Movie: The Avengers
Release Date: May 4th, 2012
Rated: PG-13
Director: Joss Whedon
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Tom Hiddleston, etc.
Rating: A-
Marvel’s hit new blockbuster (if you count almost 2 months old new) The Avengers has been the talk of the nation since its release on May 4th . With its exceptional cast, witty script, and genius director/writer, The Avengers could do no wrong.
As in any movie, choosing the perfect cast is essential. The perfect cast entails not only talented actors, but actors who embody their characters perfectly; actors who can make a connection to their audience. And that’s just what this movie set out to do with many returning faces such as the noble Captain America (Chris Evans), the self-loving and comical Ironman (Robert Downey Jr.), the fearsome lighting god Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the one-eyed leader of S.H.I.E.L.D Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and his fellow agents: Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). But there were also new additions, such as a recasting for the Hulk (previously Edward Norton, and now Mark Ruffalo), and the Norse god, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who plays the questionably dressed villain.
In short, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D, assembles a group of formidable and well-known “superheroes” to fend off an unexpected alien god by the name of Loki. Having stolen the Tesseract (which made its first appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger) and threatening global safety, these heroes are left with no choice but to attempt to work together and save the Earth from possible disaster.
It is my duty to give credit where credit is due, and without crediting such an established director such as Joss Whedon, would be a grievous injustice. To be quite honest, when word word of the project was first spread, many (including myself) were initially doubtful if a movie with so many distinct characters and interloping story lines could be successful. Movies like Ironman, Captain America, Thor, and even The Hulk were all set as build up for The Avengers. Each movie had its own feel, genre, and even general reception, so it’s understandable for some to be concerned how all these elements could all be combined into one successful movie. But all doubt washed away once the director for the challenging project was announced. For those of you who are unaware, Whedon is no stranger to success. Whedon has had his hand in projects such as Toy Story, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. It is my humble opinion, that Whedon took Stan Lee’s beloved comic book heroes and set them in an unforgettable light.
What I especially liked about this movie is that each character stayed true to their personality. Whether it be Captain America and Ironman having it off with each other, or the Hulk afraid of confrontation, or even Ironman involving himself in everyone’s business. Everything was so believable. It didn’t feel like a group of transparent heroes coming together to save the world yet again with nothing but triumphant smiles on their faces. They were real people who could be insensitive, who could be mistaken, who could fight, and who did not always possess superhero- like qualities at all. These characters blended harmoniously together and stayed true to themselves, and to their comic book counterparts.
If you’re still apprehensive about laying down $15 to see this film (if you chose to watch in 3D that is) because you claim that superheroes just “aren’t your thing”, or because grown adults walking around with tights, or suits, or horns just doesn’t “do it for you”, then let me dispose my judgement just a bit more. This is not the type of movie with faulty characters, a dry script, a mediocre plot, or any of the stereotypes associated with hero movies (I don’t want to point any fingers, but you all get this gist). This movie will captivate you, it will literally make you “laugh out loud”, and it is a movie that can be seen on any occasion, with any age group, however many times. Believe me when I tell you that it’s worth the investment.