Directed By: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston
Screenplay: Zak Penn and Joss Whedon
UK Release Date: 26 April 2012
Quick Plot: Earth is under attack from evil frost giant Loki, so Nick Fury realises it's time to round up the S. H. I. E. L. D crew of Iron Man, Bruce Banner, Captain America, Thor and co. in hope to avenge the earth (pun intended). Although throwing together a bunch of different superheroes might not run as smoothly as earth hopes.
Review: It’s every teenage
boys dream come true. The greatest superheroes known to film are finally
together and protecting mankind on earth in Marvels, The Avengers. Waiting for
what seems like decades, Joss Whedon has grasped every ounce needed to complete
the Marvel film to a fan boy’s expectation.
There’s nothing else quite like the Marvel
cinematic universe, so the film itself is very cleverly crafted, with actors
from other films and references left, right and centre it makes the film part
of a famous series. Yet, it also stands alone as one of the greatest superhero
movies to date. With four of the main character’s backgrounds already
represented to us through 5 films, The Avengers starts in the deep end and the
audience is already on the good side. Even if you haven’t seen the likes of
Thor, Captain America, Iron Man and the Hulk before (but if you haven’t, where
have you been?!), enough is explained through short remarks and tiny flashbacks
that everyone is up to speed and in the know of what exactly is going on.
The earth’s in
trouble and Nick Fury knows it’s finally time to call in the big guns; the lost
in time Steve Rogers, billionaire Tony Stark, the two men in one Bruce Banner, Thunder
God Thor and S.H.I.E.L.D’s dangerous assassins Natasha Romanoff and Clint
Barton.
With more than one
superhero on the scene, you’d expect the film to drag in certain areas and race
through with others, but their time is spread evenly and it’s exciting. Introducing
each character to most filmmakers would be a time consuming task for a feature,
however their stories are woven in the plot, with tension between them all,
helping the whole film to flow as one.
The entire cast is the glue to the film and if
even one of them was played by someone else, I find it hard to believe the film
would be the same. Evans, Downey Jr, Hemsworth and Ruffalo are incredible, like
always, making their own character genuinely real for the screen; Ruffalo especially,
as he is the new actor on the scene as Bruce Banner.
This is the Hulks
finest hour and it’s clear that from the mixed reactions to his own films, the
Hulk is the best when he’s with the team. Both green and in human form, Ruffalo
has fitted right into the role, delivering an immaculate portrayal.
Then, there’s
probably the best assassin duo in the world; Black Widow and Hawkeye. Though
they’re more unknown, they piece together with the team and get some
impressive, all-out action in the film. Hawkeye’s bow and arrow pieces, with
very smart camera angles, are absolutely unbelievable and, super or not, stand
out.
Loki in Thor was
evil enough, but Loki in The Avengers is so wickedly demonic that he’s actually
perfect. No one can argue against the fact that Tom Hiddleston is fantastic and
in The Avengers he steps up to levels that simply don’t exist for some actors,
proving that Hiddleston can range to different characters. His malicious words
and threats are gripping, while also leaving him on the receiving end to one of
the film’s funniest moments. Loki fits the role for best villain ever.
Now The Avengers is nowhere
near a comedy film, but the humour it does entail is absolutely pristine.
Whether it’s Tony Stark doing his best Shakespeare impression, or the Hulk
getting angry with Loki, laughing is quite simply unavoidable.
If I were to be
picky, the flaw would be the robotic villains. But even then, with everything
else going on, all together they make it brilliant. Each and every action scene
throughout is spectacular and gripping; however nothing tops the final battle
sequence.
In all honesty, The Avengers only needed a few
slip ups for it to become a letdown but, of course, this is Joss Whedon we’re
talking about. With the most characteristic, visually stunning actors around
today, The Avengers has it all; comedy, action and all round faultless
superhero clichés. It’s an understatement to call it perfect.
The greatest superhero film is now in existence and you’ll
be a fool to miss it.
5/5
