Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender will have to brace themselves for the major changes that will happen in the series as both executive producer and showrunner confirmed that there will be condensing and timeline jumps in the upcoming seasons.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Based on the Nickelodeon animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender contains a multitude of storylines and subplots that may not be tackled in the live-action series due to limited episodes.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 2 And 3 May Skip Multiple Storylines
During Paleyfest 2024, executive producer Jabbar Raisani told The Direct that they will have to pack several stories into two seasons with the limited episodes they have.
Suggested“Everything was garbage”: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is Apparently So Bad Fans Are Saying It Makes the M. Night Shyamalan Movie Look Better
“I think it’s a lot like season 1. There’s a...
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Based on the Nickelodeon animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender contains a multitude of storylines and subplots that may not be tackled in the live-action series due to limited episodes.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 2 And 3 May Skip Multiple Storylines
During Paleyfest 2024, executive producer Jabbar Raisani told The Direct that they will have to pack several stories into two seasons with the limited episodes they have.
Suggested“Everything was garbage”: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is Apparently So Bad Fans Are Saying It Makes the M. Night Shyamalan Movie Look Better
“I think it’s a lot like season 1. There’s a...
- 5/4/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Aang remains a controversial character as many fans question if he really has not killed anybody despite the amount of fights and battles he has gone through. Surely, he has the skills and wits to control every element, but what about those who are not gifted like him?
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
The question still lingers: has Aang killed anyone? The general answer would be no, not explicitly. But certainly, fans cannot say he is completely innocent. Even though he is the Avatar and he follows certain tenets, he has still hurt a lot of people.
Reddit Fans Weigh In On Aang’s Total Number Of Kills
Avatar fans took their sentiments to Reddit and discussed Aang’s number of kills. One user noticed that the character did a lot of violent actions throughout the show, which implies that he could have killed some of them.
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
The question still lingers: has Aang killed anyone? The general answer would be no, not explicitly. But certainly, fans cannot say he is completely innocent. Even though he is the Avatar and he follows certain tenets, he has still hurt a lot of people.
Reddit Fans Weigh In On Aang’s Total Number Of Kills
Avatar fans took their sentiments to Reddit and discussed Aang’s number of kills. One user noticed that the character did a lot of violent actions throughout the show, which implies that he could have killed some of them.
- 4/26/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Paramount’s movie slate for the upcoming year included the earlier announced film from Avatar: The Last Airbender animated universe. With the working title of Aang: The Last Airbender, the film’s voice cast will be led by Dave Bautista and Eric Nam. Nam is set to play the titular role of Aang, meaning that Zach Tyler Eisen will not be returning to his iconic voice role. While it came as no surprise, fans are largely disappointed over the recasting of Aang in the new animated movie.
Avatar: The Last Airbender animated movie lets go of all the old cast except Dante Basco
Only one actor from the original Avatar cast was retained in this project, which comes after nearly two decades since the Nickelodeon series dropped. Dante Basco will continue to voice Zuko in the film. Interestingly, the other voice cast members of the movie include Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten,...
Avatar: The Last Airbender animated movie lets go of all the old cast except Dante Basco
Only one actor from the original Avatar cast was retained in this project, which comes after nearly two decades since the Nickelodeon series dropped. Dante Basco will continue to voice Zuko in the film. Interestingly, the other voice cast members of the movie include Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender received mixed reviews from fans and critics, and while the series introduced fresh concepts that are somehow different from the animated series, it still made sure to bring back beloved characters.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
One of which is King Bumi played by Utkarsh Ambudkar. The figure is known for being the eccentric earth-bending king of Omashu, so it definitely took the actor and his makeup team quite some time to transform his look.
King Bumi Actor Wants Fans To Give Avatar: The Last Airbender A Chance
While speaking with Cbr last 2022, Utkarsh Ambudkar revealed how long he had to sit down and watch his army of makeup artists change his appearance into King Bumi.
“It was like six hours in a chair transforming into King Bumi, and I think people are really gonna be pleased when they see the series.”
Suggested“Daniel,...
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
One of which is King Bumi played by Utkarsh Ambudkar. The figure is known for being the eccentric earth-bending king of Omashu, so it definitely took the actor and his makeup team quite some time to transform his look.
King Bumi Actor Wants Fans To Give Avatar: The Last Airbender A Chance
While speaking with Cbr last 2022, Utkarsh Ambudkar revealed how long he had to sit down and watch his army of makeup artists change his appearance into King Bumi.
