On their movie’s opening weekend, Marvel Comics’ quirky team of crime fighters annihilated box office records by taking in more than $207 million in North America alone. The buzz and acclaim for director-screenwriter Joss Whedon’s blockbuster hit The Avengers has been greater than any other superhero movie to date. Beyond smashing the box office records originally set by the Harry Potter franchise, Marvel managed to beat the expectations of its fans. (The film has been box office champ since its opening.)
The movie’s compilation of all the Marvel favorites (Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Black Widow, hawkeye and Thor) was perfectly depicted, as they gathered to stop the villainous Loki. In the easter egg trailers that were featured in the root movies to the final Avengers film, subtle hints about content in the final film were revealed. Besides teaser trailers, in several of the Marvel films Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) had screen time recruiting the heroes.
The Avengers started off strong, and stayed that way throughout the progression of the movie. The beginning was perfect, providing introductions for the main characters that were just sufficient enough without being boring, as well as not too short to leave the viewer hanging. The film’s action surpassed my standards, for the simple reason that there was action in practically every scene. Unlike other movies that keep that theme, such as The Expendables. Unlike Sylvester Stallone, the director of The Expendables, Whedon was able to keep a strong storyline going to coincide with the element of action. Aside from storyline, the character development was exceptional. Veteran viewers of the Marvel films and newcomers alike could easily follow what was happening with the characters. Of course, someone who has followed the films will have a greater understanding of the Marvel Universe, but a viewer who has become interested will still appreciate this motely team of heroes.
Finally, the film ended unexpectedly with not one, but two easter egg movie clips after the credits. I’m not going to reveal them now, because I encourage anyone who hasn’t seen The Avengers yet to go and do so.
