During a four year gap of development, Marvel Studios began to plant their first seed starting with Iron Man, as a result of critical and popular success, Marvel immediately planted more of their seeds including The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger. After extensive research on each movie, it was time for Marvel to combine their heroes into one big epic superhero team up film called “The Avengers.”
Based on the comic book series of the same name, the film was released in May, 2012. (same year The Dark Knight Rises came out) It earned a truckload of massive positive reviews from critics and fans alike and made a billion dollars at the box office as the number one money maker of the year.
Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Firefly) wrote and directed the film. Cast Members from their solo movies reprise their roles to participate in as the titular team of superheroes whose quest is to defeat Thor’s adopted brother Loki, from taking over Earth with his army not from this world.
With The Avengers: Infinity War scheduled for a 2018 release and Joss Whedon rewriting Justice League, I want to spread the word for anybody who’s excited for another epic adventure.
This article contains no potential SPOILERS. You are okay to read all about it. If you’re a newcomer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, (MCU for short) go watch the films I’ve mentioned as seeds, because this is a requirement for you to get to know each character’s origin story prior to joining the team. Trust me, you’ll need all the info you can get before witnessing an epic event.
Assembled & Disassembled Qualities
Assembled: The Entire Cast consisting of Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg, & Stellan Skarsgård, all did a marvelous job for their respective performances. Don’t forget Tom Hiddleston’s role as Loki. I believe that Hiddleston stole the show as The God Of Mischief. Whedon compared Hiddleston’s performance to Daniel Day-Lewis’ Academy Award winning performance as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood. Speaking of which, Day-Lewis later won his third Oscar for his portrayal as “Lincoln.”
Action Sequences are filled with notable moments such as The Massive Climatic Battle with our heroes collaborating together against Loki and his army.
There are funny moments in the film containing snarky one liners, visual jokes, and that one part which is my personal favorite. If you know what I mean? Has something to do with treating a puppet as a rag doll.
Special Effects look spectacular such as The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Iron Man’s armor, Hulk’s design is based on Ruffalo’s looks. I’ll give The C.G.I. Bonus Points for The Effects Team for putting a lot of effort. Somebody give them a Christmas Bonus for goodness sake!
Joss Whedon did an excellent job on writing the screenplay, as well as directing the picture. The movie contains memorable dialogue and laugh out loud quotes. Joss himself is a passionate fan of Marvel.
Agent Phil Coulson reveals he’s a huge fan of a fan of a core member of The Avengers.
Character Development involving the team as they must learn to work as a group to battle against a powerful threat bigger than them.
The Characters interacting and getting to know each other, is perhaps The Main Highlight of the film. Tony Stark/Iron Man & Bruce Banner/Hulk’s friendship is the beginning of a bromance between them. They even have a conversation on their origin stories and they both relate to one other as scientists cursed with a remarkable power/augmentation they use for the greater good.
Callbacks from previous solo films from each team member, (minus Black Widow & Hawkeye) are mentioned.
My favorite part is perhaps the funniest moment of the entire movie. I’ll give you a hint, it has something to do with a puny person. If you know what I’m talking about. That scene deserves a bunch of Gigantic Points!
The Best Line in this movie is, “I’m bringing the party to you!” It’s a quote from Iron Man.
As in every Marvel movie tradition, Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance.
Loki mentions “Unlimited Power.” Remember that scene with Emperor Palpatine’s fight with Mace Windu? This is a meta reference to Star Wars. Did Joss hire Deadpool of Abed from Community as Script Doctors. Screenwriting 101, a Script Doctor is someone who polished a screenplay to make sure if anything needs to be added or changed. Think of it as a car acquiring a tune up for it’s engine.
Another meta-reference is a scene with Tony Stark insulting Thor with a Shakespeare quote. Gwyneth Paltrow starred in Shakespeare In Love.
Tony wears a Black Sabbath t-shirt. This is a another meta-reference to their song Iron Man, which is arguably the character’s theme song and it was played in the first Iron Man film. Tony’s got good taste in music as a heavy metal fan.
Harry Dean Stanton, (may be Rest In Peace) makes a cameo appearance as a security guard saying, “Are you an alien?” Joss if you’re reading this, does “Alien: Resurrection” ring any bells? Plus, Dean Stanton co-starred as one of the crew members from Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” That’s a double reference in one scene! Like I’ve mentioned about meta-references, Deadpool or Abed, were probably hired to rewrite the script as uncredited writers.
There’s a Mid-Credits Scene which sets up future installments. A Post-Credits Scene is pretty funny.
Disassembled: Not really a big con. If you’re a guy, Scarlett Johansson can be distracting in a good way. I’ll have to admit, she’s my personal kryptonite. If you’re a lady, Tom Hiddleston can be hypnotic like a guy’s perspective on Scarjo. We can all relate to Yakko, & Wakko, who are very attracted to the nurse from Animaniacs or Doug Walker/Nostalgia Critic, who’s into Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Bravo Marvel Studios for keeping us patient with your solo movies to gear us up for a film we’ve all been waiting for. You kept me entertained with The Avengers without a single yawn. I’m extremely enthusiastic for The Avengers: Infinity War. If you’ve seen all of the solo films prior to this one, The Avengers is a must see picture that’ll definitely keep you entertained throughout! What are you waiting for, go watch it right now!
Nickthemoviecritic.com 