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Upload (2020)
Unreal and bizarre
I enjoyed the premise but the there are too many problems to ignore. The comedy is alright and has some awkwardly funny moments, but it seems there are too many inconsistencies and problems with the story. It seems like the writers have no clue about technology, psychology or sci-fi, which becomes appallingly apparent and annoying. These issues aren't isolated and continue throughout the show. It also gets frustrating when the shows attempts seriousness but then flings a few slapstick jokes in.
For instance and a big one, all the characters seem completely preoccupied with good looks and sex, no matter how inappropriate the situation is. Ok fine, this is what the comedy is like, but don't the writers realise that a virtual world is not restricted to real world appearances? In a virtual world anyone would have control over their own avatar and what they look like. This is a basic understanding of how virtual reality works and the appeal of it. There's no rationale why it can't happen and it's not as if the writers didn't consider this, because the Angels can edit, at will, the residents and there are other exceptions (e.g. Ingrid's great grandma).
I could write pages upon pages of criticisms of so many issues like this. There are just too many and it's not just sci-fi or technology issues. Apart from the writers writing a genre that they know nothing about, the comedy itself is sometimes insulting to one's intelligence. For instance, when Nathan is dancing with his sister and is holding on to her. He has to look at himself in the mirror so she flies into the couch. That's great! Ok he's a bit of a narcissist - very funny. Let's mess his hair up a bit and this drives him to suicide. So funny. And Don't get me started why there's a suicidal data stream just sitting there.
Let's look at another issue: Dylan. He's the naughty child that's been in Lakeview for years. His friend refused to reply to him because he is growing up and is interestedin p**** (very funny) not childish things. This implies that uploading one's consciousness into virtual reality stops mental maturity or is it something else? Don't people learn and grow while they're in their virtual self, because it seems like Nathan sure is. Who knows and who cares, because it's funny, so never mind about Dylan.
Here's another one, why everyone's memories neatly stacked into a few folders and somehow shortened to a few clips? That's pretty convenient, everything makes so much sense and it doesn't have to be assembled by complex AI every second. Let's look at another one. They keep talking about unlimited data and the rich that can afford it., but what do they mean by that? Usually this would mean bandwidth, not CPU processing. Could they mean data on one system? I dunno. So, why then do the 2 gigs suddenly freeze when they reach the 2gig mark?
Here are some more questions about the sensemaking of this show. Why do visitors (only using a headset) have full control over themselves in the virtual world with only a headset? When the youtuber mentions there are many instances of this world and that's why it lags, why does it never happen again after that? Why does no one have any privacy in this world especially by the people that are meant to help them? Does anything actually make any sense in this show?
The show is ok if you can look past all of this or don't notice these things.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
They Just Don't Get it
For me, and I think many, Star Trek was always this hopeful message and view for the future. Old Star Trek reinforced an optimistic worldview of humanity and the show also portrayed that the writers genuinely cared for humanity. Things weren't always black and white and there was a lot of grey too. Old Star Trek gave their viewers an intellectual and nuanced view of the world - they allowed their viewers to think for themselves, especially on the moral dilemmas involved. Sometimes, there was no clear answer.
This is why, for me, new Trek(or Kurtzman Trek) is so painful to watch. First, it treats their viewers like idiots and second, it throws out the story telling method old Trek used. Everything is now black and white, you are told what to think and, sadly, the world is constantly in a semi-post apocalyptic state. I think the perfect analogy that shows what the writers are like in new Trek is the episode Muse in Voyager. In this episode, Kelis needs to continuously explain the nuances and complexity of the various species in voyager and their mannerisms. One of the actors cries playing Tuvok, but Kelis needs to reprimand him, because he doesn't understand. The actor attempts to use what's already known to try evoke feelings from the audience instead of trying to understand Tuvok, but Kelis explains that a Vulcan's feelings are subtle and nuanced even if they feel strongly about something. Vulcans can suffer in silence, but the point was not to overdramatise(what new Trek does) Vulcans, it was to actually notice the nuances. I feel as if the writers are this actor. They just don't understand Star Trek. Their methods of swaying the audience seem ingenuine and conniving. All these forced emotional scenes feel more like the writers trying to manipulate you for their gain rather than tell a story out of joy and being earnest. They throw out what they don't like and keep what they do(e.g. The science-y stuff is gone). They throw in memberberries all the time to sway the audience. The writers don't seem to care but if and when they do it's very focused and narrow.
