Not often lately I go into a theater and thoroughly enjoy a film. The Director and Film Technician in me usually won't allow it. This was one of those rare times.
I was skeptical of the Avengers since all too many times superhero flicks often just have too many villains and too much going on with multiple subplots and on and on.... This time, Writer-Director Joss Whedon and his writing team managed to juggle an ensemble cast of characters any of which could have carried the film and blended them into a quite enjoyable film.
Without giving the picture away, A terribly vexed Loki brother of Thor is not taking the foiling of his efforts to subjugate the Earth. Enlisting the help of an exceptionally dangerous inter-dimensional race, he returns with a vengeance. The thread that brought Earth to Loki's attention is a cosmic device called the 'Tesseract'. Originally hidden on Earth by the Asgardian leader Odin centuries ago, it was recovered by the Nazi's during WWII. The device was lost for a time when Captain America foiled their efforts, but both he and the device were recovered by agents of the organization S.H.E.I.L.D. (don't get me trying to translate that acronym)
Once more, the Tesseract is stolen by Loki and things go from bad to worse. The Director of SHIELD, Nick Fury knowing the forces of Earth are going to need 'special help' assembles a group of super-powered/skilled beings to be Earth's bullwark in what will no doubt be a war between dimensions. The team consists of the revived super soldier Capt. America, technical wonder Iron Man, the Asgardian warrior Thor, the master spy Black Widow, the bow wielding assassin Hawkeye and the rampaging Incredible Hulk. Each individually possess serious personal issues that look to be insurmountable. However, through the leadership of Nick Fury and events to come will force them all to look beyond themselves and to the greater good.
Of course there are the obligatory match-ups as all are 'A'-type personalities and let's face it, you wanted to see them throw down anyway. The fights are well played and downright hilarious in spots. I will add, if you weren't a fan of the HULK, you'll grow to appreciate the character as he steals scene after scene. Without doubt, best is the matchup between Asgardian god of Evil Loki and the Hulk. That's all I'll say....
If you're looking for an old school superhero flick to take the kids or yourself for that matter, the Avengers is a winner. Well thought out, well written and just plain fun even during those thankfully few but brief angsty moments. Language gets a bit tart here and there (you can't have a good Sam Jackson movie without it), but other than that it's on... big time. AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! Damn right. Oh and don't leave the theater soon as the credits start rolling or you'll miss the 'easter eggs'....
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