The fact that Marvel and Universal/Disney were able to achieve something as big and expansive as their own universe of movies is an extraordinary feat on its own. The fact that each movie is at least pretty decent, with The Avengers topping them all, is even more amazing. As far back as I can remember, there hasn't really been an event like the Marvel Universe played out in movies, ever. It's a movie event unlike anything we've seen recently, and probably won't see again for a long time.
The movie doesn't really have what you would call a complicated plot. Loki (Tom Hiddleston) plans to take over Earth and rule as its supreme king, or something. The Avengers are called in to stop him. That's really all there is to it. But the movie doesn't need an overly complicated plot. The Avengers is more about marveling at having four of the biggest comic book characters on screen together, all played perfectly by the chosen actors, and the interactions they have together. Whedon does a great job of giving each of the main characters, Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) equal screen time. Even the role players, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) have great parts. Whedon's script does a fine job of bridging the gaps these characters have with each other, while making the story entertaning, suspensful, and funny all at the same time.
I couldn't help but remember old Saturday morning cartoons while watching The Avengers; the opening scene especially. This kind of thinking works perfectly here. The only problem is that the movie becomes a little too comedic at times, with the characters having witty dialouge just for the sake of witty dialouge. It's not too the point where it's annoying or frustrating, but it gets somewhat unnerving towards the end. There are several crowd pleasing moments that come from them, however.
I also want to note that the 3D conversion the movie had in post production is simply not worth it. The movie wasn't shot in 3D, but it was known during production that it would be converted. The 3D has no added value; many scenes are hardly converted that I couldn't tell the difference with my glasses off. I would, however, recommend seeing the movie on a digital screen in 2D. The digital will give an extra glossy look to make the visuals pop more.
The movie clocks in at just under two and a half hours, which is quite a long running time, but goes by fairly quickly thanks to constant action and dialogue scenes that all have their own sense of purpose. Far too often movies like this have their characters try to find some sort of inner meaning, or overcome a personal struggle. That works terrifically in films like The Dark Knight, but here, all we're looking for is good action and a fun time.
The action scenes are pure bliss. I was worried Whedon wouldn't be able to pull off the big action scenes that well, but he does a surprisingly good job, especially towards the end, with several long tracking shots that, although mostly CGI, still are very cool to watch.
I was really happy with the performance from Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. I thought he was a great choice for the role, but was wary that he would have a minor part behind the "big three". There was controversy when it was discovered Edward Norton wouldn't be returning as Banner for the movie, but I have to say I agree with the decision. While Norton is a great actor, and did a fine job in The Incredible Hulk, I never thought he was very convincing as Banner. He just simply doesn't have that scientist look to him. Ruffalo has that look, and I'm pleased he's going to be with Marvel for the long haul as Banner.
While the movie was playing, I couldn't help but think that this summer is maybe the beginning of the end for big comic book movies. While The Avengers and its "prequels" were all executed in a terrific way, it's hard to imagine where these characters go from here. Of course, there are already sequels planned, with Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 scheduled for release in 2013. But it just feels as if there was such a build up for The Avengers I worry that people will now begin to lose interest in superhero films. There may also be the issue of too much of a good thing. DC has the release of The Dark Knight Rises later this summer, and the Superman reboot, Man of Steel, is scheduled for 2013. Don't forget The Amazing Spider-Man and Men in Black 3 this summer as well. There's also rumors they are planning a Justice League movie, with Man of Steel being the start.
I just worry that with how successful The Avengers already is, studios will now shell out any superhero or comic book adaptation they can think of, and look for a profit, which will no doubt result in terrible overkill for the genre. However there are good things happening with this genre as well. Marvel has had great success with this series, and Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight saga has wowed critics and moviegoers alike. It's no doubt that this genre is here to stay for the long haul, even if the general public loses interest after awhile.
With that being said though, The Avengers is not only a great accomplishment, it's so far the best movie of 2012, and a terrific start to the summer movie season. The only question I have is: where do these characters go from here? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out.
A-/B+
No comments:
Post a Comment