I really like how they incorporate azula into this, zhao dropping that bombshell onto zuko was such a good moment
This episode was so messy and filled with information, that I'm actually surprise by how good it was. I need to see the opinion of someone who never watched the cartoon, cause I got the impression that some things were left unexplained.
I am so thankful that this didn't suck. Yes, there are changes from the Cartoon but I think is ok . If you want to rewatch the exact same story, then re-watch the OG. Anyway, great fight sequences, great effects. I think we missed Aang doing some Waterbending though. But anyway, it was very enjoyable
The show is faithful in most aspects. In some it chooses not to be. That could be why some people involved with the animated show left over creative differences.
Which does sound like Netflix. When they stopped wanting to be faithful to the Witcher. Which cost them Henry Cavill.
Not having Ang learn water bending does sound like a Netflix thing. I am sure he will learn it though. Maybe they didn’t want to rush it. Since in the movie Ang did master water bending in like a minute lol.
Overall it was a decent and enjoyable season, definitely better than I anticipated. There were quite a few choices (especially in the second half of the season) that felt dumb and I would have done different. But one thing mainly bothered me. Arguably the most important part of the Avatar's story is: the Mastering of the four elements (I mean the books are literally called: Water, Earth, Fire), and yet it felt very unexplored (Aang didn't even learn waterbending?! Like wtf?). They decided to cut fundamental episodes dealing with this like the waterbending scroll episode and the Jeong Jeong episode. I wish they delved more into Aang trying to master the elements, but also Katara mastering waterbending. Despite this issue I still had a good time and am intrigued to see how they would handle the second book.
I’m glad they took time to slow down and spend some time with the characters, this episode is definitely better than the last two.
★★★★★☆☆
The biggest devation from the animated show yet. Not a bad deviation but it's stolen from 2 episodes from S2 so I wonder if we won't see it there.
Deviated material: Library spirits & Swamp truths.
You know what's cheating? Iroh's grief, Zuko's heart and playing Leaves From the Vine. Right back in there. Iroh lasted longer than I did, that story's emotional gravity is always a tearjerker for me and they did it justice
Wouldn't have minded hearing Mako one last time but the entire segment may have been much, it does feel respectful they didn't redo the vocals.
Suki with makeup and and the subtle acting was amazing also kyoshi fight sequence was done pretty well
Looks like they changed a lot of things but oh my goodness, Avatar Kyoshi was amazing!
Suki was perfect btw, I loved the way she looked and carried herself in costume and make-up.
Bending looks so fucking cool!
Gotta admit, the attack on the Southern Air Temple was heart-wrenching to watch.
No idea why so many people don't like this but love the cartoon.
The cartoon has always missed something I can't put my finger on, but it made it boring and me unable to follow it.
This series however is so much better! I still can't put my finger on what it is, but this series finally actually has it. I can finally follow with interest.
I hate that all the haters talked down on this while it wasn't even out yet, and I'm glad I did not listen to them!
The dude playing Sokka is killing it!
Not terrible so far. I'll withhold judgement until I'm further in, but the casting is excellent. Especially Kitara and Sokka.
When Gran Gran recited the og opening lines with a straight face I lost my shit. But they left those iconic lines out of the actual intro? Who greenlit this amateur shit??
Now THIS is what the failed attempt from fifteen years ago was supposed to be!
Okay I was quite skeptical going in but I really enjoyed this first ep. The kids all feel pretty true to their characters (at least so far), and although it's moving at a relatively quick pace I'm not feeling like it's rushed. It probably also helps that I don't remember the show super well, so I'm not making direct comparisons as things happen. I really like the idea to begin in the past at the air temple, as it really adds to the understanding of what Aang has gone through and how it truly feels like just yesterday to him - strengthens the emotional component there. I'm also soo excited for Zuko and Iroh (multiple mentions of 'destiny' and 'jasmine tea' in the first episode alone?? love it).
I would've felt better about the show if there wasn't the issue of Sokka's casting, but overall I'm excited to watch more.
Better than expected.
Top notch job on the visuals and bending.
I’m also happy with how different the storyline pace is.
I liked it. I didn't get very far into the anime but I could see why people like that.
Some of the dialogue is a bit wooden, and not really sold on the Sokka actor (not comparing him to the anime, just not sold in general). But overall, a better NETFLIX series.
I also wish they dropped the binge all at once model. This would do better released over weeks, even if it's 2 per week.
Cute!
Highly enjoyed it.
A bit cliché at times. Much of the exposition seemed a bit clunky and forced at times. But it kinda fits with the bright colours and characters.
The wardrobes and sets are “on point”, and just beautiful.
The earth bending in particular looks incredible! Can't wait to see the earth kingdom parts.
Am I the only one that really liked the episode? Sure some things were rushed or off but they also had great scenes/elements from the anime! I like how they also try to make it their own. I do wonder how people like it who don't know the original (feel free to comment to let me know :wink:)
overall a pretty solid first episode. the bending in the first scene was dope! Solid casting, good moments of levity, just fun to see the avatar world portrayed in live action and done pretty well.
★★★★★☆☆
A great start, it won't be as great as the original show, but it's not trying to be that. I'm anxious to see the rest of it all.
Pretty good start! We've mainly covered the first 3 episodes of the original show here, I'm just going in with the mindset that it's never going to be as strong as that original show and enjoy it for what it is. Casting is pretty decent, some great choreography, all the element bending is great to look at. Not the most outstanding first episode but a good start for sure!
Another DC/Marvel superhero venture… have we reached saturation point? Yes. Are they still enjoyable for what they are? Yes. It’s kind of Spider-Man back story meets Iron Man forward story. It has its moments but tries too hard with the comedy angle and they all do that this millennia. The gran being Yoda-esque (the sequels anyone?) by appearing frail then super badass for me was ridiculous, as was Rudy the uncle seamingly super intelligent at hacking and flying aircraft that no one had ever seen before! It’s a DC fluff piece but an enjoyable one at that and the actors do well to sell it. Especially the lead, though it’s hard not to associate him still with his Cobra Kai character. Are all Mexicans living in poverty and need Americans to further their chances in life? OK, we may need our hero to come from humble beginnings but I couldn’t help but think this was a Hollywood/American cliche. That said, it was fun so go see it if you haven’t already.
Yep, it's a comic book movie alright. Ultimately, you know exactly how this one plays out. Acquire powers, backstory, introduction of antagonists, culminating in a large, rock-em-sock-em finale where things explode and heroes punch villains in the face; It's rote but fully expected from this kind of movie. It's stylish with an 80's-nostalgic edge but far from anything original and unique, pulling influence from all of its contemporaries including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Transformers and Green Lantern. What does set it apart however is the direct focus on the family unit, and the cast of characters that make up this dysfunctional troop of Reyes'. For brief moments the movie has a lot of heart, more so than many of its peers in the CBM space so I have to commend it for that. You'll be hard pressed to come out the other side of this movie and not want to know the Reyes family in real life. All in all, it's still exactly what you expect, but if you're a glutton for CBMs and the comfy power fantasy they provide, I don't think you'll be disappointed by Blue Beetle.
