Two words for
ya…Epic Proportions!! That is how I would describe the new summer Marvel hit
The Avengers. I have been waiting on this movie since the first Iron Man came
out in 2008. You just knew it was going to happen… just because!!
The Avengers was a
flick that I was excited and nervous about all at the same time. Excited for
the obvious reason (comic book nerd) and nervous because not every comic book
movie has been successful, especially when there are multiple big name
character involved. This is one of THE
best adventure movies I've seen in a good while!! I mean the movie is pure
AWESOME. To have such comic book giants (in some cases literally) as Iron Man,
Captain America, Thor, and The Hulk in one film and it work speaks volumes.
Director Joss Whedon,
who is most known for the television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, studies
the foundation that was built in the prior films and transports to the big
screen “the greatest team of superheroes in film history”…The Avengers: Iron
Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans),
Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett
Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) as "amassed" by Nick Fury.
Whedon's whose scripts typically include clever banter, spellbinding action
sequences and an “air of mystery” and this is no different with The Avengers.
It is quite clear that Whedon has an utter love for comic books, and it is
evidently displayed with this movie.
Perfect
Chemistry…That’s what each one of these characters brought to the film. One
could not ask for a better cast. Not
only did they blend together, but they were essentially working together sweet
harmony!! Everyone was able to get his or her fair share without it feeling
like it was all about one person. Now I must admit I was not initially on the
wagon with Mark Ruffalo playing Bruce Banner/The Hulk, but he convinced me with
his performance! The Hulk showed up and showed out in a big way. And to know
surprise, Downey plays Stark
almost effortlessly, delivering lines with ease allowing his charisma, charm
and smugness to gleam through; there is not a doubt in my mind Robert Downey
Jr. is Tony Stark! Chris Evans' congeals himself in the role of Captain America,
and further assures us that he is America’s hero. He truly holds his own standing
alongside Iron Man and Thor. Then you have Chris Hemsworth's Asgardian god Thor
who has some extraordinary battle scenes and indirectly provides one of the
film's most hilarious moments. Clearly after being seriously underutilized in
Iron Man 2, we get to see full development of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow,
this helps in developing the character and provides an opportunity to prove she
is much more than just a pretty face; she's physically dangerous along with
being psychologically deadly. Even Hawkeye brings an element to the team as a
force to be reckoned with at all times. Don’t let the bow an arrow fool you
now. And finally, Nick Fury is more than just a surprise appearance. Fury is
finally able to maximize his potential and stretch his legs some, Jackson actually
fits the role quite easily.
And I can’t forget Agent Caulson (Clark Gregg) [love this
guy…dry wit, humor and all] along with Cobie Smulders who makes her Marvel
films debut as Agent Maria Hill, and she is definitely a welcomed addition.
Also what’s a comic book hero without a villain…Thor's adopted-brother Loki
(Tom Hiddleston) brings an excellent dynamic as he is able to hold his own in
the midst of some huge heavyweights. Each
character may have their egos and big guns, but when it came to saving the
world they some how seem to create a diamond mine out of a junkyard. That was what
I feared most but they did not disappoint. They held it together with “style
and grace”.
If I had any issues
with the film it was just the fact that Hawkeye being the character that he is
got a little too much “face-time” for my liking, but at least the performance
was good though. And my other minor gripe was with the development of Bruce
Banner and The Hulk. Now this may seem
like I am nit-picking but it would have been nice to see how Banner was able to
control over The Hulk (that seems like a vital piece to the puzzle. And let me
make note it was not all serious, but plenty of humor as well. This is what made
it a well-balanced film.
I will admit the
movie is over 2 hours but its worth every minute. This movie on so many levels
brings out the best in everything from the characters, to the plot, the
cinematography, the action, it just all works. In a weird and unique kind of
way it draws on all of your emotions in one single sitting. To be honest films
like Star Trek and Transformers could learn a lesson from a film like The
Avengers. How you ask? Pull from every angle and go deeper, you can’t just
scratch the surface and it be ok!
***As usual with most if not all Marvel
films, make sure to stay around for the post credit sequence, which will
provides a surprising reveal.
This was the perfect
movie to start out the summer!! Quite impressive!! Now I am hyped and on a
super high!! Bring on the next one!!
