This one's for the kids

The fable has been passed on for generations via the medium of the day. The village elder around the fire. The wandering minstrel traversing the land bringing with him stories of distant lands. Once the printing press became reality, it was books that passed along these tales. It was a way to both entertain and install values in the young. Once film arrived, it became the medium for passing on these tales. M. Night Shyamalan has embraced the magic of the fable with several of his films. “The Last Airbender,” while an adaptation of a cartoon, readily fits the mold.

“The Last Airbender” is the tale of four clans. Within each clan are individuals that can control the elements. Airbenders, Earthbenders, Waterbenders and Firebenders. For centuries, these peoples lived in harmony. Their spirit guides showed them the way to live a fulfilling life of peace and harmony. Eventually, the Firebender clan had designs on ruling all peoples. They began a war in which they eradicated the Airbenders and subjugated the Earthbenders and most of the Waterbenders. However, there was always one individual with the power to bend each of the four elements. Along with the spirit guides, he maintained the peace and harmony of our world, and was known simply as “The Avatar.”

One can rest assured that there were enough studio-lawyer hours logged between this film and James Cameron’s “Avatar” to erase the U.S. debt. Originally, this was entitled “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” I guess it is easy to see how that played out. Regardless, it has nothing to do with Space Marines and Pandora. It has everything to do with one small boy understanding his destiny and embracing it fully. That boy is Aang (Noah Ringer), and he is the reincarnated Avatar.

Frozen in the ice for more than a century, Aang is released by two members of the Waterbending people: brother and sister Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) and Katara (Nicola Peltz). The siblings soon realize they may be the companions of the Avatar when the forces of the Fire Nation bring their full military might to bear on capturing this small boy. Since the Avatar will return peace to the world, the Fire Nation must control him. Forced to flee, the trio take off for Aang’s home with the Air Clan.

As with all Shyamalan film’s, melodramatic dialogue is the rule of the day. Since “The Last Airbender” is aimed at a much younger audience than his previous works, it is far more evident throughout the entire film. However, it is his storytelling ability that should be embraced. “Lady in the Water” and “The Village,” while not classics, are truly grand fables. Shyamalan seems to fall short in his ability to direct a film that will maintain the focus of an audience.

While the film is at times somewhat distracting to more mature members of the audience, one must make a concerted effort to remember this is a kids’ film. Think of the classic “The NeverEnding Story,” and you get the picture. While those of us over the age of 25 may be lamenting the obvious statements and situations taking place, the younger viewers are thrilling to the adventure undertaken by one small boy and his teenage companions aboard their flying bison Appa. They are mesmerized by the majesty of the Northern Water Kingdom and shocked at the size and ferocious nature of the Fire Clan’s war ships and the ability of certain individuals to control the elements. All the time wide-eyed and anxious that one small boy will embrace his destiny and save the world from a reign of fire.

So while it not be for you, if you have a little one, go enjoy “The Last Airbender” together and see the film through your child’s eyes. Then you both can share in what amounts to true movie magic.

Rating: W W W