Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender

It reviews better than it plays — admired more than it is enjoyed.

• “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender is a lovingly crafted and gorgeously animated movie that features a welcome return for Team Avatar.”

  Alex Zalben, IGN · 80

• “The movie is a must-watch for fans of the original show who have been looking for a way to spend more time with their favorite characters. It stands alone as a transition point between Avatar and Korra, but also feels like it could easily kick off a new adult-focused series that would give the rest of Team Avatar their own glorious moment in the spotlight.”

  Samantha Nelson, Polygon · 80

• “It’s powerful stuff, and fans of the series will take away additional nuance, since we know what Aang’s decisions lead to, for better and worse. I suspect everyone else will find the film dazzling visually but undercooked in other ways.”

  William Bibbiani, TheWrap · 80

• ““Avatar Aang” succeeds both as a stand-alone film and one that stays true to the “ATLA” identity, while allowing the franchise to continue to grow. The movie connects the brand back to its beginnings, while creating a steppingstone for viewers to revisit the characters and find a new entryway back into the world.”

  Maya Phillips, The New York Times · 80

• “Considering that “Aang” is the first in a long line of “Avatar” productions, the debut venture for Avatar Studios makes a rock-solid mark that one can only hope gets sturdier in future entries. Nevertheless, it delivers a gratifying cinematic experience to the fanbase, as visually mesmerizing as it is a worthy storytelling contribution to a brilliant fantasy series.”

  Rendy Jones, RogerEbert.com · 75