“It was like six hours in a chair transforming into King Bumi, and I think people are really gonna be pleased when they see the series.”
Suggested“Daniel,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender has officially been renewed for Seasons 2 and 3. While the show received mixed reactions from fans, it managed to climb to the number-one spot on the streaming platform’s list.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
The main cast includes Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Elizabeth Yu, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and the show follows the adventures of 12-year-old Aang as he masters the four elemental powers to save a world at war.
Gordon Cormier’s Priceless Reaction To Fake Avatar: The Last Airbender Cancelation
During a video call meeting, the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender were present to hear an announcement made by Daniel Dae Kim, who plays Fire Lord Ozai. The actor started the conversation by building up the tension and increasing the anticipation of the cast members (via Netflix):
“One of the reasons we’re getting together is...
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
The main cast includes Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Elizabeth Yu, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and the show follows the adventures of 12-year-old Aang as he masters the four elemental powers to save a world at war.
Gordon Cormier’s Priceless Reaction To Fake Avatar: The Last Airbender Cancelation
During a video call meeting, the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender were present to hear an announcement made by Daniel Dae Kim, who plays Fire Lord Ozai. The actor started the conversation by building up the tension and increasing the anticipation of the cast members (via Netflix):
“One of the reasons we’re getting together is...
- 3/8/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
In a twist of fate that can only be described as ‘life imitated art,’ Michael Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko’s Avatar: The Last Airbender nearly met its demise after Season 2. The makers of the show battled against all odds to keep their creation alive, just as Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Fans of Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series have grown to love it since the show’s final episode aired more than ten years ago (2008). During the course of its three seasons, the show gained recognition for its intricate plot and weighty themes, all the while maintaining an enjoyable and intriguing viewing experience.
Princess Yue in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Inconceivably, though, the show was briefly canceled between seasons two and three, which would have left the finale of the series on a terrible cliffhanger.
Suggested“I knew I didn’t like her”: Fans...
Fans of Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series have grown to love it since the show’s final episode aired more than ten years ago (2008). During the course of its three seasons, the show gained recognition for its intricate plot and weighty themes, all the while maintaining an enjoyable and intriguing viewing experience.
Princess Yue in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Inconceivably, though, the show was briefly canceled between seasons two and three, which would have left the finale of the series on a terrible cliffhanger.
Suggested“I knew I didn’t like her”: Fans...
- 3/7/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
After getting acquainted with Avatar: The Last Airbender, most fans must have been utterly convinced that indeed Aang is the strongest Air Nomad Avatar. However, the storyline of that universe is vast, and although Twinkle Toes (as Toph calls him) may be an Air Nomad way more powerful than the very first Avatar, he isn’t the strongest one out there.
Aang in the Avatar universe
Instead, the title of the strongest Air Nomad goes to one other person who struggled even more than Twinkle Toes throughout her life: Malu. Although she never appeared in the animated series of the Avatar universe, there was no other Air Nomad more powerful than her. What’s more, she didn’t even have a teacher, to begin with, and reached these levels of strength by herself!
SUGGESTEDDisturbing Avatar: The Last Airbender Theory Proves Aang Should Have Killed Fire Lord Ozai in Sozin’s Comet Episode
Not Aang,...
Aang in the Avatar universe
Instead, the title of the strongest Air Nomad goes to one other person who struggled even more than Twinkle Toes throughout her life: Malu. Although she never appeared in the animated series of the Avatar universe, there was no other Air Nomad more powerful than her. What’s more, she didn’t even have a teacher, to begin with, and reached these levels of strength by herself!
SUGGESTEDDisturbing Avatar: The Last Airbender Theory Proves Aang Should Have Killed Fire Lord Ozai in Sozin’s Comet Episode
Not Aang,...
- 3/5/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Avatar: The Last Airbender has taken the entertainment world by storm. The series has become one of the most successful live-action anime adaptations in the world. Also, it has reignited the love fans had for the original series created by Michael Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko and fans are now eagerly waiting for season 2.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The series focuses on Aang, the last Airbender who is also an Avatar and has the burden of saving the entire world from the fire kingdom. The Avatar is the human personification of light and peace who has a relationship with the Avatar Spirit. They are the strongest beings in the entire world.