To me, what they did to Star Trek is heartbreaking. The undertone of this show gives the impression that those involved in the creation of new Trek are willing to exploit others(the viewers) for their own gain. Don't be fooled by their melodramatic shallow attempt. There's so much I can say about new Trek that upsets me so much. I think the writers and producers inadvertently expressed how they feel they feel about Star Trek in Star Trek Picard.
"I don't care much for science fiction. I guess, I just didn't get it" Said by Picard in Star Trek Picard.
I agree - they just don't care or get it.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
Immortality wasted
I will review this movie in dialogue form.
Interviewer: What did you do with your immortality?
Adaline: Most of the time I was deeply anxious, fearful and paranoid for my past and potential future relationships.
Interviewer: So you were never really close to anyone?
Adaline: No, I usually left them when commitment came calling.
Interviewer: So you don't have any relationships?
Adaline: Well, I have a daughter who I occasionally visit and spend time with when my paranoia lessens.
Interviewer: Ah, I see, is there anything else you did while the rest of us aged?
Adaline: I looked after my dog and got a new one once that one died. Oh, I study all sorts of topics and know a lot of trivia. Also, I speak numerous languages fluently.
Interviewer: is there anything else you did?
Adaline: No, not really.
Interviewer: Do you like being immortal?
Adaline: No.
There you go. The movie has been summed up. What a waste of a potential fantasy of sci-fi plot. It's a story about an attractive immortal woman who is afraid of commitment and struggles with this. You know a story is crashing and burning when there's a scene where Adaline's elderly daughter starts lecturing her on matters of love. Apart from her looming secret, that's all there really is to it. The acting is very good and Harrison Ford does a stellar job in his role, but the story is just so shallow. For other immortal genres, I recommend The Man From Earth Or Interview with a Vampire if you're looking for complex characters and philosophical food for thought instead of some bizarre and solely driven romance story.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Complete lack of respect for anything Star Trek
Patrick Steward is a gifted actor, but thinking anything other falls under the halo effect. With the creative control he had, he added to the mess of all the newer Star Treks, adding his own flavour or something already unique by its own right. All the creative control, production and cast did not seem to understand and comprehend what made Star Trek so great. Star Trek was never about a post-apocalyptic future, where humanity has been corrupted and brought to its lowest point. Star Trek was always unique, in that, it always showed the best humanity has to offer and how this human beings occasionally have stave off corruption and discrimination. Much of Star Trek is humans solving external problems. This is for numerous literary reasons but for on, it enables the viewer to objectively observe the moral dilemmas involved and, if we want, we can relate this to our own problems(in reality). This has always been a strong point in Star Trek.
Star Trek Picard, and STD, has turned this idea upside down. They've focused on one character(Picard in this case) and made any objective moral dilemma non-existent. In Picard, everything is personal now. Every situation is emotional and in your face. There is no time to reflect, and what's worse, the whole method of story-telling and even the foundational principles of Star Trek has become altered. It's become exactly like all the other post apocalyptic sci-fi's, where survival is the main goal and anything else is secondary. Apart from this view, the show makes no sense even if it was not Star Trek. There are so many plot holes, inconsistencies with the story, no character development and in-your-face exposition, it makes watching Picard an absolute chore.
