Reflecting on The Avengers

I’ve had a little over a day to let The Avengers soak in, and most of you [should] have gone to see it by now, so any “spoilers” I might post shouldn’t come as any surprise or result in any backlash.

First of all, I’m a comic fan, especially Marvel. I understand that there’s a lot portrayed in these characters that are more a consequence of the actors than what the characters are intended to be, but those of you looking for the comic turned to life and no alteration or tweaking of any kind are preposterous. I’m glad Stark is humor-driven, as well as Captain America (9 times outta 10 he’s not really trying to be funny). I’m glad Thor is socially awkward and humorous, because it provides that element of levity in the “unknown” of a demigod on Earth. And let’s face it, 7 characters of seriousness without wit doesn’t make for much fun in a movie.

The movie was brilliant, and they focused on a solid story, leaving enough open with every character that it would give us something to look forward to in the next movies. There was a lot of action, but spaced out enough in the 2+ hours that it never felt too action-packed. There was a good amount of emphasis on the psychology of each character and the way they interacted with one another, and every couple minutes a punchline was thrown in for our amusement. There was also plenty of focus on Nick Fury (finally) & S.H.I.E.L.D. and the role they play in keeping The Avengers out of the aim of the government.

You’ll pretty much have gathered from trailers that there would be conflict between Captain America & Tony Stark, Tony Stark & Thor, Thor & Hulk, and that everyone would be dealing with Hawkeye at one point or another. Those of you familiar with the comics know that these quarrels were a massive focal point, not only in The Avengers, but in each individual series as well when an appearance was made.

*Spoilers will exist below*

Loki was badass, and you’ll be sorely mistaken if you think his incarceration on Asgard will be the end of his character, especially with Thor 2 set for next year. The effects in the film were tremendous, and if I told you that Banner/Hulk stole the show before you saw/heard it, you’d probably think I was insane.

Mark Ruffalo is hands-down the best Incredible Hulk I’ve seen in the last decade where constant rehashes have been made. Norton was excellent as The Hulk, but that was more because Norton is just downright brilliant as an actor. Ruffalo hit a homerun and I’m looking forward to him carrying on with the role (hopefully) in a new Hulk movie and unquestionably in the next Avengers. He stole the show, in large part because I think we already knew what to expect of the others, but also because he just outright played the part perfectly.

I don’t have to say it, but the cast is awesome, and there’s a very good chemistry, which we weren’t sure was going to exist. But one of the best things about their chemistry is that it’s due to each being egotistical and individualistic, which translated well onto the screen, and when that moment where they needed a push occurred, it made it seem all the more genuine and emotional to the audience.

So if you haven’t forked over the money to go see the film yet, please do so. If you have, go see it again. There was a masterpiece in comic movies, and it set up for so much more in the individual projects as well as a followup.