Since the Avatar is the only physical being capable of bending the four elements, it is expected of them to become proficient in the four bending arts and use their powers to maintain harmony and balance among the world’s four nations.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The series focuses on Aang, the last Airbender who is also an Avatar and has the burden of saving the entire world from the fire kingdom. The Avatar is the human personification of light and peace who has a relationship with the Avatar Spirit. They are the strongest beings in the entire world.
Since the Avatar is the only physical being capable of bending the four elements, it is expected of them to become proficient in the four bending arts and use their powers to maintain harmony and balance among the world’s four nations.
- 3/4/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
The Avatar: The Last Airbender universe is arguably one of the most exciting fantasy worlds that fans have ever dived into. Introducing its audiences to stunning characters who can telekinetically manipulate one out of the 4 major elements—air, water, earth, or fire—through ‘bending’, a practice inspired by the Chinese martial arts, the series garnered a massive fanbase.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
But in this adventurously fantastic universe, fans are also stuck with some yet-to-be-officially-answered questions about the abilities of the character. One of the most asked of these was why Aang and the other Airbenders could not take flight. And while these questions weren’t answered by the creators, fans have found the answer to it by themselves via a wild theory.
SUGGESTEDWe Must All Thank This $215M Mel Gibson Movie for Harry Potter Star Jason Isaacs Getting Cast in Avatar: The Last Airbender
One Wild Atla Theory Explains...
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
But in this adventurously fantastic universe, fans are also stuck with some yet-to-be-officially-answered questions about the abilities of the character. One of the most asked of these was why Aang and the other Airbenders could not take flight. And while these questions weren’t answered by the creators, fans have found the answer to it by themselves via a wild theory.
SUGGESTEDWe Must All Thank This $215M Mel Gibson Movie for Harry Potter Star Jason Isaacs Getting Cast in Avatar: The Last Airbender
One Wild Atla Theory Explains...
- 3/3/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
It has been a week since Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series premiered. The fans had mixed feelings about the series, especially after the last live-action film failed horribly. But with the rising popularity of live-action series, there was hope that Netflix would bring out the best. Fortunately, everyone loved the series, and it is fair to say that people have no more doubts.
After becoming popular worldwide, the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender has been going around and doing interviews and questionnaires. During one such questionnaire, Fire Prince Zuko actor Dallas James Liu mentioned one character who would always be one step ahead of Zuko. The mentioned character is Uncle Iroh. There is no way Zuko could defeat him since he is too powerful.
Dallas James Liu Is Full of Praise For Uncle Iroh Dallas James Liu as Zuko (Source: Netflix)
The cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender...
After becoming popular worldwide, the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender has been going around and doing interviews and questionnaires. During one such questionnaire, Fire Prince Zuko actor Dallas James Liu mentioned one character who would always be one step ahead of Zuko. The mentioned character is Uncle Iroh. There is no way Zuko could defeat him since he is too powerful.
Dallas James Liu Is Full of Praise For Uncle Iroh Dallas James Liu as Zuko (Source: Netflix)
The cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender...
- 3/3/2024
- by Priyanko Chakraborty
- FandomWire
Avatar: The Last Airbender has proved itself worthy of the original title as it has generated great numbers since its release and has even broken the record of One Piece live-action adaptation. The series resurrected the love fans had for the American animated fantasy action television series created by Michael Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
As the series went into the promotion and screening stage, the cast of the series revealed filming and the auditioning process for the series and how it was a discreet project at first. Although Netflix announced the project early on, the secretive nature of the series made it more exciting.
This was revealed by not one but two cast members from the series. Ken Leung who played the role of Commander Zhao revealed that when he went for the audition of the series, he thought he was auditioning for James Cameron...
Avatar: The Last Airbender
As the series went into the promotion and screening stage, the cast of the series revealed filming and the auditioning process for the series and how it was a discreet project at first. Although Netflix announced the project early on, the secretive nature of the series made it more exciting.
This was revealed by not one but two cast members from the series. Ken Leung who played the role of Commander Zhao revealed that when he went for the audition of the series, he thought he was auditioning for James Cameron...
- 3/3/2024
- by Tarun Kohli
- FandomWire
The latest Netflix live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender received mixed reactions from fans, and it’s understandable why. The original animated show shaped the childhood of many viewers, and any other iterations would find it hard to match level with.
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Taking a trip down memory lane, the original voice actor of Aang reminisced his days working on the famed Nickelodeon series. He even picked out his favorite episodes among the bunch.
