're about to see otherwise😭
This is turning out to be a really unpopular opinion, but I really loved this show!! I thought they did such a good job in so many ways. Yes, some things are missing that I miss. Yes, somethings are different. But I really do love it!! I think it's SUPER well done and I am very much looking forward to season two!
Also I would absolutely LOVE to see a video from every episode. I think you're genuinely hilarious and I've always really enjoyed watching your videos!!
I didn't mind it being more mature, but I did mind that in the genocide there were so little... pain filled screams. If they want to make it realistic, don't have a dead guy who has a slightly burned chest dead, but instead have him scream in pain, before someone finally kills him.
The Genocide was pretty underwhelming for me, this is the moment where the firebenders are supposed to be the strongest. But the first guy they attacked was still able to fight like ten firebenders at once and wasn't immediatly overpowered. When you are at your strongest and still need help from your friends and still fail to kill one guy with ease... maybe you should just get an arrow in the knee and become a farmer.
Don't get me wrong I think it's cool that they showed how strong airbenders can be, but why didn't they do it with Gyatso he fought like three guys by blowing them back a bit and then was burned alive. Why didn't they give the guy who defended a bunch of kids that moment of showing real strength, holding more then three guys back...
I agree that the costumes look good, but they don't look used for a series that's supposed to be more mature and realistic.
I don't really like the changes they did with the dynamic between Katara and Sokka at the beginning. Sokka in the show looked down on Katara because she was a girl and Katara showed how powerful she was by letting her emotions control her. Here Sokka is actually right in their argument between bending and surviving Katara argues that Waterbending is more important because it's their culture, while Sokka talks about protecting the village. Which made me agree with Sokka instead of Katara...
I stand with my opinion, that it wasn't bad, but also not great. When I watched it all I thought was _meh._ I just didn't get into it...
I thought the genocide was unintentionally hilarious because:
1. Why would Sozin personally risk getting himself killed just to rid the Avatar?
2. Why did it feel like a Castlevania speedrun or something like Robot Chicken?
3. Regardless of the comet, why were the monks so mediocre in fighting and not change how they fought so maybe just maybe, one of them wouldn’t die in a Fire tornado like a dumbass? Isn’t their entire style based on flexibility and freedom?
4. Gyatso was pathetic. It would’ve been amazing if he took down several firebenders before facing Sozin.
I wouldn’t mind if Sozin died if it meant giving Azulon the throne because it would accomplish two things.
1. Pose as propaganda fuel for Book 3. That school episode?
2. Show the reason why Azulon and his successors will be adamant to kill the Water Tribes, Ba Sing Se, imprisoning earthbenders, etc.
Nice i was waiting for this
I would personally love more of the reviews for the next episodes like you did for percy jackson!
I really enjoyed this series. I have to separate myself from comparing it to animation masterpiece.
There's something that always confused me about "Avatar". How can Firebenders create fire of their own ? Do they manipulate the mitochondrias from the bacterias in the air to produce more heat, or something ?
@@JabamiLain Spontaneous human combustion
I enjoyed the live-action version a lot, having watched all seasons of the animated version more times over than I can count. It is always best to let each version stand independently and enjoy them for what they are. For the story that the creative team was trying to tell in the live-action, their exploration of certain themes over others, etc., they did a really good job of tying everything together. It's only jarring if we keep comparing it to the animation series, so after watching it through the first time where I made comparisons, the second time onward, I set aside the animation series and just watched the live-action, accepting the story as it is, not based on my expectations for what it should be. On that, the Netflix version is enjoyable and wonderful: the young actors did a great job capturing the essence of their animation counterpart, and the veteran actors brought their A-game (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Leung were particular standouts for me). The live-action captured the emotional resonance of the animated show. Its heart is in the right place, which is what some of the best adaptations do, and this has the potential to become great.
I think my biggest problem with the first episode is, that the motive for Aang to become the Avatar seemed to change. By telling him that the airnomads had been killed and seeing Giatso the feeling that sent Aang into Avatar state translated as rage, not as sadness. I feel like the last lines came off more like wanting revenge than restoring balance and that changes the whole tone of the series (and isn't very airnomady if you will).
The CGI and costuming teams need a raise tho, they did a GREAT job!
I'm also happy to see different nationalities represented and that the 4 nations have their own origins (I don't know if that makes any sense to anyone) even tho the origins don't match the ones from the og show (mainly conserning earthkingdom (but I really like that change and the diversity it gives to the show))
Thank you for listening to my ted talk, have good rest of your day💕
You can make a video about a boiling potato and I'd still watch it. You don't know how Entertaining, (and also quite insightful too) ,your content is.
