Film Review “The Avengers”

Directed by: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
Running time: 143 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Avengers” was a project that was simply destined to be something amazing. With the brilliant mind of Joss Whedon, writing and directing, it was a sure bet. Of course there was still concerns. “Iron Man 2” was not up to par with the first film and of course everyone has seen the films focusing on The Hulk. “The Avengers” is the best superhero film, might I say ever?! I have never been to a screening where the audience is as engaged in the film. Five times, at least, there was rampant cheering,  clapping and even standing ovations…and that was only during the film let alone when it ended.

Now let’s get to our superheros in “The Avengers”. I was wondering how they were going to split this film over all the superheros that it complied. Well let me tell you they did it perfectly. I would say that Captain America (Evans) was the lead focus in the film, which is ok with me, with Iron Man (Downey Jr.) following in close second.  Both were perfectly in their roles and delivered the best performance yet for their respective characters. I gotta give it to the Hulk (Ruffalo) though for completely stealing the entire movie. I wouldn’t imagine after two disappointing films, but damn was I pleasantly impressed. Chris Hemsworth is just bad-ass as Thor and holds his own. Smaller less-known characters like Scarlett Johansson, playing Agent Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, and Jeremy Renner, playing Clint Barton aka Hawkeye, definitely play well with the others and kick some ass. Lastly major props need to go to Tom Hiddleston, playing Loki, for sealing the deal as the film’s major villain.  He is one bad son-bitch. Overall though, this cast just shined and really worked as a team.

Joss Whedon is known for his amazing TV work like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel” and “Firefly” but he has never had major success theatrically. This film will change all that, he is now a superstar. I really hope that Marvel/Disney allow Joss to follow-up with “The Avengers 2”. He has such a fantastic handle on the series and know exactly what the fans wants to see and delivers it…and more.  The film also run impressively long at almost 2.5 hours, which I wouldn’t have wanted it a minute shorter.  “The Avengers” also not only sums up some of the best visual effects, I have seen in the last few years, it is also FUNNY AS HELL!  That’s right, I mean belly laughs. If the audience wasn’t cheering or sitting on the edge of the chair, they were laughing out loud.  Great job again of perfectly blending the action and comedy of the series.

Let me tell you one thing, whether you like this film or not, if you are a fan of the Marvel Universe you better stay through the credits!!! Holy crap what a great lead-in the the next project in the ever-expanding world that Marvel is creating. Get ready for next year with sequels to both “Iron Man” and “Thor”. This Marvel superhero franchise shows no signs of slowing down and as long as they follow from the lead of “The Avengers”, they will not be able to fail. Thanks again Joss Whedon, you are a God!