Funnily enough, even though it's the first Star Trek(eh) to name it's show about one character, it really isn't about Picard, at all. Its really about a character called Soji. Picard seems to be portrayed as someone who was egotistical. However, he was never like this in TNG. There are tons of continuity problems and some things just don't make any sense. Swearing being one of them. One of the main themes I picked up from Picard, and STD, is the continual belittlement of males in order to strengthen female characters. Picard will continually get shouted at, sworn at and play minor roles. He has very little impact on the story, is always second guessing himself(or someone else is) and his character seems more of a filler character than anything else.
Star Trek has always had social commentary, but Picard, and STD, type of story telling is poor and sexist. It's gone too far, but not because the topics are controversial but because the writers for the show are terrible. Picard is now overtly sexist with sexist commentary and obvious agendas. Understandably, the previous series always had some underlining sexism, because it was still made by people that lived in discriminating times, but this reduced as more Star Trek was released. However, Picard and STD, has, literally, increased and made sexism overtly apparent. Women characters have taken charge in the newer Star Trek at the expense of males. The problem with this 1: it's done incredible poorly, 2: it seems to run on the incorrect assumption that Star Trek fans are male chauvinists 3: because of 2 males are continually belittled. I honestly don't care if a crew is all female, hell, my favourite captain of all time is Captain Janeway, but everything put together makes this show an insult to a Star Trek fan or anyone who does not like the method in which they're telling their saga.
Every conceivable part of what made the original Star Treks great has now been distorted and disfigured. Star Trek is now edgy, resentful, in your face, angry and spiteful. Self reflection does not exist anymore. Conversing about moral dilemmas went does the toilet. I recommend no one watch this trash if they ever liked the previous series. If you're looking for food-for-thought look at the previous Star Treks or the Orville.
Nightflyers (2018)
Slightly better than The Happening
I saw the whole series. What kept me going was how funny the series is even though it's not meant to be a comedy. The characters do the most ridiculous and strange things and it's hilarious. I can't give it a high score because it's not supposed to be a comedy.
It's about a space ship trying to find new a type of technology to say human kind. However, it's a space ship with no real leader and everyone does what they want. Things just happen for no good reason and and explanations given is hilariously bad. No real explanations are given throughout the show. There's one good thing I have to give the show credit for and that's a lot of twists. If it's so bad it's good suits your fancy, then go watch it.
Dune (2021)
It's dead on the inside
I have watched the Dune 2000 mini series and the Children of Dune. Even though the budget of these movies are tiny, the acting is great, the dialogue is fantastic and the way the story progresses creates a sense of urgency. Unfortunately, Dune: Part one is disappointing in all respects but graphics and visual effects. Even the dagger fighting scenes with the protagonist are awkward and clumsy. It is amazing to observe the planet, the machinery and the scenery with their massive budget. However, it ends there. Some actors cannot play their part well, some are a bad choice for the characters they are assigned to and the plot never gives the audience a chance to appreciate what semblance of character development there is. The plot moves way too fast way too quickly and, what little downtime there is, they focus on bizarre irrelevant and inconsequential scenes. By the end of this movie, one is left apathetic to any of the characters and the plot. This is not a good way to tell a story.
If only the 2000 Dune mini series had the same budget as Dune: Part One. It's such a shame Dune: Part One has squandered its budget on bad actors, bad script writers and bad directors. If anyone thinks this Dune is good, they should watch the other Dunes. As cringey as the graphics and sets are, the characters and plot actually make sense.
ISRA 88 (2016)
Much more nuanced than you would expect
This movie is akin to mystery movies that have tons of hidden meanings and subtle messages. Nothing is ever explained so you need to think for yourself. Beyond the Edge is akin to the movie eXistenZ and Sphere. Less so The Man from Earth, Arival and The Platform that have a more direct message or goal. Beyond the Edge has a lot of nuanced messages and a very slow pace at which these messages are delivered, but it's appropriate for the theme. There are quite a few philosophical and existential undertones in the everyday life of these two main characters. The movie portrays it so well but I can imagine if you want something fast paced or full of action, you'd be bored beyond comparison for this movie.
