Not to be confused with the classic British television series, or the abominable American movie re-imagining of the classic British television series, Marvel’s The Avengers is intended to be the greatest superhero movie of all, chiefly because it brings together no less than six Marvel superheroes. Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Captain America and Thor reluctantly join forces to protect Earth from a threat from another planet — or dimension — or something. Details are provided, but they don’t really matter; what does matter is that for once a secret government program has actually been activated to help the populace.
And what a program it is. S.H.I.E.L.D. is run by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), a one-eyed leader with a clear vision, hopeful that his recalcitrant charges can save the day when everyone and everything else fails. I would like to have known more about S.H.I.E.L.D. (I stopped reading comic books long ago), but what is revealed is quite impressive — particularly its aircraft carrier, which has some very interesting aspects and capabilities. This part of the movie was great; it was like watching the old Gerry Anderson Thunderbirds TV shows and movies, where half the fun was seeing the cool designs of aircraft, watercraft, homes and cities. Thunderbirds brought the future to brightly-colored life (in SuperMarionation!). The Avengers doesn’t linger on its technical wizardry in the same way because its story must be told, but it carries a similar air of scientific snazziness.
What really works in The Avengers is how the six (really five for most of the story) superheroes are so wrapped up in their own narcissism, paranoia, displeasure, anger or ennui that they nearly self-destruct as a unit. Although the script over-emphasizes this point in its dialogue, the concept is spot on. Evidently none of the superpeople have ever gone through a team building exercise. That all changes once the threat enters the airspace over New York City and all hell breaks loose. And there is one transcendent moment, a 360° shot of the Avengers in a circle, each protecting the backs of the others, that is the perfect visual emblem of who they really are and what they represent.
It also helps that Joss Whedon’s film is cuttingly witty and occasionally downright hilarious. Each of the superpeople have effervescent moments, with Tony Stark (Iron Man) (Robert Downey, Jr.) getting the lion’s share of insouciant dialogue. Downey, to his credit, isn’t afraid to let his obnoxious side show; this strengthens and deepens his character and pushes sentiment out of the way. Bruce Banner (Hulk) (Mark Ruffalo) shows an incredibly sensitive nature, which is a very intriguing way to play a character known for smashing everything in his path. Steve Rogers (Captain America) (Chris Evans) is still lost in the modern world; his situation is the most poignant of the six. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) seems like an afterthought in this story, although he has the greatest connection to the threat facing the Earth. Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) (Scarlett Johansson) is perhaps the most likable character, possibly because she’s the only female of any note, but probably because of her actions regarding Clint Barton (Hawkeye) (Jeremy Renner), the arrow-shooting marksman who causes real problems for S.H.I.E.L.D. for most of the movie. And of course Nick Fury holds everything together, even when everything seems to be destined to fall apart.
If the story was more realistic or involving, I would be rating this movie even higher. It is certainly more exciting and entertaining than most Hollywood blockbusters, and, unlike, say, the stupid Transformers movies, the action sequences and fights are filmed in a sensible fashion that allows one to follow and appreciate them. It is, to my view, the coolest superhero movie since 1978’s Superman. The two-and-a-half hours flew by, and I was always interested in what was happening, or about to occur. If all superhero movies were this smart and exciting and funny, the movie world would be a better place. Don’t miss it! ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2. 14 May 2012.