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Avatar: The Last Airbender: Masks (2024)
Best episode so far but still suffering from insecure writing
This was a much better paced episode since pilot and action & lore building was amazing. Actors are doing their best and whoever have done production design is a huge fan of original show because details on every thing are exceptional. Action feels real whether when it is bending or with swords, both feels they are extension of their body.
However, this episode suffers with same thing like the rest of episodes, writers. The writing team of this show is very worried that the audience will not get the emotional arc of the characters and their motivations. So they make the characters say every thing they're feeling which makes it monotonous to watch. The scene with Aang and Zuko was so long where they basically dictated Zuko's entire arc, so audience can sympathise for him. Better writers can add more nuance in dialogues and character's bodylanguage rather than letting sit/stand in same position and give exposition.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Warriors (2024)
Creators forcing it to turn into Witcher or Game of Thrones
Even though an improvement over the pilot, show is far from the true potential. It's evident based on the changes they've made, they're trying to appeal to a wider audience. But in doing so, they're overlooking the essence of the characters and their dynamics, which made the original show a classic.
There are certainly some aspects I appreciate. The introduction of General Zhao was well-executed, and all interactions between Zuko and Uncle Iroh are engaging, as they actively pursue their following-the-trail storyline instead of relying solely on exposition.
The battle at Kyoshi Island during the end was good, reminiscent of Avatar Roku reveal from Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part 2).
But, there are significant misses, particularly in the portrayal of Sokka and Suki's dynamic. By reducing Suki to a character primarily driven by romantic attraction to Sokka, the depth of their original arcs is diminished. It transforms her from a formidable warrior into a clichéd love interest from a CW show. The forced romantic arc feels out of place, reminiscent of missteps seen in other franchises like Game of Thrones with Arya/Gendry and Star Wars with Rey/Kyle. Again showing the creators are trying to make this into some GoT like IP for Netflix so they can spin off bunch of other shows.
Aang's scenes still feel overly somber, lacking the organic exploration of a 12-year-old discovering his role as the Avatar. He seems to be more like YA archetype warrior who is preaching others.
Additionally, the interaction between Aang and Kyoshi seems to misunderstand both characters, with Kyoshi unjustly scolding Aang for circumstances beyond his control, such as getting frozen by his Avatar state for 100 years.
Basically, the attempt to replicate the success of shows like The Witcher or Game of Thrones risks stagnating the writing and direction of the series, alienating original fans of the IP in the process.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)
Lost Arc of Aang
I understand that adapting a cartoon series scene by scene into a live adaptation is impractical. However, removing the lead character's pivotal arc, which was integral to the essence of the original story, weakens the storytelling. The Aang portrayed lacks the innocence and depth of the 12-year-old protagonist we grew to love; instead, he's presented as a young adult novel archetype warrior.
Moreover, the characters seem to lack the comedic traits that defined them, resulting in scenes that feel devoid of emotion and overly somber.
The direction feels stagnant, with characters rigidly placed and delivering exposition rather than engaging dynamically with the world around them.
Numerous unnecessary changes detract from the impactful moments, surprising reveals, and character development that made the original series so compelling.
While I appreciate the efforts put into the visuals and action sequences, they shouldn't be the sole focus of a production with such a substantial budget.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Aang (2024)
Bad changes from original and static direction
Non-Spoiler:
The first episode lacks distinctiveness due to static direction, with scenes feeling staged and reliant on post-production editing. Characters appear stiff, delivering exposition without depth.
Spoilers:
Positive aspects include a thrilling battle at the Air Nomad temple with impressive visuals. However, unnecessary changes detract from the original story's impact. For instance, Aang's discovery of his century-long slumber and his tribe's demise, conveyed through gloomy exposition, lacks the emotional resonance of the anime. Additionally, pivotal moments like the Avatar revelation during a battle are absent, weakening surprise of the tribe. Conversations between characters feel rushed, lacking natural flow.
Jawan (2023)
A mass spectacle and much more than that
I went in to see a mass movie featuring SRK in an unprecedented, larger-than-life role. Little did I know that I would be in for much more. Atlee has not only met but surpassed all expectations, while RCE VFX studio has set a new benchmark in Indian cinema. Despite its 160-minute runtime, the movie breezed by like a gentle gust of wind.