Suggested“Everything was garbage”: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is Apparently So Bad Fans Are Saying It Makes the M. Night Shyamalan Movie Look Better
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Zach Tyler Eisen Shares His Top Favorite Episodes
Zach Tyler Eisen spoke with Dante Basco and Janet Varney, who voiced Zuko and Korra in the animated series, via Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast and revealed his ultimate favorite episode...
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Taking a trip down memory lane, the original voice actor of Aang reminisced his days working on the famed Nickelodeon series. He even picked out his favorite episodes among the bunch.
Suggested“Everything was garbage”: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is Apparently So Bad Fans Are Saying It Makes the M. Night Shyamalan Movie Look Better
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Zach Tyler Eisen Shares His Top Favorite Episodes
Zach Tyler Eisen spoke with Dante Basco and Janet Varney, who voiced Zuko and Korra in the animated series, via Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast and revealed his ultimate favorite episode...
- 3/2/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Are you looking for the greatest TV programs ever made? If so, this is exactly where to find them! Did your favorite show make the list of best TV series of all time?
We have researched and compiled a list of 10 amazing series based on IMDb ratings and viewership data. Ranging from crime dramas to animations – no matter your preference, there’s something here for everyone. So grab some popcorn & settle in; it’s time for an awesome TV marathon experience.
IMDb utilizes its user rating systems to create seemingly never-ending lists of top shows around all genres. One particular list is termed the “Top 250 TV Shows,” thanks again to these scoring methods used by contributors online daily. Below are listed out ten highest-rated TV series according to those stats.
10 Highest-Rated TV Shows of All Time The Sopranos (1999–2007) – 9.2 Game of Thrones (2011–2019) – 9.2 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) – 9.3 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008) – 9.3 The Wire...
We have researched and compiled a list of 10 amazing series based on IMDb ratings and viewership data. Ranging from crime dramas to animations – no matter your preference, there’s something here for everyone. So grab some popcorn & settle in; it’s time for an awesome TV marathon experience.
IMDb utilizes its user rating systems to create seemingly never-ending lists of top shows around all genres. One particular list is termed the “Top 250 TV Shows,” thanks again to these scoring methods used by contributors online daily. Below are listed out ten highest-rated TV series according to those stats.
10 Highest-Rated TV Shows of All Time The Sopranos (1999–2007) – 9.2 Game of Thrones (2011–2019) – 9.2 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) – 9.3 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008) – 9.3 The Wire...
- 4/1/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
There's a reason that many consider "Avatar: The Last Airbender" to be the best-animated show of all time. Its rich world, lovable and nuanced characters, and willingness to tackle complicated topics like war and trauma drew in dedicated fans of all ages. In the nearly 15 years since the show's finale, fans have kept the proverbial flame burning, and the production companies have paid attention! Avatar Studios recently announced plans for a run of feature films, the first of which will focus on Aang and the rest of Team Avatar. Netflix currently has a live-action "Avatar" show in the works that added Amber Midthunder to its cast. "Avatar" left an indelible mark on the world of animated television.
For three seasons, "Avatar" released excellent episodes, so a few were bound to slip through the cracks and become forgotten by the most vocal critics and fans. From undeniably endearing to sleeper hits...
For three seasons, "Avatar" released excellent episodes, so a few were bound to slip through the cracks and become forgotten by the most vocal critics and fans. From undeniably endearing to sleeper hits...
- 12/28/2022
- by Addison Peacock
- Slash Film
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is one of the best animated shows of all time. When I said this back in 2008, it may have been a statement that my middle school peers pretty much universally agreed on, but it wasn't exactly a mainstream notion among grown-up tastemakers. But in the years since the kids' show has gone off the air, praise for its mature and empathetic worldview, unique mythology, and delightful animation and voice cast has only continued to grow exponentially. By the time the series hit streaming in 2020, it felt like "Avatar: The Last Airbender" was becoming the phenomenon it was always meant to be, and it was no surprise when news of a whole host of new projects from Avatar Studios soon followed.
For a fan who grew up alongside Aang, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, and Toph, it's easy to forget that the series wasn't always a part of the...
For a fan who grew up alongside Aang, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, and Toph, it's easy to forget that the series wasn't always a part of the...
- 11/21/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Paramount and Nickelodeon have three animated Avatar films are in the works. Last month, Lauren Montgomery (Avatar: The Last Airbender) was announced as director on the untitled first installment. And today at Comic-Con, there was more news about the first film at the panel for Avatar: Braving the Elements, the rewatch podcast hosted by the franchise’s voice actors Janet Varney (Korra in The Legend of Korra) and Dante Basco (Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender). Varney, who was not there in person, made the announcement via a video that was played in the room.
