I couldn't help myself from poking fun at every second of this film and yet I was still bored. I guess it just isn't my thing, since I've never been into Marvel, but the very premise felt ridiculously contrived to me.
After all the hype, including people getting the DVD/BD and saying how magnificent it was even on the Xth viewing (and respectable types, not just fanboys), I was thoroughly underwhelmed. It's not bad, but it's a little scrappy for nearly 100 minutes and then a pretty awesome climax kicks in and kind of obscures what went before.
Bright side: the action sequences/fights throughout are really well staged, and there are a couple of funny moments. One thing that might help, in my opinion (of course), would be to make it shorter and pacier, especially in the first half hour.
All that said, some of the people slagging it off here ("all glitter and no substance") are going a little too far, I think.
A very funny script by the very talented Joss Whedon seems to the be the real star of this film. In terms of screen presence though, Robert Downey Jr. seemed - once again - to be the only person up there enjoying himself. The remaining actors (outside of a wonderful Mark Ruffalo) all seemed a little redundant much like the plot.
What the Avengers boils down to is quite a few good laughs, a few action sequences where people get knocked down repeatedly, and - the most enjoyable part - conversations between superheroes.
Some have said it raised the bar for superhero movies, dethroning The Dark Knight. I think TDK is safe as far as thematic depth goes, but The Avengers certainly raised the bar for superhero ACTION. Joss Whedon was assuredly the best man to write and direct this to make it a proper ensemble picture. Though the popular Avengers weren't neglected, neither were the less established characters and even the supporting cast. Black Widow, Hawkeye and Agent Coulson all came off VERY well. The big star of the show though was the Hulk. Mark Ruffalo is the first great casting for the character as he brings a worn dark sense of humor to Banner, and has distinctive features that translate very well into the Green Goliath. This is the first Hulk that truly LOOKS like Banner, and the first to use the Hulk as a heroic force, not just as "Mr. Hyde" to Banner's "Jekyll". He steals the show, which makes this the first awesome Hulk movie. But while there's a good mixture of kickass action and upbeat comedy, I won't call it perfect. I did feel some of the early banter was a bit self-indulgent, especially Stark's. Still, a terrifically entertaining end to Marvel Studios' first chapter.
This movie is like the final act of the 5 movies before it so in order to fully get the sense of what this movie is you kind of have to immerse yourself into what Marvel has dubbed this 6-movie saga as "Phase 1." At times it feels like the character development and arcs are a bit off but that is simply because as I said before it's the final part of a multi-hour movie crusade. The action is great and while repetitive does more or less manage to work for multiple viewings.
All you people whining about this being in the top250; stop kicking a dead horse, eh? If you are here on iCM then you already KNOW that the IMDb ratings are the biggest joke on the internet.
The movie was better than expected.
Honestly, dubbleyoubrown & Irishman317 said all that needs to be said already.
Had very low expectations, and was very impressed. Each character got decent screen time and enough character development for a film like this, with so much going on. Set peices were imaginative and incredibly entertaining. Overall a very good film for it's type. Ok, it's no citizen Kane, but you shouldnt expect that of a blockbuster such as this. Better than most of it's associated stand alone films, except perhaps the first Iron man film, and on Par with Thor.
The humour is rather overrated, but I thought it was a very enjoyable movie and well worth the price of admission. This is as it should be, considering the multitude of set-up films that led to it. Everybody who sees this should know exactly what to expect - there are really no surprises, especially for those who have seen other installments of the Marvel franchise. So, why bother watching it if you know you won't like it? It's not Bergman, people. Big deal.
If you like these movies then go see it. If you hate them then this one definitely isn't going to change your mind.
At least it had plenty of Tony Stark, without him this film would've been Captain America bad. Went to see it in 3-D and didn't really see the point... though I haven't seen the point in any 3-D movie apart from Avatar.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 103
Micaela FM
I couldn't help myself from poking fun at every second of this film and yet I was still bored. I guess it just isn't my thing, since I've never been into Marvel, but the very premise felt ridiculously contrived to me.masterbeer
Damn. This movie is utterly crap.Dumb hollywood action with bad acting and an even worse plot.
