"The Avengers" - 2012

[dvdjunkie]

The summer of the Super Hero movies is upon us, and the biggest one has just been released. All the Marvel Super Heroes gathered under one umbrella to help save the world, and this film does not let you down for one minute.

Director Joss Whedon, better known for his television shows Dollhouse and Firefly handles all of his comic-book characters with ease. The story is pretty light, but straight-forward, and you are never bored in the almost 2 hours and 30 minutes it takes to watch this film from beginning to end. And I will caution you to not leave the theater before the last credit has run or you will miss a dynamic after-thought and hilarious extra scene prepping you for the sequel.

Samuel L. Jackson handles his role of Nick Fury, the head of a group that includes the Super Heros, called S.H.E.I.L.D. and gets a message that a force from another planet is bringing havoc to Earth. He calls on his group which includes Iron Man, played once again by Robert Downey, Jr., Captain America, played by Chris Evans, Bruce Banner/The Hulk, played in this film by Mark Ruffalo, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, Hawkeye, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, and Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johannson, and the fun starts.

Captain America has basically been in hibernation for over 40 years, so there are some amusing moments as he tries to figure out things we take for granted so much. The in-fighting among the heros is done in good taste, and keeps the flow of the film running at break-neck speed.

Don't want to give to much away, but this movie was worth the wait, having been promised about two years ago and never saw the light of day until this week. It is pure entertainment, and one of the best popcorn movies that one can ever think of seeing more than once before waiting for the Blu-ray or DVD version.

All I can say is don't wait for the video version, see this in a big screen with big sound, and just hang on for the ride of your life. It is the first 5-star movie of the summer.

[Midge]

Sounds like a fun movie!

[dvdjunkie]

I didn't mention that I was in a movie theater for almost 14 hours on Thursday for the great Super Hero Showdown at the Warren Theater.

For $45, we got to see "Iron Man", "Iron Man 2", "The Hulk", "Thor", and "Captain America", and after an extended intermission we were the first to see "The Avengers" at 12:01 am CDT. For the cost of admission you get a refillable large drink, refillable large tub of popcorn, and unlimited passes through the Hot Dog Buffet line, which started up at 5 pm and lasted until about 10 pm. The Hot Dog Buffet was pretty cool because they were all cooked on a BBQ grill, along with Hamburgers, BBQ beans, and some really good potato salad, in fact I went back for thirds on the potato salad because it was almost as good as the stuff we make at home.

All the films were digital presentations and introduced by a member of the cast of each movie. Robert Downey, Jr. introduced both Iron Man films, Mark Ruffalo introduced the Hulk movie even though he wasn't the star of the film, Edward Norton was, but he portrays the green monster in the Avengers film and will do so in the next Hulk film. Chris Hemsworth introduced "Thor", and Chris Evans presented Captain America. Before the Avengers film there was a short making-of featurette introducing us to the characters once again, and showing some behind-the-scenes action sequences, and then the movie started to the roar of the crowd.

Through the day the theater got more crowded, and before Captain America, I don't think there was an empty seat in the house. That $45 price was for all of us who wanted to see all six films and the rest of the people just paid for individual films, but didn't get to go through the Buffet Line, or get the special popcorn and soda deal. All in all it was a great day and I am glad that I had the privilege to go.

[Midge]

Wow, Bill, that sounds like a great deal -- six movies and unlimited food for $45! Woo hoo! I'm afraid I wouldn't have the stamina to sit through all those movies. It makes my eyeballs spin just to think of it. :huh: But I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. It must have been great to see some of the stars of the movies live on stage. I really liked Mark Ruffalo in The Kids Are All Right.

[dvdjunkie]

It would have been nice if they were there in person, but all the introductions were on the screen, but they were personal to the Warren Theater, I have no idea what that cost, but it was neat to see the stars in street clothes talking about their movie. Sorry if I made it sound like they were there in person, that might have been really cool.

[Ktrek]

My wife and I really enjoyed the film. It was very well written and directed. Never a dull moment but not at the expense of the characters. Many laughs throughout as well. First film in years I have attended with a full house and the audience applauding at the end. That's rare in my experience.

Kevin