“The first feature length movie from Avatar Studios will be focusing on Avatar Aang and his friends, and I for one cannot wait!,” she said, holding a copy of the novel Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi, (you can watch the full video below)
Aang, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen, was the main character in...
“The first feature length movie from Avatar Studios will be focusing on Avatar Aang and his friends, and I for one cannot wait!,” she said, holding a copy of the novel Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi, (you can watch the full video below)
Aang, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen, was the main character in...
- 7/23/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount and Nickelodeon have announced that three new animated Avatar films are currently in development under the latter’s Avatar Studios banner. Lauren Montgomery (Avatar: The Last Airbender) is attached to direct the first, untitled installment.
Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dimartino, who created the franchise-launching series Avatar: The Last Airbender for Nickelodeon, will produce alongside that show’s EP, Eric Coleman. Paramount Animations’s and Nickelodeon Animation’s EVP of Movies and Global Franchises, Latifa Ouaou, will oversee development on the first film, alongside Jason McConnell, who serves as Vice President of Animation at Nickelodeon Animation & Paramount Animation.
Montgomery is a veteran director, producer and storyboard artist who served in the latter capacity on the original Avatar series. Additional credits on the directing side include Voltron: Legendary Defender, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and Young Justice.
“As original creators Mike and Bryan expand the Avatar universe with us, we’re keeping it...
Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dimartino, who created the franchise-launching series Avatar: The Last Airbender for Nickelodeon, will produce alongside that show’s EP, Eric Coleman. Paramount Animations’s and Nickelodeon Animation’s EVP of Movies and Global Franchises, Latifa Ouaou, will oversee development on the first film, alongside Jason McConnell, who serves as Vice President of Animation at Nickelodeon Animation & Paramount Animation.
Montgomery is a veteran director, producer and storyboard artist who served in the latter capacity on the original Avatar series. Additional credits on the directing side include Voltron: Legendary Defender, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and Young Justice.
“As original creators Mike and Bryan expand the Avatar universe with us, we’re keeping it...
- 6/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dark Horse will publish an adult coloring book based on the Avatar: The Last Airbender TV show, which was cancelled after three seasons on Nickelodeon. Caveat colorer: water, earth, and fire are all likely to harm the book, which should hit shelves in October 2016.
The book features forty-five pages of artwork on heavyweight 10 x 10–inch pages. The Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series voice cast includes: Zach Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Jessie Flower, Dante Basco, Dee Bradley Baker, Mako Iwamatsu, Greg Baldwin, Grey DeLisle, Jennie Kwan, Cricket Leigh, Olivia Hack, and Mark Hamill.
Read More…...
The book features forty-five pages of artwork on heavyweight 10 x 10–inch pages. The Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series voice cast includes: Zach Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Jessie Flower, Dante Basco, Dee Bradley Baker, Mako Iwamatsu, Greg Baldwin, Grey DeLisle, Jennie Kwan, Cricket Leigh, Olivia Hack, and Mark Hamill.
Read More…...
- 6/15/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Adapted by director John A. Davis from a Scholastic book Tom Hanks used to read to his son, "The Ant Bully' tells the story of a bored, lonely 10-year-old boy who takes his frustrations out on ant hills -- that is, until members of the colony figure out a way to cut him down to size both literally and figuratively.
But despite the Hanks seal of approval and the lure of a stellar voice cast including Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin, the animated version feels anonymously generic and charmlessly mechanical.
Failing to adequately flesh out the characters and the story, the movie is all exoskeleton.
Situated tightly between Columbia's "Monster House" and Paramount's "Barnyard" in this season's fairly crowded animation market, the Warner Bros. Pictures release might find a few extra crumbs in its 3-D version screening simultaneously in select Imax theaters, but it likely will have to settle for minor boxoffice infestation.
Tired of finding themselves at the mercy of young Lucas Nickle, aka "Lucas the Destroyer" (Zach Tyler Eisen), the ants show who's boss with a magic potion developed by Wizard Ant Zoc (Cage), which, when dropped into the boy's ear, shrinks him down to their level.
Lucas is taken down into the colony to stand trial for his crimes against antdom, and while there are those who would prefer to eat him, the wise Ant Queen (Streep) sentences him to live among them and to learn their customs.
