Let me sprint right to the point: The Avengers has it all. And then
some. Six superheroes for the price of one ticket: Iron Man, Thor,
Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow and the Hulk. It's also the
blockbuster I saw in my head when I imagined a movie that brought
together the idols of the Marvel world in one shiny, stupendously
exciting package. It's Transformers with a brain, a heart and a working
sense of humor. Suck on that, Michael Bay.
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Friday, 28 December 2012
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Thursday, 27 December 2012
Avengers movie overview
Let me sprint right to the point: The Avengers has it all. And then some. Six superheroes for the price of one ticket: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow and the Hulk. It's also the blockbuster I saw in my head when I imagined a movie that brought together the idols of the Marvel world in one shiny, stupendously exciting package. It's Transformers with a brain, a heart and a working sense of humor. Suck on that, Michael Bay.
All hail the warrior king of this dizzying, dazzling 3D action epic. That would be writer-director Joss Whedon, enjoying the afterglow of stellar reviews for deconstructing horror in The Cabin in the Woods. Here, in his second directing feature (after Serenity), Whedon stages the most exultantly good-humored, head-on, rousing series of traps and escapes since Spielberg was a pup. It's Citizen Kane for Citizen Geek.
The plot is merely functional. The world will end if Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the banished demigod, has his way. Loki hates his brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and lusts to destroy Earth with help from an alien army. As head of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has one recourse: Bring in the Avengers, a group of paragons with a rep for not playing well with others.
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That's the conflict, and the signal to unleash the FX. But Whedon is exploring richer ground. He sees the Avengers as the ultimate dysfunctional family. Their powers have estranged them from the normal world. As a result, they're lonely, cranky, emotional fuck-ups, which the actors have a ball playing. Robert Downey Jr. still seems blissfully right as Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man (there's a disarming tickle in his portrayal). He mocks the costume of Captain America (a canny Chris Evans) and calls the World War II hero an "old man." The captain wonders what's under that iron suit, sparking a priceless Downey deadpan: "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist."
There's no doubt that the two Iron Man hits overshadowed Thor, Captain America and two Hulk movies at the box office. But Downey doesn't hog the spotlight. Hemsworth's giant-size Thor gets big laughs dismissing his comrades in arms ("You're all so tiny"). And everyone gets to show their skill sets, including Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), the expert archer, and Natasha, a.k.a. the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), a killer in gymnastics and martial arts. Johansson has a terrific bit dispatching some Russian goons with her hands literally tied behind her back. And wait till you see the funny and touching stuff the sly Clark Gregg does as Agent Phil Coulson.
Mark Ruffalo is the newcomer to the team, replacing Edward Norton and Eric Bana as Bruce Banner, the nuclear physicist with anger issues that turn him into a hulking green rage machine. Ruffalo brings a scruffy warmth and humor to the role that's revelatory. His verbal sparring with Downey – two pros at the top of their games – is a pleasure to watch. And, wonder of wonders, the techies finally get the scale of the Hulk right. The computerized unjolly green giant is a jumbo scene-stealer. And it's hard not to cheer when Hulk wipes up the floor with Loki.
Speaking of Loki, and it's hard not to, bring on a shower of praise for Hiddleston. A superhero movie is only as good as its villain, and Hiddleston is dynamite. The role of Loki demands intuition, wit and crazy daring, and Hiddleston brings it. The British actor (War Horse, The Deep Blue Sea) is a force to reckon with.
Loki claims early in the film that his heart "burns with glorious purpose." He's got nothing on Whedon, a filmmaker who knows that even the roaringest action sequences won't resonate without audience investment in the characters. Whedon is not afraid to slow down to let feelings sink in. Fanboy heresy, perhaps, but the key to the film's supersmart, supercool triumph. In the final third, when Whedon lets it rip and turns the battle intensity up to 11, all your senses will be blown. I have one word for The Avengers: Wowza!
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All hail the warrior king of this dizzying, dazzling 3D action epic. That would be writer-director Joss Whedon, enjoying the afterglow of stellar reviews for deconstructing horror in The Cabin in the Woods. Here, in his second directing feature (after Serenity), Whedon stages the most exultantly good-humored, head-on, rousing series of traps and escapes since Spielberg was a pup. It's Citizen Kane for Citizen Geek.