Clichéd and stupid.
badblokebob
After all the hype, including people getting the DVD/BD and saying how magnificent it was even on the Xth viewing (and respectable types, not just fanboys), I was thoroughly underwhelmed. It's not bad, but it's a little scrappy for nearly 100 minutes and then a pretty awesome climax kicks in and kind of obscures what went before.Bright side: the action sequences/fights throughout are really well staged, and there are a couple of funny moments. One thing that might help, in my opinion (of course), would be to make it shorter and pacier, especially in the first half hour.
All that said, some of the people slagging it off here ("all glitter and no substance") are going a little too far, I think.
Dieguito
I don't give one more year for this movie to vanish from the Top 250 of IMDb list.frankqb
A very funny script by the very talented Joss Whedon seems to the be the real star of this film. In terms of screen presence though, Robert Downey Jr. seemed - once again - to be the only person up there enjoying himself. The remaining actors (outside of a wonderful Mark Ruffalo) all seemed a little redundant much like the plot.What the Avengers boils down to is quite a few good laughs, a few action sequences where people get knocked down repeatedly, and - the most enjoyable part - conversations between superheroes.
Better than okay, but not quite great.
B-
Siskoid
Some have said it raised the bar for superhero movies, dethroning The Dark Knight. I think TDK is safe as far as thematic depth goes, but The Avengers certainly raised the bar for superhero ACTION. Joss Whedon was assuredly the best man to write and direct this to make it a proper ensemble picture. Though the popular Avengers weren't neglected, neither were the less established characters and even the supporting cast. Black Widow, Hawkeye and Agent Coulson all came off VERY well. The big star of the show though was the Hulk. Mark Ruffalo is the first great casting for the character as he brings a worn dark sense of humor to Banner, and has distinctive features that translate very well into the Green Goliath. This is the first Hulk that truly LOOKS like Banner, and the first to use the Hulk as a heroic force, not just as "Mr. Hyde" to Banner's "Jekyll". He steals the show, which makes this the first awesome Hulk movie. But while there's a good mixture of kickass action and upbeat comedy, I won't call it perfect. I did feel some of the early banter was a bit self-indulgent, especially Stark's. Still, a terrifically entertaining end to Marvel Studios' first chapter.DisneyStitch
This movie is like the final act of the 5 movies before it so in order to fully get the sense of what this movie is you kind of have to immerse yourself into what Marvel has dubbed this 6-movie saga as "Phase 1." At times it feels like the character development and arcs are a bit off but that is simply because as I said before it's the final part of a multi-hour movie crusade. The action is great and while repetitive does more or less manage to work for multiple viewings.dpanter
All you people whining about this being in the top250; stop kicking a dead horse, eh? If you are here on iCM then you already KNOW that the IMDb ratings are the biggest joke on the internet.The movie was better than expected.
Honestly, dubbleyoubrown & Irishman317 said all that needs to be said already.
blondy2323
I really liked it. Especially some of the scenes with The Hulk were hilarious. But one thing that really bothered me was thatLemonball679
Had very low expectations, and was very impressed. Each character got decent screen time and enough character development for a film like this, with so much going on. Set peices were imaginative and incredibly entertaining. Overall a very good film for it's type. Ok, it's no citizen Kane, but you shouldnt expect that of a blockbuster such as this. Better than most of it's associated stand alone films, except perhaps the first Iron man film, and on Par with Thor.muddi900
Doth thy mother know you are hither in her drapes?The final fight scene is the best example of use of blocking in an chroma filled environment. 98% of recent blockbusters have gotten this wrong.
the3rdman
The humour is rather overrated, but I thought it was a very enjoyable movie and well worth the price of admission. This is as it should be, considering the multitude of set-up films that led to it. Everybody who sees this should know exactly what to expect - there are really no surprises, especially for those who have seen other installments of the Marvel franchise. So, why bother watching it if you know you won't like it? It's not Bergman, people. Big deal.mook
Joss Whedon and Marvel pull it off! A great comic book blockbuster; brilliantly structured, balanced & paced. 9/10.MrDoog
It was exactly what you would expect.If you like these movies then go see it. If you hate them then this one definitely isn't going to change your mind.
At least it had plenty of Tony Stark, without him this film would've been Captain America bad. Went to see it in 3-D and didn't really see the point... though I haven't seen the point in any 3-D movie apart from Avatar.
Entertaining but forgettable.
Rohit
Entertaining. But this too shall pass. 7/10Showing items 1 – 15 of 103