Movie Review, in Brief: The Avengers

[caitri]

I went into this movie with ludicrously high expectations that were exceeded.

Let me reiterate this.

**I** went into a **JOSS WHEDON** **COMIC BOOK** movie and it was **BETTER** than **I** thought it would be.

There's your Moment of Zen.

~

In all seriousness, it was like a "how to" for writing. Economical, each character gets to shine. It's like Star Trek Reboot upped by several notches because Whedon is so familiar with the source material and knows exactly how to handle large ensembles without being repetitive. Compare with JJ Abrams who put most of the tension on two characters, relegated the woman to love interest, and kept reusing the same moves over and over. (Oh look, here's Kirk being choked. Oh here he's being choked again. Now he's hanging from a cliff. Oh look now he's hanging off a drill. REPEAT.) There's some telegraphing to make sure you know where things come from because a lot is going on. The writing is also unbelievably snap-crackle-pop.

Cannot wait to go again! I'm doing a review for SFRA so when I'm done with the draft I'll post it here on f-lock.

Comments

[erynwen.livejournal.com]

I'm still trying to come up with a review that is not completely written in capslock. I love this movie so, so much. I watched it for a second time yesterday, and there is still not one minute I don't like (well, OK, the "Fight for New York" may be a tiny bit long, and a bit more character quality time wouldn't have hurt, but that's just if I'm really nitpicky here *gg*)

So, is there really a scene after the credits where (highlight to read in case someone doesn't expect spoilers in the comments) they all eat shawarma together? We didn't get this over here and I'm dying to find out *gg*

[caitri.livejournal.com]

Yup, there is. They just all eat in silence while the shopowners clean up behind them. It's very cute and apparently mintues after they complete the big battle.

[erynwen.livejournal.com]

I feel betrayed. A lot *gg* But as long as a certain person didn't walk in and said "Guys, guess who's alive" I'm fine *gg*

[caitri.livejournal.com]

So I had heard a rumor about an end-credits scene with him but haven't heard any confirmations. I'm kind of impatiently waiting for io9's official review and such.

[erynwen.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't that make it a 3rd end-credit scene? Only shown to people who stay in the theater to the next morning? *gg*
Would make a nice DVD extra, though ^^

[amine-eyes.livejournal.com]

OH THIS MOVIE.

SERIOUSLY.

*lots of flails*

Seen it twice, tempted for a third, because EUFGHT BRUCE AND TONY BEING SCIENCE BROS, EVERYONE BEING AWESOME, TONY AND DRAPES, AND NATASHA BEING AMAZING AWESOME.

So yes, all the flailing :DDD

[avictoriangirl]

EEEEEE! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! *FLAILS*

[greek-jester.livejournal.com]

I'm going again Saturday lunchtime, & I agree 100% with everything you said :-)

Tell me, did you bounce in your seat when the helicarrier lifted off? And did you love the little $10 moment as much as I did? It was the perfect humour - understated, quick, & not waved around under you nose in case you were too slow to get it.

[caitri.livejournal.com]

*G* IKR? My personal favorite was Steve's proud "I get that reference!" Also Tony's "Clench up, Legolas!"

Okay what did you think of the Tony/Bruce bromance? Though at least he was still looking at Steve when he said "Tell me I didn't get kissed!"

[greek-jester.livejournal.com]

Weirdly, for all that he was his usual flippant, sarcastic self, Tony seemed to come across as one of the most grounded characters this time around. His little pep-talk with Bruce showed just how much was going on under the brash exterior, & he seemed to have so much fun science-geeking with Bruce. So cute :-) His casual chat with Loki while he slipped the control bracelet for the new suit on was just awesome, too.

Then again, everyone got those moments. Steve had the biggest emotional journey, I think; he started out PTSDing in the basement, working his way through punch bags, & ended up commanding a group of good people with the tentative beginnings of friendships in the offing.

Bruce also had some great moments where he showed off his brain, his sense of humour (his little "left turn, Clyde!" moment with Thor was awesome), & his "did I hurt anyone" moment when he woke up naked in the rubble was really touching, & showed how much humanity he's hung onto despite being constantly angry.

Thor... where do I start. So many great moments. A brief return to his spoiled prince days when he slugged it out with Tony instead of hanging onto Loki. Begging his brother to come home, despite everything. His attempts to talk Bruce down when he first Hulk's out. Wonderful.

Fury rocked the whole film, as always. The $10 bet, the arguments with the council, & particularly the bazooka! Even being willing to emotionally manipulate people who were capable to ripping him to pieces in every way imaginable, just to get them to do what they'd hate themselves for not doing.

And all the so-called minor characters became so much more. Coulter, with his almost-creepy fanboy geek-out over Steve. The beautiful Natasha/Clint interactions & backstory Even Eric shone through Loki's mind control.

I also loved the way that Jane wasn't forgotten, even if she never made it into the film, & Pepper, despite being on-screen for less than 10 minutes, was obviously one of the cornerstones of Tony's reason for being the way he is.

In short, the film rocks beyond belief, & I will be queuing up the day it's released on DVD for my copy.

[aadarshinah.livejournal.com]

I concur. I concur so much it hurts.

[ken-ichijouji.livejournal.com]

I was cautiously optimistic because Joss isn't infallible IMO, and this would have been a lot to handle for ANY director/writer, let alone him, but it exceeded all of my expectations. I can't wait to see it again with my parents next week and catch all the little things I missed the first go-round.

Even if I did cry because of Coulson. *shakes fist*