This movie will took you to old Bollywood where it fearlessly held up a mirror to the establishment and urged the audience to demand more from those in positions of power. SRK during the 3rd act almost breaks the fourth wall and speaks to his fans, through his art. Some might think this is not what they signed up for, and it's too political however Jawan is urging you to demand excellence from your elected representatives, regardless of their affiliations..
As fas as, action is concerned, not counting the last Vijay-SRK combat scene which was typical Atlee no-attempt-to-hide-cable action scene, this movie boasts action set pieces that could rival Hollywood. One car chase scene gave me vibes of Fast and Furious, while another one of Taken with its fast cuts. Additionally, a border skirmish mission scene is expertly edited with lengthy shots.
Overall, this movie needs to be watched in Big Screen.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Nolan proves you can still make such movies!
Nolan has truly outdone himself with "Oppenheimer," proving that his previous works like Dunkirk, Tenet, and Interstellar were merely warm-ups for this three-hour, R-rated, adult drama filled with intense dialogue. It's a nostalgic throwback to the time when Hollywood used to create such thought-provoking movies. This might even be the last of its kind, or perhaps studios will learn from the underwhelming summer movie slate and start taking more risks instead of sticking to formulaic focus-group-approved films.
"Oppenheimer" delves into mankind's relentless pursuit of technology to better our lives, only to discover that it may ultimately be the thing that leads to our downfall. The timely comparison with AI adds an extra layer of intrigue. Unlike his previous mind-bending film, Tenet, Nolan keeps the plot more straightforward here, but he still plays with timelines to keep us on our toes. However, if you're not familiar with the historical context, some of the fast-paced dialogues may fly over your head as Nolan doesn't spoon-feed the audience. Things like who was the president at the time, what were the foreign policies back then, and some technical things like isotope export to Norway. But don't worry, they're not most important things for you to enjoy this masterpiece.
For those well-versed in the era, "Oppenheimer" feels like a riveting three-hour, 300-million-dollar documentary, providing an insider's view of the Manhattan Project and actual Senate hearings.
Now, some fans may complain about the sound mix and the movie's length. True, IMAX cameras tend to record sound louder than standard ones, and Nolan's aversion to ADR (Dubbing) may lead to some sound issues where the music overshadows the dialogues, especially during IMAX-shot scenes.
As for the runtime, I must say, every minute is justified in "Oppenheimer." Not a single scene feels unnecessary, and each line of dialogue contributes significantly to the story Nolan seeks to tell. In an age when people binge-watch eight hours of shows in a week, a three-hour immersive experience in front of an IMAX screen hardly feels long, especially when it's for what might be the best movie of the year.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Tom Cruise against ChatGPT
"Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1" delivers an exhilarating cinematic experience filled with one amazing action set piece after another. The film impresses with its emphasis on practical effects and minimal use of visual effects, which is a refreshing change in today's cinema landscape. Tom Cruise, reprising his role as Ethan, takes us to new locations such as the Orient Express, Abu Dhabi, and Venice, where he engages in mind-blowing stunts that never fail to captivate. If you're a fan of the franchise or simply love action-packed spectacles, this movie is an absolute must-see on the big screen.
What sets "MI: Dead Reckoning Part 1" apart is its surprisingly effective infusion of humor between the intense action sequences. The comedic moments never feel forced and provide delightful breaks from the adrenaline-fueled excitement. One standout scene involves Grace (played by Hayley Atwell) struggling to drive a particular car model, leaving the entire theater in stitches. Another one where Ethas to make an impossible leap from Alps with assistance from Benji (played by Simon Pegg), resulting in heart-pounding laughter.
My personal favorite action set piece occurs in the last 20 minutes aboard the Orient Express, rivaling the intensity and creativity of Extraction's remarkable single-shot sequence.
Overall, "MI: Dead Reckoning Part 1" lives up to its promise, offering a thrilling and enjoyable movie experience packed with larger-than-life set pieces. Tom Cruise continues to raise the bar for the action genre. If you seek a fun and adrenaline-fueled adventure, this film will undoubtedly leave you entertained and craving more.