In Beyond the Edge, a scientist and a military pilot are on a course.to the end of the universe to see what else is out there. Even though they are going at incredible speeds, their trip becomes monotonous, boring and meaningless. One of the hidden messages, which I picked on, is the way everyone is trapped within their bubble. The bees are trapped, the eel is trapped, they are trapped in the ship and the universe is trapped within itself. Extreme spoiler* They seem to suggest that the pinball machine is analogous to the universe. Note that when Dr. Abe Anderson reaches the top score. This is represented of what they are trying to do. As much as he tries, he can't fix this pinball machine. Similarly, if you break the universe, can you fix it again?
Another thing I picked up on was the great way characters developed and the way they are portrayed to the audience. In the beginning, Dr. Abe Anderson seems like a bum and not really an asset to the mission, but as you learn more you get an idea what happened. There are also numerous time paradoxes in this movie and some great existential undertones. I really recommend this movie is you enjoyed movies like eXistenZ and Sphere.
Definitely a food for thought movie and was very pleasant to see. It doesn't break any boundaries but the concepts and implementations of the characters and plot are fantastic.
Cargo (2017)
The dumbest zombies are only dangerous to the dumbest people
This is one of the worst zombie movies I've ever seen and it's a shame too because I really enjoyed Martin Freeman in his comedic roles. This movie lacks suspense, urgency and is never quite sure what it wants to be. This post apocalyptic scenario is filled with the dumbest and least dangerous zombies you'll ever see but it's also filled with a world with dumb characters that do inexplicable and nonsensical things. One of the most bizarre things about this movie is the lack of emotions from the actors. It's almost as if they knew this was going to be bad and just wanted to get over it.
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Second chances anyone?
At first, in the beginning the dialogue seemed so bad that I thought it was a M night Shalaman movie, but it got better. The action scenes are great, the comedy is very slapstick and the graphics are very cool. However, it feels like the movie was made by people who like sci-fi stuff but don't know enough about sci-fi movies. The movie just ignored time paradoxes without trying to solve them, relationships seem forced and the plot is rushed. It's so rushed in fact that the main plot is ignored entirely at the end for some neat action scenes. It follows some neat ideas from other movies, including The Thing, but becomes sub-par for that genre.
In the end, it's a fun movie and should not be taken too seriously. An addition to the sci-fi genre is always great when it's done in earnest.
Warrior Nun (2020)
Engaging story with nonsensical characters
I saw the first season but some parts are difficult to get through. The story is engaging and the twists are absolutely fantastic but the bad acting along with inconsistent character progression can get bizarre to say the least. Sometimes the actors do a phenomenal job, especially for the rational behaviour they're portraying and sometimes characters in this fictional world act bizarrely out of place. The main character has almost all the characteristics of a marry sue and sometimes, in some episodes, she definitely shows them and becomes a full blown marry sue. These episodes are the absolute worst. Not only that, but her behaviour, along with others, don't fit. She is either likeable or extremely dislikeable. There's very little mid-way. It's clear the writers have an agenda but they over extend it wayyyy to much. This season could have been 4-6 episodes.
Humans (2015)
Drama with very little sci-fi, special effects or graphics
I saw two episodes but that was enough to irk and irritate me. The premise and story is very akin to the game Detroit. I would recommend that a whole lot more.
It starts out pleasant and interesting, but as I went through the story I realise how many faults there are in this series and how un-sci-fi it feels. If not for the premise, I'd consider this just overly dramatic drama. There's very little explanation of the sci-fi elements and quite a few of the concepts feel out of place. It would be a whole lot better if they had some budget for special effects and graphics, but it seems like they didn't. Even in ST The Next
Generation, they showed some of Data's working mechanisms, but in Humans it really feels like actors pretending to be androids - the only special effects there are, are eye contacts. Besides the lack of explanation and sci-if feel, it's acted very well and follows a story more akin to anti slavery than AI dynamics.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
A Royal Mess
Imagine you made yourself some spaghetti bolognese and openned some fine wine. You're walking with it to the dining table when you suddenly stumble. The plate goes crashing into the wall and spaghetti splats everywhere. The wine seeps into the sofa and floor. You're left bleeding with shattered glass everywhere. You look up and wonder, wtf just happened? This is the perfect analogy for this movie.- it's a mess.