The plot is merely functional. The world will end if Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the banished demigod, has his way. Loki hates his brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and lusts to destroy Earth with help from an alien army. As head of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has one recourse: Bring in the Avengers, a group of paragons with a rep for not playing well with others.
That's the conflict, and the signal to unleash the FX. But Whedon is exploring richer ground. He sees the Avengers as the ultimate dysfunctional family. Their powers have estranged them from the normal world. As a result, they're lonely, cranky, emotional fuck-ups, which the actors have a ball playing. Robert Downey Jr. still seems blissfully right as Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man (there's a disarming tickle in his portrayal). He mocks the costume of Captain America (a canny Chris Evans) and calls the World War II hero an "old man." The captain wonders what's under that iron suit, sparking a priceless Downey deadpan: "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist."
There's no doubt that the two Iron Man hits overshadowed Thor, Captain America and two Hulk movies at the box office. But Downey doesn't hog the spotlight. Hemsworth's giant-size Thor gets big laughs dismissing his comrades in arms ("You're all so tiny"). And everyone gets to show their skill sets, including Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), the expert archer, and Natasha, a.k.a. the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), a killer in gymnastics and martial arts. Johansson has a terrific bit dispatching some Russian goons with her hands literally tied behind her back. And wait till you see the funny and touching stuff the sly Clark Gregg does as Agent Phil Coulson.
Mark Ruffalo is the newcomer to the team, replacing Edward Norton and Eric Bana as Bruce Banner, the nuclear physicist with anger issues that turn him into a hulking green rage machine. Ruffalo brings a scruffy warmth and humor to the role that's revelatory. His verbal sparring with Downey – two pros at the top of their games – is a pleasure to watch. And, wonder of wonders, the techies finally get the scale of the Hulk right. The computerized unjolly green giant is a jumbo scene-stealer. And it's hard not to cheer when Hulk wipes up the floor with Loki.
Speaking of Loki, and it's hard not to, bring on a shower of praise for Hiddleston. A superhero movie is only as good as its villain, and Hiddleston is dynamite. The role of Loki demands intuition, wit and crazy daring, and Hiddleston brings it. The British actor (War Horse, The Deep Blue Sea) is a force to reckon with.
Loki claims early in the film that his heart "burns with glorious purpose." He's got nothing on Whedon, a filmmaker who knows that even the roaringest action sequences won't resonate without audience investment in the characters. Whedon is not afraid to slow down to let feelings sink in. Fanboy heresy, perhaps, but the key to the film's supersmart, supercool triumph. In the final third, when Whedon lets it rip and turns the battle intensity up to 11, all your senses will be blown. I have one word for The Avengers: Wowza!
Avengers movie review
It all starts when Thor's adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) causes havoc on earth in order to rule the human race. Loki has left Asgard and now wants to refashion earth as his kingdom and humans as his slaves. Loki intends to steal a cube (energy-source) called the Teseract which would help him and other vicious aliens to wage a war against humans.
It is now upto the superheroes/super skilled warriors to get together and save the Earth.
But will the 'eccentric freaks' comprising of tech genius, good guy but cocky Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Russian spy Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), the man with anger management issues Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), righteous & man of morals Captain America (Chris Evans), master archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and hammer-wielding god Thor (Chris Hemsworth) put aside their apprehensions, ego, controversial past to fight alongside each other and against the aliens?
The Avengers' build-up is a tad slow as the initial formation of the super-hero force takes time but once that's done; the film grips you with its fast-paced action, sleek one-liners, engaging banter and endearing humour throughout. When you are not clapping after every stunt scene, you are awed by the greatness and mystique of the mighty superheroes like a child!
Director-Screenplay writer Joss Whedon does the implausible task of accumulating the superheroes for a common cause superbly. The script lets every character have its moments except for Hawkeye who gets the least significance. Jeremy Renner seems wasted. Barring him, rest all get equal opportunities to showcase their super-powers.
