MARQUEE MAMA REVIEWS MARVEL’S “THE AVENGERS”

I’ll admit up front that I am not the target demographic for this kind of movie.  I’ve never been a comic book person, much less a Marvel insider.  And while I don’t think you need to be a Marvel diehard to enjoy this movie, it’ll help.

Marquee Mama’s Rating Scale for THE AVENGERS

I saw Marvel’s THE AVENGERS in a pre-release screening, as I see all movies I review.  The noticeable difference with this one is that the majority of the audience would “oooh” or “aaah” or “Aha!” in unison.  Those sounds came from the Marvel fans. But you don’t have to feel left out. Learning the most elementary things about “The Avengers” can help you feel like and insider too.

L to R: Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans) & Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

Listen carefully to the beginning narrative.  It’ll let you know how to navigate the rest of the film.  The storyline has a couple of interesting twists, and how could it not?  This film is the convergence of several storylines histories and characters.  The half-dozen superheroes and their director come together here, not so much as opponents as they are competitors, with a common goal that forces cooperation and teamwork.  It’s a good message.

NICK FURY (Samuel L. Jackson)

Star-studded throughout, I was thrilled to see Samuel L. Jackson (as Nick Fury) early on.  Every movie suddenly feels like an action flick when he appears on screen.  And you won’t wait long for the action.  Only about 4 minutes tick by before the first violent shootout, complete with high-octane explosions, shootouts, spectacular car crashes, and what could be my new favorite movie villain (Tom Hiddleston as Loki).

Tom Hiddleston star as Loki in Walt Disney Pictures’ The Avengers.

Rounding out these Avengers, Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (adorable and hilarious as The Hulk), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Scarlett Johansson) (Black Widow), all bring exceptional chemistry with elements of anticipation and surprise (Black Widow’s interrogation scene is a fine example).  As expected, RDJ is reliably quick witted and never disappoints.

Robert Downey Jr. star as Tony Stark in Walt Disney Pictures’ The Avengers.

Be warned, Marvel fans are devotees!  Audiences will stay seated through the last frame of film and will be cheering for specific credits.  [spoiler alert] Cheers will ring out for Stan Lee’s cameo and a very leading statement by Thanos at the end.

‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ THOR (Chris Hemsworth) and CAPTAIN AMERICA (Chris Evans)

What I loved:

• Great effects, like when the S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ is swallowed, when the aircraft carrier takes flight.  There is no need for 3-D here.

• This is a good re-introduction of The Hulk to a generation that might only know him from a couple of bad remakes.

• The creativity surrounding Ironman seems limitless!  Watch for unconventional method of undressing.

• The humor is spread around enough, but the best punch lines go to Ironman and The Hulk, with one good one reserved for Thor.

• You’ll get a whole lot of machismo and testosterone from this movie.  I guess that’s par for the superhero course!

• On the flipside, each Avenger shows vulnerability which makes them loveable.

The Incredible Hulk (voiced by Lou Ferrigno) stars in Walt Disney Pictures’ The Avengers.

What I didn’t love:

• There is no need – I repeat – no need for 3-D here.  Let us see the actual movie effects without the need for glasses.

• When a pretty girl can pack a punch, please just let her throw punches and not resort to biting.  It diminishes the entire scene to 2 words: chick fight.

• You’ll see a few hokey cutaways, one-liners, mostly by Black Widow (but who’s going to complain about seeing ScarJo in any capacity?).

• I always feel sorry for New Yorkers when their city is under attack in movies.

• The movie starts to feel long when the all-out attack starts brewing (about 20 minutes too long for me).  When you begin to tire of relentless combat, take a moment to turn and look at the 3-D glasses-clad audience.  It will bring a moment of much needed levity.

Robert Downey Jr. star as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Walt Disney Pictures’ The Avengers.

MARVEL’S “THE AVENGERS” is Rated PG-13 and in Theaters May 4, 2012