The story is everywhere and there is absolutely no character progression. Any sense of character progression is actually characters suddenly switching from one mindset to another, with little to no context. The story is so fast paced that there's little time to enjoy or get a sense of what's happening. I suspect it's because they're trying to fill in any plot holes and inconsistencies from the other movies. Even by the third movie, none of the characters are likeable and I couldn't care what happens to any of them. This movie is such a mish-mash of different scenes and plots that it becomes just plain boring. When we walked out of the cinema, someone said to their partner, "it's so bad, there wasn't one wow moment." Yes, I agree, there was not a single wow moment. I'm afraid every sense of nuance has been removed from the latest edition of the Star Wars saga and they try to make up for it by cramming a million special effects into every scene possible. It's like the writers had no idea how to write complex characters or characters that acted... well... human. The original Star Wars characters were based off Jung's archetypes, which were also based of stories from mythology, religion and tales. This is why Luke, Anakin and so on, held such strong ties to the viewers. There was a lot of history and literature around the making of the hero and the characters within. However, the writer, for these editions, seem to want to make their own unique tale without giving and credence to what made Star Wars popular. It has now become a shallow shell of what Star Wars was. Rey is a n unlikable Marry Sue and all the other characters are trying to forge a nostalgia bond with any of the original characters they didn't kill off. It's so sad to watch.
There was one thing that was improved upon however. I went into the movie expecting the worst, and I got what I came for.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
First time I saw it I fell asleep.
Had this movie for a while and decided to put it on. I didn't know who directed, wrote it or produced it. I fell asleep and turned it off after 15 minutes. I tried again sometime in the future and was utterly shocked by how good it was. I was like,"is this a Tarantino movie?"
The dialogue is humerous, witty and just plain brilliant. The character feel unqiue and there are tons of easter eggs hidden around. This is clearly a good vs bad guy type of movie, but what makes it so capitivating is all the grey inbetween. One of the characters may explain a horrific deed they performed, but under the circumstances they justify it. Among all the wit, there is an underlining moral and philosophical debate However, Tarantino makes these issues humorours with over the top violence, fantastic protagonists and treating real human inqualities satirically. It is an incredibly smart and fun movie.
I've seen it a few times now and get captivated everytime. You have to enjoy this as a story of wit and just plain coolness.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
There is no character consistency
I don't know what they have been doing to Star Wars the last few movies. The story is bland and has no mystery, magic, awe or intrigue. From the very get go, there were action scenes without context. In fact, most of the fight scenes felt as though there aws no meaning behind them. I couldn't care less who wins or loses. I'm a massive Star Wars fan, therefore, this why I care.
While watching this in the cinema, I was thinking: what would I think of this movie if I've never seen Star Wars? I would think this movie is complete garbage. Who are these characters and why do they matter? There is no explanation nor character consistency.
The romantic story arc has no meaning, at all, even though it takes precedent througout the entire movie! She decided she didn't want to be with him even though they love each other and she used his memory to help her get through the tough times. When they finally re-unite, it's formal and awkward, as if they just don't care anymore. Han Solo's decisions make no sense because we're never really introduced to his character and the writers don't give a crap. They're both bland.
None of this makes sense other than to make a cash grab movie and fill it with fluff. The robot, the new character I enjoyed, dies and Lando valiantly goes to rescue her. However, a second later he's pulling out her brain and putting her into the ship. WHAT? Where did that meaningful rescue go and did it mean anything? Nope.
Beckket loses all his crewmates and does not bat an eye. Rather, he gives a punch and the writers want to move away from this as fast as possible. The raiders suddenly become the good guys, because, of course they do... Not only that, but they have to choose innocent looking teenagers straight from savage raiders.
