Nearly everyone at one time or another has read a comic
book. More often than not we associate those drawn color images with our
childhood and leave it at that. The fact is that comics are no longer a source
of entertainment for children for the most part, instead covering topics like
drug addiction, alcoholism, homosexuality and more. Yes, there are comics made
for children but not the majority. But at the core of these comics, beneath the
surface issues of the day, is the basic fact that the core of them all involves
heroes. And through the trials and tribulations various writers put their
characters through that is always what we come back to.
Marvel Comics nearly went under until the early sixties when
they began telling stories that involved more the more realistic aspects of
life. Because of that a new form of hero was born, one that had problems and
lived in the real world when not wearing a cape. Fans loved these stories so
when it came time to turn them into movies of course Hollywood messed it up,
turning its back on what fans loved; until recently when fans flocked to see
Robert Downey starring as Iron Man.
But that was only the beginning of a long term plan at
Marvel. Those that learned remained in their seats as the credits finished to
catch a teaser for something coming down the line. It happened again and again
after each Marvel character movie from the Hulk to Captain America. It was all
leading to the first team up movie involving comic book characters. It was leading
to THE AVENGERS.
If you haven't seen this film by all means run out and buy a
copy today. This is not just a rental movie, this is a film that can be enjoyed
over and over again, allowing you to catch new things each time you watch as
well as enjoy the things you loved the first time around. For me it is the best
comic book movie ever made and the only bad part is having to wait until the
next Avengers outing.
The story revolves around the Tessaract, an energy source
discovered at the end of the Captain America film. The top secret government
agency S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics
Directorate) has been trying to figure out how to harness the power of this
object. That all changes when it suddenly opens a portal to another world
allowing Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the Asgardian God of mischief and sworn enemy
of his half brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth), to enter. Loki uses a staff to
control the minds of scientist Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and top agent Clint
"Hawkeye" Barton (Jeremy Renner). They escape with the Tessaract and
force the hand of S.H.I.E.L.D. head Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) to engage the
Avengers Project.
The project is an assemblage of various super heroes, people
with abilities above the norm, to unite as a team to take on any problem
considered too large for normal channels to handle. The first group that Fury
assembles includes agent Natasha "Black Widow" Romanov (Scarlett
Johannson) who recruits scientist Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) who turns into
the Hulk. Captain America (Chris Evans) has been kept with Fury in preparation
for this moment. Lastly they ask Tony Stark (Robert Downey) aka Iron Man.
Facing off against Loki he is captured but on the way back
the team's airship is attacked by none other than Thor. A knock down drag out
fight follows between Thor and Iron Man until Captain America breaks it up.
With Thor on the team now, they take Loki back to the hellicarrier (an item
that needs seen to be believed) for safe keeping. Unfortunately this doesn't
end up being a good idea.
Selvig in the meantime has found a way to harness the
Tessaract and open the portal to a far off galaxy that allows their army to
enter our world. This was Loki's plan all along. Trust me this is no spoiler as
scenes of the final battle were in nearly every trailer for the film before it
opened. With Hawkeye rescued and now a part of the team will these seven heroes
be enough to prevent an all out invasion of the planet? And will each member of
the team be able to face their own personal demons and become the hero that
he/she is destined to be?
This movie rocks like no other. The witty retorts, the campy
lines when needed, the suspense of what will happen next fluctuate from scene
to scene and keep you waiting to see what will happen next. Director Joss
Whedon of BUFFY fame has put together a movie that brings a depth to the
characters and story that mingle together to form a story movie that is filled
with amazing special effects but effects that don't overshadow what is taking
place.
The acting by all involved is amazing and each actor takes
their turn at making their character believable. You watch and never question
if Evans is really Captain America or if Hawkeye can really shoot arrows this
way. You just believe. If any one stands out in particular it's Downey. He just
commands attention every time he comes into view. His quips are some of the
best and suit his character. Having been the first of this group to star as his
character it's only natural.
The entertainment value of this movie is astronomical. From
start to finish you'll sit at the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens
next. Even side characters are given special moments here. There is never a
dull moment in this film.
One last note: as with all Marvel movies, even this movie
has a secret ending to it. As a matter of fact it has two. The first comes
early during the credits, the second after all the credits have finished. Stick
around and watch both. Rumor has it that one of them will bleed over into the
next Thor film. Iron Man 3 is nearly done filming. And the Avengers will return
soon. One can only wait with anticipation until it arrives.
Just for your information the picture I've used for this review is also of the more expensive version of the film as is the link. If you check amazon.com you'll find lower priced versions.
Click here to order.
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