Konbanwa, my dearest pallies and numerous strangers of the interwebs.
So, today, amoung other things (and I won't lie) I'm going to rant. About what I hear you cry? About Avatar, of course! No, no, not the blue people! Though, that, in itself is worth a good rant. But, this time it is Avatar: The Last Airbender, also known as The Last Airbender in the film adaption. Yes, I said that with a sneer. Not only did they not bother to give the film THE RIGHT NAME. Sorry, James Cameron, but, Avatar existed as an American cartoon before you thought of making blue people.
M. Night Shyamalan has betrayed, crucified and then resurrected something that was fantastic in its original form. The series, having been broadcast in America was as big a hit over here. It had depth, it had humour, action, a little bit of fantasy, character development...and all important, plot!
I'm watching the live action version, and all I have to say is...well.
First, within ten minutes - I was bored out of my mind. The dialogue, both simplistic and monotone leaves the viewer wishing they hadn't bothered before the plot has even started. Lines such as 'Look, there's something under the ice. *whacks with boomerang* Oh, get away from the cracks in the ice'. Leave somewhat to be desired.
The CGI would have been better directed if given to the people who did Narnia ( their name escapes me.) All the animals look quite obviously that they're CGI, rather than some of the top-notch CGI I've become accustomed to that could be thought of as maybe one day real.
The characters, oh, well. That's a whole other WORLD of terrible.
Okay, so Aang, we will start with him. Firstly, we do not have his name said out loud by anyone (who isn't narrating) until half an hour into the story.
He pronounces it 'A-ng' not 'Aah-ng'.
He doesn't even look twelve, and his martial arts abilities are lacking in refinement (or existence.)
He likes to waft his hands about a lot, and then the CGI air appears and makes it look even more ridiculous.
Everything he says is dead-pan, even his grief.
On to Katara, who...all I can say is she's the okayish character. She's close enough in looks to the character in the anime, and is an okay(ish) little actress, but, lacks the fire necessary for her role.
Zuko is Indian. His voice actor wasn't, his character in the anime didn't look Indian. Why, I ask, is he Indian?
He's just about as dead-pan as Aang, though at least they managed to say his name right (something that was a rare occurrence in this adaptation). He's got some martial arts moves, but, there was a lack of general fire CGI going on, and truth be told what they did come up with looked pathetic. And, his scar line is not only the same colour as his face, when it's supposed to be very pink and inflamed, his other ear isn't damaged by it and it goes into his hair line. Also, his hair style is nothing like the actual character's. Where was Dante Basco when I wanted him?
Sokka, well. He was the only good looking member of the main cast. He lacks all comic timing, which was one of the fantastic things about Sokka as a character. He's quite a nice little actor, and I hope he goes on to do something worth his talent, it has to be said. The script is not his fault. Of course, they also ruined his name with 'Soak-ah' rather than 'Sock-aa'. His relationship with Mui was given quite a good amount of attention, but it was quite false and her hair looked awful.
Also, I can't remember if that's the character's name because it wasn't even mentioned!
Uncle Iroh was pronounced 'Ie-rohh' instead of 'Ai-Row', he had a funny accent, and wasn't in the least bit amusing as a character - unlike in the anime. He was boring, sounded annoying and left me with the feeling of pity for Zuko I've never had before.
We also had to have a montage scene, where the main trio wander around villages 'ridding' them of the Fire Nation. Which SUCKED! There's really nothing about the film I can think to compliment. The CGI was terrible, acting monotone, script abysmal, and the plot got changed! Character histories were edited, and a character who doesn't appear until the first few episodes of Book Two appeared in the final moments. However, Azula, Zuko's sister looks nothing like her All-Indian family and brethren of the Fire Nation and is Chinese with a hideously obvious wig.
All the can really be said, is that the costuming was rather well done for the Water Nation, and somewhat lacking for the Fire. Sets were quite accurate, but the characters moved around too fast to get to grips with the actual, long-term story. Which, by the way, was changed anyway! The trailer was more entertaining than the film, and just...generally all the wifty wafty arms in order to perform one simple move was annoying because the results were pitiful and the bad guys were standing waiting for him to attack, rather than attacking. I hate obviously staged stuff, even if it is a film!
The best thing about this film was the credits - which are quite pretty, and enjoyable to watch.
On the whole, if you can't already tell - I hated the film. If you are human, you'll watch the anime made my Nickelodeon which makes me smile. Dante Basco and May Whitman are in the voice cast. :)
In other news,
my delightful exams start in no less than three weeks! I am a nervous wreck, and the only things that make me feel better are talking to certain people and Kuk Sool.
I've also picked my story back up for the sake of dear Pikachu who has demanded it. God only knows why!
