The Avengers

Plot: Seven superheroes defend the earth from a supernatural army from another dimension. Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) runs a pan-governmental defense force (Shield) that is developing a high energy weapon. A shadowy mastermind in another dimension sends Thor's brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) with an army to stop Nick and to capture the weapon. Nick enlists one superhero at time, and brings them to his cool, invisible flying aircraft carrier. They quickly capture Loki, but Loki is too difficult to keep trapped. 

There are rivalries between egotistical Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and everyone else especially Captain America Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth.)  [imdb link]   [photos]

Review: Each character has a personality and a different motivation: that is the best part.  I liked the bickering and problem solving. It was good that bad guy Loki spent so much time talking directly to them. 

My favorite characters were Samuel L Jackson and Robert Downey Jr.  I loved seeing Kenosha native Mark Ruffalo in a summer action movie. He brought a good depth of feeling to Bruce Banner. His part was too small here. They hinted at a sequel when Tony Stark invited him to his lab. Hopefully he will get to be in another movie. Captain America is not my favorite hero, but Steve Rogers pays a pivotal role in keeping people motivated with his old-fashion ethics. I liked the interplay of 1940's patriotism with 21st century individualism. Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) does not have any superpower, but she had a lot of scenes, and kept the plot moving.

The action scenes were first rate. They showed action close-up which gives a sense of speed, but somewhat less spectacle. The best action scene was the big city fight scene where they are smashing the skyscrapers apart. I liked how the pieces of the buildings flaked away as they were whacked. Another great scene is the fight between Thor and Iron Man. The Hulk fight scene with Loki is so funny. 

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by: Josh Whedon

Rating:   3.5 stars: A very good movie. Fun-to-watch. It is as good as last year's 3.5 movies like Harry Potter, Super 8, and Hugo. Not as good as Bridesmaids and My Week with Marilyn, or any of my 4.0 star movies. Most important is that I want to see it again.

More: Marvel says future movies with these characters will take place in the same so-called universe, so that characters can interact with each other.

Even More: When I go to a comic book movie, I know what I am getting. It is silly to say it is not realistic. You knew that before you came in. You want interesting, and fun-to-watch. This was that. 

Yet More: See it in 3D.


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