So , if you can or would like to, we would absolutely love your analysis of this show.
Finally someone who understands and appreciates how much the cast and crew has worked so incredibly hard to do this live action show! About damn time thank you Mikayla I’m beyond tired of people gripping about everything like babies! I mean seriously what do they expect we’re literally only on season one and I know that the show will just get even better just like the cartoon did!
Sets really looked good, casting was virtually solid, and I also liked the costume design, I just didn't like how most of them seemed like the characters Sunday Best instead what they lived and worked in. I did however have a lot of issues with the way the cast was directed and the excessive exposition. Great you enjoyed it, I had kind of a 'meh' reaction. Absolutely spot on with how Aang just going out to clear his head diminishes the impact of getting trapped for a 100 years.
I will gladly watch you comment on each episode. I've seen you do a lot of book vs movie/show videos and you get it. I love watching your comparison videos and seeing someone rate things who is actually part of the original fandoms
The point where Katara says to Aang that they are family is waaaay too early in the cartoon. At the end of S1E8 of NATLA it was much more deserved and better build up to that moment.
I gotta agree, it is missing those silly, comfort feel to it, but they still did so well and in the show. I love some parts they changed and emphasized, but some are... why??... But I kind of expected it already but at the same time looking forward to how they will retell it. So far the actors are doing so well especially Gordon and Dallas. Hopefully they'll be given more not so uptight scripts and allow them be more free. I don't know the words coz during their irl interviews they are soooo much like their characters.
I feel like the casting was way better than the writers.
This feels like someone hired an all star cast, and then gave them lines written by someone's a.d.d. nephew's fanfic wip.
There were moments where this show added to the story, and there were moments where things just lack. They completely forgot about the greater growth that characters are supposed to achieve. I did have fun, but even turning my head off isn't enough to save decisions like boomie. #zutarawasrobbed!
The show really just got better after this episode and I really enjoyed the show. It’s not an exact copy but I liked the changes. I actually thought the first episodes acting was a little overdone but the actors really hit their stride as the season goes on and it was so good to see. Also yes I’m interested in your reaction to the. Rest because I feel like people are gonna hate on this and I really don’t and would like some more positive or at least open minded reactions. Especially because I want season 2
I enjoyed the show overall. I the theme(s). The nods to the animated show and the changes they made imo dont feel off pr out of place. They did a good job condensing the 20 plus episodes down to 8 and making them an hour was good too. I see it as some ppl being overly critical of the show. I feel doing a mid season and rnd of season videos would work well.
The changes are definitely fine, some of the changes even make more sense in hindsight and elevated the story. A replacement for Sokka's character growth about being an engineer, Zuko's crew having more weight, Kyoshi and Kuruk having a more important role for Aang (granted, with the minimization of Roku, but hoping to see more of him in future seasons), more Gyatso screen time and his meeting with Aang in the spirit world; these are aaaaall amazing additions/changes. What most people didn't like about this series is the scripting and dialogue. The "telling instead of showing" aspect of it and the over-explaining of lore and spoon-feeding the audience as if we're toddlers. I absolutely agree that it SHOULDN'T be the same as the original, I was expecting and ready to welcome a lot of changes. The issue is that many of the changes made were either not done well (Azula's added character struggle seems interesting but could've been portrayed with better scenes and dialogue), or don't really make for very good storytelling and/or messaging (Katara being an instant waterbending master without training is very live-action Mulan and minimizes her hardwork and dedication for learning the art of waterbending). I reaaaally wanted to love this show because the cast is amazing and they did sooo well despite the material they were given. I hope they find some way to remedy the script and directing for the future seasons because I really really do want this show to be good in its own right. Changes are absolutely welcome, bad scripting is not.
Keep up the good work🎉
I relate a lot more to Sokka in this adaptation. I was raised by Silent Generation parents in a household that didn't have overt sexism or misogyny, which for me, made it harder to relate to Sokka. Without the sexism, we're left with a Sokka who's just trying his best under really difficult circumstances, with all of the self doubt and insecurity that any of us would feel with the weight of that much responsibility.
It was interesting to see the changes. Imho the first episode was really cool and the rest of the season never managed to top it but it never flopped either. It was fine, I liked it. Oh, what I did love was Iroh and Zuko interacting, every single time.
I would love to see your full reaction to all the episode pls!!
I totally agree! Once it got to the 3rd episode, I started to feel invested. And when it got to the part of the 41st division, I was in. Better than what I thought it was gonna be. Thanks for your review!