M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN'S 'RACIST' CASTING IN 'THE LAST AIRBENDER'

I'll admit I am not a huge fan of Shyamalan's work. I think the man did superbly well with 'The Sixth Sense' and simply couldn't live up to that heart wrenching tale. (some of what I'm about to write is better articulated here: http://scifiwire.com/2008/12/is-m-night-shyamalans-last-airbender-casting-racist.php)

Now here is the crux of the matter - and it has as much to do with Hollywood as it does with Shyamalan himself as a *cough* director. Why Paramount Pictures would get him to write, produce and direct 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' is beyond me. Firstly, the movie content may not be all that bad in terms of a standard blockbuster which promises thrills and no substance. Again. Yet this is part of the point: this is adapted from the hit Nickelodeon animated series. The key word is 'adaptation' but I cannot abide the loose term of the word which somehow gives permission for Hollywood studios to literally leach the story of any value simply to get as many bums on the seats as possible: forget staying power or longevity. 'Adaptation' of a story loved by many - and for real reasons because the narrative encompasses good plot lines, character development and amazing settings as well deep, thought provoking themes - should not mean you can hash it any way the execs want. It should be respected. Yes, film is another medium from literature and television but if you are going to make a movie version, stick to what makes it great; you have a sure win formula - if its a hit TV series already, what have you got to lose?