In the first 6 movies, all the characters are consistent and the theme revolves around being tenacious for those you care about. Luke was willing to sacrifice himself to save his father and friends. Princess Laia would do anything for her people and friends. Anakin would, literally, do anything for Padme(even turn to the dark side). Solo finds a cause and person willing to fight for. HOWEVER, in all these new movies, everyone seems to have this obtuse and non-effort attitude towards anyone they care about. In Solo, him and everyone he meets just shrug off any attachments they have formed. I mean, really? Any attachments between the characters are valueless, therefore, this movie has no value.
There are some nice moments in the movie. For instance, the interaction between Han and Chewbacca. The second gambling match between Han and Lando. However, these are far and few between. Solo is just disappointing. No one in it feels like a real person. I feel as though this is for 5 year olds because of its flashy effects and pew pew.
I'm sorry what happened to you, Star Wars.
Life (2017)
Mediocre at best
If I had to compare this title, Life would be a bad carbon copy of The Thing. Unfortunately, the suspense and realism is lacking in Life.
Life is predictable and, sadly, unrealistic. What do I mean by unrealistic? Well, you expect certain things to happen in a movie or story. You expect characters to behave as their role implies and that's logically consistent - it's just too much and too tedious to get into because this movie is strife with them. I'll give a few examples though *spoilers ahead*
Example 1: After the life-form escapes the lab, the characters do not seem worried and they even joke around even though one of them says 'it could be anywhere.' However, moments ago, while they were watching the brutality of the life-form attack and kill their colleague, they were shocked, scared, and frightened. This is an example inconstant and unrealistic behaviour.
Example 2: The numerous, and extremely lucky escapes of the life-form diminished any suspense that's left over. However, it's not just luck but also how badly designed the ship is, which adds to how unrealistic the whole story is. For instance, when the life-form is trying to escape the lab, they need to shut down the sprinklers one by one.
I could go on and on but you get the picture. In essence, it's mediocre at best and not worth watching in the cinema.
Stoker (2013)
Damn right insulting to the human race.
*Spoilers*
My girlfriend put this movie on, so I had no prior knowledge of this movie. I kept on thinking throughout the movie that there is some supernatural twist, some mystical twist, something hidden; boy was I wrong. To summarize this piece of garbage: they're all nuts.
The mother is such a useless character that has temper tantrums and does nothing all day. The brother's real character is that of a child. The main character is shallow and shows no emotion. I can't relate to any of these characters. The moral of the story, if there is one, is a grim one at best.
This horrendous movie really upset me. The acting was okay for the characters they were playing, the cinematography kept me in suspense. However, I couldn't relate to anyone. Nearly every character was out to get her, as though she was always the victim. It seems as if there is a hidden secret behind her motives and mysterious past, yet, when it comes down to it there is nothing; only a sour taste for the viewer when this disaster ends.
Stoker only shows how how human beings can murder, and how easy they can get away with it. At least make the bad guy funny, or give them a reason to do what they do.
If you hate humanity in some way, you love this movie.
Eden Lake (2008)
Absolutely horrible
***SPOILER*** I had a feeling this would turn out to be a bit of a torture movie, and I was partially correct. The problem with Eden Lake is not the acting, not the actors, not atmosphere or any aesthetics. The problem was that I do not want to see a movie where the bad guy wins at the end and that could not even get to know or relate to the bad guy.
I've seen many movies and anime where the bad guy wins but in those movies I can relate to the bad guy; you are enticed by their charm and/or relate to them in some way. In this movie you get to know the victims, and their choices are stupid to say the least; they muddle through this movie as you face-palm at their continual life threatening fumbles.
If I wanted to see torment, suffering and death, all I need to do is look at a documentary or go to a third world country(then I can get a real 3d look, touch and smell at the people who are suffering). Eden Lake offers you a thrilling run for your life feeling and a hateful perspective of the young vile teenagers. However, these hateful feelings are not satisfied because in the end, the movie turns out to be depressing as the two main characters die horribly.