I've had a happy time of it, ploughing through the Sookie Stackhouse Series this week. I'm almost done. Then I'm going to read Mortal Kill and Everythig Beautiful, then move on to the book Geo got me for my birthday. Eventually, I will finish all the ones I'm desperate to read at once.
Currently enjoying:
Dead In The Family by Charliane Harris
and
Why Does E=MC^2 (And Why Should We Care?) by Brian Cox and some other Physicist who isn't as important because I'VE MET BRIAN COX! He's a beautiful man.
Really liking these songs:
Perfection (Chinese Version) - Super Junior M
Chocolate Drive - Kim Ji Soo
How Far We've Come - Matchbox Twenty
Things That Go Bump In The Night - All Star
and general music from Pirates of the Carribean and Tron. <3
I literally, probably, have the most boring life on the planet. It is an abyss.
I want to watch Supernatural. :( I want to bask in Jensen Ackle's gorgeous-ness and all around bad-ass.
I'm compling a list of films I have to watch this summer, arranging my archery course and the survival course since I pulled out of going to Hawai'i. God, why did I do that?! Because I am took lazy to get a job, that is why.
I watched Toy Story again. I love it. Tim Allen is honestly very good as Buzz Lightyear.
Kirky has asked me to be in his little film project. There's another four involved, we're doing some martial arts super hero epic. Apparently I get to beat people up, which I'm good at so that will suit me just fine.
Oh, oh, James told me I can start the stuff for my next belt! I'm so happy. :D I love the forms and techniques. Blocking's fun, too. Everythin about Kuk Sool (aside from injuring my hip and stretching) is fantastic. Maybe have to follow in MAS's footsteps.
You know what, I really hate how Sookie's character in the Sookie Stackhouse series is so awesome. I mean...I guess, I'm just envious of a ficticious character but everyone loves her. Must be nice, even on her side of the fourth wall. Blehhh. The black mood of the student faced with exams is rearing it's imaginary head again.
Oh well, a they say 'those that mind, don't matter. And, those that matter, don't mind.' This probably makes no sense. It does to me.
Oh, I did such a thing that it's annoying me. I let slip while writing a blog entry, that I had a blog to Zadock, and I don't know if he read it...but, because I'm such a loser I said to him to forget it if it was rubbish and he hasn't mentioned it so...now I want to ask because I'm a glutton for punishment, I think. Haha. >.< Oh, God. Die in a fire, life. I don't even know if I want to think about it. My thoughts are hardly profound to even the most illeducated of people.
On the bright side, KitKat's mum (I almost wrote mom for a second, and I blame her American-ness...) sorted out my prommy dress for the prommy Casino Night the SULT and I (my idea!) are arranging for the end of the college year. Don't have anyone to go with though, which will suck, but better than not going at all like I did in year eleven.
Sigh. Really need to cheer up, but, I can't manage it. I don't even know why I'm unhappy. I think it's exam worry. I'm turning into an exam crazed psychopath. Well, not really, but, I think about it way too much.
I'll just think about meeting Chrisopher Lloyd, Joel Gratsch and Rob Knepper! And Keewi (er...it'd make sense if you knew who I'd made the nickname for) is coming to visit me! And, Vanguard are having another meet up at...I've forgotten his nickname...darn. haha. Well, one of the Guild, since I will not put their names online for the world to stalk. XD
I'm really looking forward to it, and getting everything sorted, and out the way.
And, I WILL re-take my NPLQ (or, actually not be ill on the exam day). I miss swimming so much, there's no where better than the water, honestly. But, since TiffsBoy and my ex both work as lifeguards...and though it's only TiffsBoy I worry about I know he will just stare at me to piss me off, as usual. And, can't pratice dives at the local pool. need to find one near college.
I need a massive 'To Do' list.
I just realised I'm listening to Japanese. Theme song to Elemental Gelade, actually. But, it took my 3 minutes to realise I wasn't listening to English. It's probably worrying that I understand it all and don't notice now.
Oh, oh, I'm going to try and see if Rammstien are playing any time soon 'Cause Jourdi and I absolutely love them, and they released a new album not too long ago so there's a chance they might tour? I want to see them live. I may also have to go and see Josh's band again, 'cause he's a pet and he asked me to. I'd like to find out if Elliot Minor are playing in the summer, too. They're my favourite band in the entire world and I just love them...they're so good live, too. I'd give anything to see them again.
Anyway, I'm just rambling so, as it's late I'm going to bed now!
I'm photographing 'Snow White' and 'Beauty and the Beast' pieces for my photography tomorrow! (Today)
So, I have to be up early.
Happy 'Kate and William's Wedding Day!' to anyone who gives a damn.
Fianl words:
Live long and prosper, DFTBA!
'But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue. '
Frankie, egotistical genius (she says).
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