Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender

by Mike McGranaghan

The story behind Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is almost as dramatic as what transpires in the movie. Made for theaters, it was shifted to a streaming release when Paramount decided to make Paramount+ the home for all Last Airbender product. That didn’t sit well with many fans. Then, earlier this year, the entire film was leaked online in pristine condition. The drama doesn’t end there. In a surprise move, Paramount decided to give the animated feature a one-week Oscar-qualifying theatrical run in New York and Los Angeles. If you don’t live on either of the coasts, you’ll be able to catch it at home on July 25.

If you aren’t familiar with the Nickelodeon series on which it’s based, fear not. An opening recap explains to you that Aang (Eric Nam) is the last remaining member of a mystical tribe that sought to bring peace throughout the world. When a group called “the Denied” attempts to steal a valuable artifact, Aang discovers that a magical staff could restore the Airbender culture. Aang is not, in fact, the only one left. He rescues and teams up with Tagah (Dave Bautista), who has been frozen in ice for centuries. They begin as partners, but Tagah eventually reveals his own agenda that clashes badly with Aang’s.

Fans of the series will get more from the movie, as it includes familiar supporting characters and repeatedly references the overall mythos. Newcomers will find a beautiful looking picture done in the traditional two-dimensional style that has become sadly rare in our current time. Precise details and bold color choices help to emphasize the danger of the journey Aang embarks upon. You can tell that Paramount ponied up the dough to make this a theatrical-quality production.

Avatar Aang’s action sequences are particularly well-done. They’re very imaginative, especially a climactic fight that sees our hero and his rival fighting for control of the staff. Underlying the action is an intriguing moral quandary. Both Aang and Tagah want to bring back Airbender culture, albeit for different reasons. One seeks to preserve the past, the other to exact revenge. This hook gives the movie a little weight that will draw in fans and newbies alike. Baustista delivers an impassioned vocal performance, suggesting the inner pain that drives his character.

I admit that I’ve never seen an episode of the TV show. Most of what I know about The Last Airbender comes from that awful 2010 M. Night Shyamalan movie. Nevertheless, investing in the story was easy thanks to the skillful animation, the thematic content, and the brisk direction from Lauren Montgomery. Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender pleasantly surprised me.