Avengers: The Review

Sorry, sorry.

Saturday night after The Avengers, I fell ill suddenly, and I am still playing the catch up game. I have an upper respiratory infection and an ear infection, which is making it a challenge to stay on top of the planet. But I have finals this week, so I am in the office. Whatcha gonna do?

At any rate, it has been a miserable week for writing, BUT I will get back on the horse once my balance improves.

So, what about The Avengers then? Insert spoileriffic free cut here.

It was AWESOME!

Okay, okay. So, it’s a movie about boys. The Black Widow is a strong female character. There could be some discussion about her portrayal as a woman and how it contrasts with the men in the film, but she is in the film alone, the only woman in a non-cameo role. It begs the question: Where is the Wasp (yup, no Wasp movie.) Or the Scarlet Witch?

Can’t have everything though. It’s worth noting that there were no hero ethnic characters either. None of our Marvel films have focused on, say, the Black Panther, which has the potential for a rich and interesting film. Nick Fury is on board, and he is large and in charge. Just one of him.

Given the constraints of the film, then, we have a cast of dynamic comic book heroes with interpersonal story arcs. Josh Whedon writes a solid script. I found his Tony Stark chatty, although Bryon suggests that’s how Stark deals with uncertainty. I could see that.

Maybe the best tactic is to do a list of what I liked. Here we go.

1. Tony Stark, all growed up: Tony Stark in a monogamous relationship. Tony Stark saves the world. Tony Stark, it’s about time you showed us what’s under the bluster.

2. A man out of time: Didn’t overdo Captain America’s adjustment to the 21st century. It was just about right.

3. I’m always angry: Perhaps the crown jewel in Whedon’s script, Bruce Banner seems more at peace with himself than in any other incarnation of the Hulk, ever.

4. Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth chew up the furniture: Living for those Thor and Loki moments. Thor, you are so optimistic…and so naive…and so authentic to your comic book roots. Loki, you are just so messed up. I love watching the two of you do your Asgardian sibling squabble. What’d’ya mean Thor 2 is still two years away?

5. Spies like us: Good chemistry between Barton and Romanov. Lots of solid subtext, and probably interesting back story. If I were still writing fan fiction, this is where I’d go.

6. The Shield helicarrier: If you’d told me I’d have seen that on the big screen in my lifetime, I would have scoffed.

7. Hawkeye shoots backwards: Yes, archery fans, I know it can’t be done. But you’ll suspend disbelief for the guy in the armor?

8. The stakes keep going up and up: Just when you think that the good guys have accomplished their goal, well, look, more stuff! And Whedon builds it excellently. No one gets glossed over in that final sequence. Everyone gets a bit.

9. Agent Colston dies: And he dies well. I had guessed, when I found out someone was going to die, that it would be Colston. However, he died well, and with purpose, and his death served a plot purpose too.

10. Being a good guy hero is cool again: And it’s about time. I could do with a lot less “dark” knight. In your ear, Watchmen! Cynicism can be overdone, and it pretty much has been.

***

So, I liked it. A lot. I should probably do a Black Widow feminism thing. But on the whole I was most pleased. I am eagerly anticipating my 3rd trip to see it.

Cath