I don't want to watch a movie just for the wow factor, I can eat a bowl of sh*te to get a wow factor as well. This movie is just that, there is not twist, there is not intricate plot and there is no closure at the end. This movie left me with a bad taste in my mouth; is this really supposed to be creative? Imagine I direct a movie where the Nazi's win the war and go on killing countless people, the end.
Yes people die, yes people get killed - Go watch a documentary. Hopeless movie which just demoralises any positive view on human beings. Yes I want the bad guy to lose, yes I want the good guy to win. At least if the bad guy wins, let me like him or at least let me get to see their back story(relate)or have some creativity in the story!
Melancholia (2011)
Depressing
I only give this movie a 3 because it has good actors, good music and a story which makes enough sense to understand what's going on prima facie.
A movie doesn't need a point to be good, it doesn't need to make sense. A movie can be good in numerous ways but this gives you the feeling of exactly that melancholia. Unfortunately because we have something called empathy, if I show you someone suffering long enough you eventually feel something for them if you've ever felt in a similar way.
I have a feeling this movie is directed at people who are artistic and who are depressed. Who knows, maybe when I'm depressed I'll enjoy this movie but this movie does not even have a message to give out. Like, save our planet before this is too late. Instead, yep, you're all going to die.
A movie does not have to have a point to make it good but this movie does not have one and it only brings a feeling of melancholia. If I wanted that I could watch documentaries of Africa, it wont have the special effects or actors and extremely long, boring and awkward moments but it'll do the job.
If you are depressed at the moment or think yourself as some art hippy who only tries to see the beauty in everything. Sure you'll like this, other than that I don't see the point in this movie.
The Last Airbender (2010)
This is so bad, so horrific.
I've seen the entire series and loved every minute of it. I've never walked out during a movie to go to the toilet but this time I did and I didn't feel like coming back in but to my everlasting shame, I did and saw the rest.
If you liked this movie, well then good for you but if you've ever seen the cartoon/anime then this movie is like seeing Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings put together into ONE movie, and this is putting it mildly(I'm sure some people might enjoy that if they haven't seen either one). *spoiler*
Aesthetics: Avatar: The Last Airbender did OK in this regard. The actors looked similar, Zuko's scar was almost unseen as to the series it was clear as day. Appa looked creepy and non-friendly(I don't see how hard it could be to have a closeup of Appa with special effects rather than CGI. I mean look at "where the wild things are" or "Star Wars"). Momo(the flying monkey) unique identity is almost gone with no close ups of him. Aesthetics are moderate but still out of place. The Fire Lord had a long straight black beard and hardly showed his face till book 3. The avatars lovely blue arrows are now replaced with what looks like beautifully tattoo Air Nomad designs, but why, was the plain blue arrow not good enough?.
Characters: This is where all hell breaks loose. Sokka is supposed to be the comedian of the group yet in the movie he's always serious and almost never cracks a joke.
Aang is supposed to be upbeat and happy, still trying to enjoy life as a kid. However in the movie he's serious and depressing and usually has a confused look.
Katara is caring and dramatical yet in the movie she's like a blank wall, usually in one expression entirely throughout the movie.
Prince Zuko was played rather well but was in a constant state of anger whereas in the series Zuko would have mood swings. E.G frustration, depression, weariness (and this would mix with Uncle Iroh comedy')
Uncle Iroh did not look the part and neither his character, everything was off. Nothing was right about him.
Everything was so badly written, I can't keep track on how bad it is. The storyline is a mockery of the series. Bending the elements did not have dance movies that where aesthetically pleasing. Every movement had an elemental effect, it wasn't eye candy in itself even though it looked great but in the movie there are so many useless moves that do no coincide with the elemental bending(why???). Firebenders need another source of fire?.
This movie is just so bad. Nothing goes according to the series yet why are the same characters in it, and the storyline?. if this was Avatar: The Last Earthbender Then at least there wont be a parallel to the series and the movie could/would drag itself down, but at the moment it also makes a mockery of the series.