The Avengers Finally Assembled!
The last few summers have been busy with blockbusters that introduced movie-goers to Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America. These films familiarized audiences with each characters own unique tale. Now, Marvel’s The Avengers breaks new ground bringing these characters together, to face a threat that no single hero can stand against.
A film with as massive a scope as The Avengers could have easily been a failure (**cough** **cough** Green Lantern), but not in the capable hands of writer/director Joss Whedon. In fact Joss and company may have just set the bar a little higher when it comes to making a super-hero smash hit!
What makes this flick work so well is the well-crafted blend of high octane adrenalin pumping action, mixed with Whedon’s trademark wittiness. At no point does the film take itself too serious, nor does it treat the subject matter as a joke. The characters are kept true enough to their comic equivalents, while modernizing them enough to feel fresh for today’s audiences. Whether you are a long time comic fan-boy or just a casual superhero movie-goer, you’ll find yourself entertained all the same.
The plot boils down to Loki (played masterfully by Tom Hiddleston) stealing the Cosmic Cube or “Tesseract” from S.H.I.E.L.D. he promises the cube to the alien race known as the Chitauri in exchange for helping subjugate the Earth. Loki’s actions compel Nick Fury to activate the Avengers initiative. Captain America, Iron Man and Black Widow are called to action and tasked with capturing Loki. Thor shows up and intervenes in an effort to reason with Loki.
When the Avengers discover that S.H.I.E.L.D. has its own plans for the cube, they become divided on what course of action to take. A surprise attack by Loki’s mind controlled minions (including Hawkeye), allows for Loki to escape and summon an army of the Chitauri right in the heart of the big apple. But that’s OK, so Loki has an army; the Avengers have a Hulk.
One of the most enjoyable elements of the film is observing this collective of characters clash. Mostly thanks to Iron Man. Maybe Agent Romanoff’s psych-profile had it right about Tony Stark; he can’t seem to get along with anyone. He thinks Cap is a relic, has a tussle with Thor, and intellectually spars with the Hulks alter ego Dr. Banner. Then again, what could one expect from a billionaire, philanthropist, playboy, whose ego rivals his own skyscraper. Robert Downey’s humors portrayal of Tony Stark manages to take the spotlight in many scenes, not any easy task with this cast.
Captain America (Chris Evans) is attempting to find his way in the modern world. He’s not yet sure how he fits in today’s society. Yet, when the proverbial poo-poo hits the fan, Cap heeds the call and takes the lead on the battle field. Evans portrayal of Cap is once again spot on, he may not be the funny man of the group, but he is definitely the team’s heart.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is very conflicted about Loki’s involvement, he wants to stop Loki, but does not want to see his brother harmed. It’s sort of an I can call my half-brother a jerk, but don’t you call him a jerk situation. Hemsworth gives just as solid performance here as he did in last year’s Thor.
Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) last seen in Iron Man 2, has a more significant role this time. Being the only woman on the current Avengers line up; she proves her character can pull her weight and keep up with the big boys.
Then there’s Hawkeye. After serving as one of Loki’s unwilling pawns for much of the film, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) wants some payback. Hawkeye may have less screen time then the other Avengers, but when he is on camera, he hits his mark. (Yeah, pun intended.)
Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) has the task of bringing this group together and making them play nice with each other. If you are familiar with Marvel’s the Ultimate line of comics, then you know they based their version of Nick Fury on Sam Jackson. So, you really cant get a better actor to play this role than the man himself.
Oh, and then there is the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo. Now a lot of people were upset that Ed Norton did not reprise his role for this film. I too was a little concerned when I heard Norton would not return. After seeing Ruffalo’s performance, I have to admit I think it was a good call. As for his Hulk, this version of the Hulk is probably the best to date. The CGI effects are incredible (there I go with the puns, again) and the Hulk appears to be every bit the unstoppable force he is in the comic books.
The Avengers is one intensely entertaining and fun ride. I dare say this is what we go to the movies for. Even at 142 minutes long, I didn’t feel the slightest flash of boredom. Sure, there is no shortage of violence and plenty of stuff gets decimated. Yet, if there is a message to the movie it’s about people learning to accept one another and putting aside their differences, coming together in a time of need for the greater good. Now there is a noble concept for you, and a notion the whole world needs to be reminded of from time to time. Luckily, The Avengers are here to do just that. Avengers Assemble!
Marvel’s The Avengers earns 4.5 stars out of 5!