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Robert Downey Jr's magnetic personality, sarcasm, sharp wit and distinct portrayal of Iron Man manage to hold the film together. As Tony Stark, RDJ infuses that much needed spark and life into the movie with his superb one-liners. When a righteous capt America questions flamboyant Stark's heroic abilities saying "Take off that armour and what are you?" Stark mockingly replies, "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist." Stark is also seen in his plush New York apartment in this movie and not California.
Mark Ruffalo playing The Hulk is another reason you enjoy The Avengers thoroughly. Watch out for Hulk's interaction with Loki, you'll die laughing! It is one of the best scenes in the movie. Ironically, the big guy tickles your funny bone every time he loses his temper. Mark Ruffalo plays the role with absolute ease and conviction. You don't think of Edward Norton or Eric Bana even once.
Tom Hiddleston as the wanabe tyrant (Loki) is impressive too. Chris Evans plays sober well as the righteous Capt America. Chris Hemsworth as Thor makes his presence felt.
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The Avengers does not fall short of anything. Stunts, story, performances, humour...the film has it all and just in the right proportion. Humour is in abundance but no way does it make the film spoof-like. The banter between the superheroes is as interesting as their fight with the aliens. Joss Whedon leaves you emotionally invested in the movie. You feel for the characters, which makes the film a roller coaster ride you don't want to miss out on! Do not compare it to The Dark Knight - Nolan's Batman movies, there is nothing dark or twisted about The Avengers, it's a feel-good fun film.
It is now upto the superheroes/super skilled warriors to get together and save the Earth.
But will the 'eccentric freaks' comprising of tech genius, good guy but cocky Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Russian spy Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), the man with anger management issues Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), righteous & man of morals Captain America (Chris Evans), master archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and hammer-wielding god Thor (Chris Hemsworth) put aside their apprehensions, ego, controversial past to fight alongside each other and against the aliens?
The Avengers' build-up is a tad slow as the initial formation of the super-hero force takes time but once that's done; the film grips you with its fast-paced action, sleek one-liners, engaging banter and endearing humour throughout. When you are not clapping after every stunt scene, you are awed by the greatness and mystique of the mighty superheroes like a child!
Director-Screenplay writer Joss Whedon does the implausible task of accumulating the superheroes for a common cause superbly. The script lets every character have its moments except for Hawkeye who gets the least significance. Jeremy Renner seems wasted. Barring him, rest all get equal opportunities to showcase their super-powers.
Robert Downey Jr's magnetic personality, sarcasm, sharp wit and distinct portrayal of Iron Man manage to hold the film together. As Tony Stark, RDJ infuses that much needed spark and life into the movie with his superb one-liners. When a righteous capt America questions flamboyant Stark's heroic abilities saying "Take off that armour and what are you?" Stark mockingly replies, "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist." Stark is also seen in his plush New York apartment in this movie and not California.
Mark Ruffalo playing The Hulk is another reason you enjoy The Avengers thoroughly. Watch out for Hulk's interaction with Loki, you'll die laughing! It is one of the best scenes in the movie. Ironically, the big guy tickles your funny bone every time he loses his temper. Mark Ruffalo plays the role with absolute ease and conviction. You don't think of Edward Norton or Eric Bana even once.
Tom Hiddleston as the wanabe tyrant (Loki) is impressive too. Chris Evans plays sober well as the righteous Capt America. Chris Hemsworth as Thor makes his presence felt.
The Avengers does not fall short of anything. Stunts, story, performances, humour...the film has it all and just in the right proportion. Humour is in abundance but no way does it make the film spoof-like. The banter between the superheroes is as interesting as their fight with the aliens. Joss Whedon leaves you emotionally invested in the movie. You feel for the characters, which makes the film a roller coaster ride you don't want to miss out on! Do not compare it to The Dark Knight - Nolan's Batman movies, there is nothing dark or twisted about The Avengers, it's a feel-good fun film.
Avengers movie cast and crew
Joss Whedon
Robert Downey Jr
Chris Evans
Mark Ruffalo
Chris Hemsworth
Scarlett Johansson
Jeremy Renner
Tom Hiddleston
Clark Gregg
Cobie Smulders
Stellan Skarsgård
Samuel L. Jackson
Gwyneth Paltrow
Paul Bettany
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