I was SO excited to see “The Avengers” weeks ago. I was even more excited to write this review.
The movie studios make us critics wait until opening day to post our reviews, so for me it has been like waiting to open birthday presents to actually sit down and share my thoughts on the latest release from Marvel.
You can probably guess by now that I liked “The Avengers.” With good reason.
This “greatest hits” collection of super heroes fighting evil is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. The 3-D effects are great, acting is superb and the story moves along perfect. When is the last time anyone could say that about a movie?
Joss Whedon, the film’s writer and director, has delivered an outstanding product that definitely earns the price of admission.
And since I am obviously on a “love-fest” with “The Avengers,” let’s get specific on what made this so enjoyable. Yes, Robert Downey Jr. gives us ANOTHER great portrayal of Tony Stark (Iron Man) delivering the quick witted cynical lines we expect. Samuel Jackson’s Nick Fury once again proves why he is boss.
It is Fury (leader of the international crime fighting organization S.H.I.E.L.D.) who pulls the Avengers together to battle Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the “bad brother” of Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Loki has decided he wants to do what all evil-doers desire- take over Earth.
Seems simple enough, right?
It is this battle that Stark, Fury, Thor, along with the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Bruce Banner aka The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) engage in.
Speaking of The Hulk, I am going all out and saying HE is “The Avengers” secret weapon. The character is THAT good.
I’ve been asked if one needs prior knowledge of the Marvel characters to follow along with this installment. The answer is no- that is how easy it is to watch.
I’m already starting my countdown for a sequel.
Bottom line? It is safe to say the blockbuster movie of the season has arrived. It is called “The Avengers.”
Dave Morales is a member of The Houston Film Critics Society