Befriended by Zoc's kind girlfriend, Nurse Ant Hova (Roberts), Lucas gets a valuable lesson in the spirit of cooperation while dodging the predatory advances of wasps and frogs.
Basically, the biggest problem with "Ant Bully" is that if you're planning on invading "A Bug's Life" and "Antz" turf, you'd be wise to bring something fresh to the picnic table. But writer-director Davis, who created Jimmy Neutron, keeps coming up short on the inventiveness front.
That lack of inspiration also extends to those providing the voices, many of whom seem to struggle to find just the right pitch, overplaying or underplaying their assigned characters.
While Davis' visuals clearly reveal an affection for legendary stop-motion master Ray Harryhausen, there's a clinical coldness to the computer animation that cries out for a more stylized, more inviting look and feel.
The often brash results receive little in the way of a counterpoint from John Debney's decidedly unsubtle score, which has a habit of making a mountain out of an anthill.
The Ant Bully
Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures
a Playtone production in association with DNA Prods.
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: John A. Davis
Producers: Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, John A. Davis
Based on the book by: John Nickle
Executive producers: Keith Alcorn, Diana Choi Sachs, Steven Shareshian, Thomas Tull, William Fay
Editor: Jon Price
Muisc: John Debney
Voices:
Hova: Julia Roberts
Zoc: Nicolas Cage
the Ant Queen: Meryl Streep
Stan Beals: Paul Giamatti
Kreela: Regina King
Fugax: Bruce Campbell
Mommo: Lily Tomlin
Lucas Nickle: Zach Tyler Eisen
Head of Council: Ricardo Montalban
Doreen Nickle: Cheri Oteri
Fred Nickle: Larry Miller
MPAA rating: PG
Running time -- 88 minutes...
But despite the Hanks seal of approval and the lure of a stellar voice cast including Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin, the animated version feels anonymously generic and charmlessly mechanical.
Failing to adequately flesh out the characters and the story, the movie is all exoskeleton.
Situated tightly between Columbia's "Monster House" and Paramount's "Barnyard" in this season's fairly crowded animation market, the Warner Bros. Pictures release might find a few extra crumbs in its 3-D version screening simultaneously in select Imax theaters, but it likely will have to settle for minor boxoffice infestation.
Tired of finding themselves at the mercy of young Lucas Nickle, aka "Lucas the Destroyer" (Zach Tyler Eisen), the ants show who's boss with a magic potion developed by Wizard Ant Zoc (Cage), which, when dropped into the boy's ear, shrinks him down to their level.
Lucas is taken down into the colony to stand trial for his crimes against antdom, and while there are those who would prefer to eat him, the wise Ant Queen (Streep) sentences him to live among them and to learn their customs.
Befriended by Zoc's kind girlfriend, Nurse Ant Hova (Roberts), Lucas gets a valuable lesson in the spirit of cooperation while dodging the predatory advances of wasps and frogs.
Basically, the biggest problem with "Ant Bully" is that if you're planning on invading "A Bug's Life" and "Antz" turf, you'd be wise to bring something fresh to the picnic table. But writer-director Davis, who created Jimmy Neutron, keeps coming up short on the inventiveness front.
That lack of inspiration also extends to those providing the voices, many of whom seem to struggle to find just the right pitch, overplaying or underplaying their assigned characters.
While Davis' visuals clearly reveal an affection for legendary stop-motion master Ray Harryhausen, there's a clinical coldness to the computer animation that cries out for a more stylized, more inviting look and feel.
The often brash results receive little in the way of a counterpoint from John Debney's decidedly unsubtle score, which has a habit of making a mountain out of an anthill.
The Ant Bully
Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures
a Playtone production in association with DNA Prods.
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: John A. Davis
Producers: Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, John A. Davis
Based on the book by: John Nickle
Executive producers: Keith Alcorn, Diana Choi Sachs, Steven Shareshian, Thomas Tull, William Fay
Editor: Jon Price
Muisc: John Debney
Voices:
Hova: Julia Roberts
Zoc: Nicolas Cage
the Ant Queen: Meryl Streep
Stan Beals: Paul Giamatti
Kreela: Regina King
Fugax: Bruce Campbell
Mommo: Lily Tomlin
Lucas Nickle: Zach Tyler Eisen
Head of Council: Ricardo Montalban
Doreen Nickle: Cheri Oteri
Fred Nickle: Larry Miller
MPAA rating: PG
Running time -- 88 minutes...
- 7/24/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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