Click here for our Premiere coverage of Avengers Assemble (The Avengers)
It would be a handy cliché to say that Avengers Assemble has been a long time coming, but actually, it hasn’t. In just under four years, Marvel Studios have churned out the precursor films, and put everything in place for their super team-up – ridiculously quick considering barely six years ago, Marvel Studios didn’t exist. And while their Disney-backing now means it isn’t quite the farm-betting risk it once was, putting all their Super-eggs in an Avengers basket is still a huge gamble that could derail several franchises at once.
Fortunately for Marvel and the House of Mouse, it would seem the gamble will pay off – creatively at least.
Under the direction of Joss Whedon the film sails along, switching effortlessly between well-handled drama, carefully-crafted action, and perfectly-timed humour. The director has made his name pulling out great performances from ensemble casts, and Avengers Assemble is no different. Each character gets a chance to shine, without any one outstaying their welcome, or taking over the film. More importantly, the dynamic between the characters – the tension between Stark and Rodgers, the trust between Hawkeye and Black Widow, the respect for Banner, and the fear of the Hulk – feel totally appropriate, and entirely natural.
There’s also a moral ambiguity to the characters that makes the movie even more compelling. It also makes it play very much like Marvel’s ‘Ultimates’ comic – not entirely surprising, given that the Ultimate Marvel universe has formed something of a template for the film studio since Iron Man. Given that each of the leads has been the hero of their own movie, and that we’re already familiar with the supporting cast, the fact that there’s any question over their motivations is yet another impressive achievement on Whedon’s part.
Of course, while all this anodyne analysis is accurate, it fails to capture just how entertaining Avengers Assemble is. There are a few flaws – the compositing of some shots is ropey (OK, one flaw) – but after a five film build-up, it exceeds every expectation, and is also, to my mind at least, the closest a movie has come to putting the experience of reading a comic on screen. Avengers Assemble is utterly joyous. I challenge anyone to not chuckle and cheer throughout.
[Rating:5/5]
Wow, full marks, eh? Maybe I should start believing all the hype?!
I’d agree entirely with this. Caught a preview tonight and I can’t remember when a time when I was so entertained. Whedon is playing to his strengths here and was an inspired choice. You’re absolutely right – it’s a great approximation of a comic on screen. Plus it’s funny – really really funny. The audience even cheered and clapped at one point, I haven’t seen that happen in a long time. Loved it.
The fact that this movie happened AND it’s getting almost universal praise… it’s just astonishing. Usually something goes wrong along the way… I am so excited that that is NOT the case here. Can’t wait.
Who did put the full marks on this movie? That is another hype action. How about commenting on this movie reasonably after seeing it this summer.
I ‘put full marks’ on Avengers after watching it. It’s a very good film. We don’t just pluck reviews from thin air.
Saw it today. Thoroughly enjoyed it. They played it up just perfectly. There was a nice balance between each of the characters, their reasons to be there and their motivations. The script was all kinds of funny, but also tender. Well acted throughout, and the stand out was quite easily Hulk and Banner. Ruffalo has nailed it. It’s the Hulk we wanted to see on the screen. He’s got wit, he resembles Ruffalo, and he’s as hard as nails.
There is one incredibly long shot (mostly effects) which really, really impressed me. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but let’s just say watch for the interactions. It’s a really smart shot.The opening was fantastic actually. Straight away, they tell you who the villain is. Anyone who got this far without knowing, and is a fan of the Marvel comics will be happy with what they get, and why they get it…. Which they will only see if they stay till the end of the first part of the credit sequence! ;-)Whedon was a strange choice for me, in respect to the size of the budget they were handing him with his patchy record over the years. But, he knows comics, and he knows the Avengers and he absolutely nailed it. Easily the best Marvel movie yet, and right up there with The Dark Knight in comic book movies. Both great comic book films, but in very different ways.
You realise these guys attended the Premiere, interviewed some of the cast and watched it long before we did in order to be able to prepare a review for it, right?
It isn’t. It really is a fantastic movie!
I watched it last night and I think it has to be one of my all time favourite films. It was amazing from start to finish. Funny, dramatic and action packed. Legend film, definitely would recommend it.
Loved the film, it had all any body with a pulse needs in a film. Humour, goose bumps, well acted and mostly excellent effects. The only let down in these being the bit when black widow is flying on one of the alien attack vehicle things. Looks a bit ropey!
Overall though, excellent and I didn’t even watch it in 3d
The movie is nice not great. …..long useless conversation
One of the greatest movies ever, the blend of action, comedy, drama is simply the perfect balance of a film can have 10/10
Avengers is my new favorite movie!! And that’s an achievement! Great job Whedon and all the cast and crew! Thanks for the review, very accurate!