If you had asked me 20 years ago what I wanted to be when I grew up I would have told you that I wanted to be either an archeologist or an actress. If you asked me today, I would tell you that I want to be an Avenger. Or Joss Whedon, director of THE AVENGERS – who, with his other recent hit CABIN IN THE WOODS, is having a Banner year. See what I did there? I feel like this is going to be the biggest movie of the year when all is said and done. Taking into consideration the releases of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN later this year, of course. Am I out of my mind? I don’t think so. This movie had six main characters (seven if you count Sam Jackson) who were all well represented, legit characters that had a place and time to shine.
This movie is every Marvel fan’s dream come true. Joining forces are Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth – swoon), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). Each of our heroes has a point and purpose in this film. They are well-rounded and fantastic as a team. Engaging in battle with Thor’s brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), proves to be more challenging than a six against one fight should be. Loki steals an energy source that opens up a portal to another – more frightening and dangerous – world than present day New York City. In order to save NYC and the rest of the world, The Avengers need to find a peaceful way to coexist and work together.
It’s not easy for one movie to make me regret almost every decision I made as a kid. THE AVENGERS did that within 10 minutes of movie. While I was watching “Power Rangers” and “Boy Meets World” I was completely missing out on getting into characters like Thor and Captain America. Don’t get me wrong, prehistoric dinosaur robots are sweet, but none of the Power Rangers came through with Mjolnir or a super advanced suit that makes you fly. Thankfully, the world of Marvel is a forgiving one and invites new fans as well as old ones to enjoy its superheroes. I never once felt lost or confused by the plot or the people of THE AVENGERS.
The only downfall of THE AVENGERS was the slow parts. Loki talking to whoever it was in that other world he went to from time to time. I know that’s important to the story and everything, but let’s wrap it up, hm? More Hulk smashing things and bickering between Captain America and Iron Man, please. And how about a hand for Wisconsin native Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner? What a wonderful surprise from a questionable choice. The characters develop and grow into a unit seamlessly. I suppose the only other downfall was the fact that Thor never had to take off his shirt. Just saying.
Take it from me. Even if you’re not a superfan of the Marvel franchise, check out THE AVENGERS. It’s super entertaining and fun and so, so funny. Stay until the credits are completely over, don’t drink anything beforehand to avoid sprinting in and out of the theater like I did, and prepare to have your face BLOWN OFF from the awesomeness within.
Ms. Silver Screen 