Marvel’s The Avengers
Marvel did it. After four years of hype and speculation, the project getting dropped, directors getting switched back and forth and the cast being swapped around, Marvel was able to pull it all together and give the world a super hero movie that truly feels like its straight out of the comics. The Avengers now holds the box office record of 200.3 million opening weekend. It is the poster child now for the perfect summer movie blockbuster because it is the first film to ever hit over 200 million on opening weekend.
For the past three summers, the world has been noticing the rushed projects of Captain America, Thor and Iron Man 2. The films are enjoyable and fun, but it’s beginning to seem the only reason for these films being made was so that The Avengerscould be a 2 and a half hour film rather then a 5-hour film. If you haven’t seen any of the Marvel superhero movies (Iron Man 1 and 2, Captain America, Thor or The Incredible Hulk), you may be a little lost for the first 45 minutes of the film because The Avengersdoesn’t skip a beat starting up right where the other films left off. If you’re a fan of at least one of the single films, then The Avengers will be something rather fantastic for you. The screen time for each character is well spread out to each character and each team member is utilized in the film. There are moments in the film that look like a live action comic book and to see the Avengers fighting side by side is an amazing spectacle. The 3D realm adds a whole new experience and this film needs to be seen in theatres to have its full effect.
As gigantic as the film is, it almost doesn’t seem big enough for the cast; Robert Downey Jr. brings his classic Tony Stark to the screen for the third time and brings a high sense of familiarity to the film and the team as a whole. Stark’s interaction with different members of the team shouldn’t be missed and at some points are just simply hilarious.
Chris Evans doesn’t shy away from barking orders as Captain America to the Team members; his presence as the leader of these super heroes is flawlessly portrayed.
Chris Hemsworth brings his Thor, again to the screen, to stop his evil brother Loki (played brilliantly by Tom Hiddleston). Hemsworth brings a lot of laughs with his God like observations and Thor’s entrance into the film had the audience clapping.
The real show stealer was Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk. The film takes a little bit before you get to see the magical CG Hulk, but when you finally do— wow, watch out. The Hulk steals the amazing action in the film as well as a few comedic scenes with The Hulk interacting with some of his teammates. But the pounding the Hulk gives to Loki you won’t want to miss.
Tom Hiddleston’s Loki fills the role as villain very well. Loki’s character always gives a since of danger and mischief when around, challenging The Avengers and pushing them to the limit. Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson and Clark Gregg all blend into the film flawlessly. As ridiculous as this world may get, these characters stay very grounded in this world and relatable and this is all thanks to the brilliant cast and Joss Whedon’s direction.
The Avenger’s will not disappoint any comic book fan; the film won’t disappoint sci-fi action fans either. Joss Whedon was able to take a complex element of the Marvel library and successfully portray it on the screen. The film is imaginative and fun; the effects are well done and never feel over done or fake. So after making over a half of a billion dollars worldwide in just 12 days after its release, I guess it’s safe to say Marvel made a smash hit. The question is though; does this open the Pandora’s box for other multiple super hero films? Well, if they are as exciting and well done as The Avengers, then audiences have something quiet amazing to look forward to in the next couple of summers ahead. Look out because this is only the beginning.