Mega Review: The Avengers

Directed by: Joss Whedon
Written by: Joss Whedon, Zak Penn
Cast: Robert Downey, Jr.; Chris Evans; Mark Ruffalo; Chris Hemsworth; Scarlett Johansson; Jeremy Renner; Tom Hiddleston; Samuel L. Jackson
Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Synopsis: In The Avengers, Nick Fury, director of the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D., recruits Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America to form a team that must stop Thor’s brother Loki from enslaving the human race.
Ryans Review:

Ryan Brown

The Avengers is something that has never been done before. It’s not a sequel, yet it uses characters that have already been established in their own films. Going into the film I knew it would be fun no matter what, but I was curious as to how they would establish these characters for those who have no familiarity with any of these characters. Before I provide my plethora of praise, I thought it would be fitting to address the bad before the good. The backstory was barely present, and even though a lengthy backstory would be counter-productive because it would take away from what this film is supposed to be, the lack of backstory could make some people wonder more about who the characters were. That is the only bad thing I am going to speak of with this film because honestly if you have not spent the time to either see the films leading up to this one or at least read about these characters, then simply…shame on you.

With that said, on to the good stuff. I’ve loved every one of the Avengers that have been established in their own respective movies thus far. Robert Downey Jr. is the same Iron Man we’ve grown to love with the same snarky and cocky attitude that we’ve seen from Tony Stark. Chris Evans has really evolved from playing the comical Johnny Storm/Human Torch to now playing the perfect solider role of Captain America. Being so young, many were curious as to how he would be able to be taken seriously leading the Avengers but for being so young, he portrays the experienced and wise leader role perfectly. You can hear and see the chivalrous and classic gentleman persona through his voice diction and mannerisms. Chris Hemsworth is the masculine God of Thunder but much wiser from the Thor we saw in his first film. He doesn’t go into a battle “guns blazing” like before, he’s slightly more reserved and thinks before acting. The character that was the biggest surprise for me was Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. He is the Bruce Banner we’ve been looking for, the calculated scientist that turns into a raging monster. The CGI version of the Hulk is also more visually impressive because they actually incorporated Ruffalo’s facial features which makes the Hulk that much more believable as Banner. The teamwork aspect of the film is one of the most cohesive styles I have ever seen. The conflict is real, there are cliques, there are opposing ideals, but everyone comes together in the time of need.

I saw the film in 3D and I thought that the 3D effect was on the higher end compared to other 3D films I’ve seen. There were shots that actually reminded me of Avatar 3D shots. I’m not saying that the 3D is on the same level of Avatar but some of the background 3D effects, such as flaming ash floating in the air, gave me that “Wow” factor that I got from Avatar. If it is available in 3D, I would say it’s worth the added effect of seeing repulsor blasts or the debris of a “Hulk Smash” coming at your face.

Overall the movie was Amazing! I see it being entertaining for everyone. The characters are interesting, the action shots are unrivaled (That’s right STFU Michael Bay!), and unless you have been trapped in ice in a state of suspended animation, this movie satisfies the hunger we’ve had for the story of some of Marvel’s most popular super heroes. Personally, as a comic book nerd enthusiast , I would give this movie a 10/10 but taking into account for the select few who have not heard of these heroes, I will give it a 9/10 for lack of a backstory on some characters.