The Avengers: Mini Review

Who hasn't seen The Avengers yet?

It took us a while. The first show we attempted to see was sold out so we opted to go during the work week. All in all it was full of action, but a little shy of actual story. I loved how the main characters played against each other. And Hulk, oh, Hulk. He stole nearly every scene.

I kind of wish they'd get rid of Nick Fury's character. I just don't like him or the hierarchy he's supposed to answer to. I guess Joss Whedon had to create some generic Big Brother persona, but I found it distracting to the story at large.

Love Phil, though. Everyone loves Phil.

Captain America, the noblest and least self-serving of all the superheroes seems to take over the logistics on how everyone can best serve. The others, surprisingly, follow his lead without too much argument--which is good because otherwise they'd never quit fighting each other.

The movie probably would've made more sense to me if I understood the Marvel history behind all the characters. For example: Who is the Black Widow? And what's the story behind The Hawk? I liked them both, but I would've like to have known their back story first.

I liked the movie overall, though after reading other reviews I expected to love it, and that didn't happen. Great action. Great cinematography. But with such a huge ensemble, Whedon had to take script shortcuts to get the whole story in there.

The superheroes separately were okay, but together they were rocket fuel. See this movie--if only to see the Hulk smash indiscriminately and with a wicked sense of humor. :wink:

I can't say any more than that, but those of you who've seen the movie probably know exactly what I mean. 

Have you seen The Avengers? Can anyone explain the back story to the Black Widow and The Hawk?

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I know I said I'd only post twice a week on Back to Basics, but a reader emailed me with a question I couldn't answer adequately. If you have some expertise in freezing and preserving, maybe you can stop in and answer this week's question. The post is now live.

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Speaking of readers, I got a lovely fan letter the other day. It just warms my heart when fans write to tell me they enjoyed my books. It makes me feel like it's all worth it.


Note: If you leave a comment about the movie, please refrain from spoilers--or put up a spoiler alert for those few dozen souls who haven't seen the movie yet.

Comments

Renee Miller said…
I want to see this movie so bad, but not for plot, dialogue or action--look at all that man-candy. Sigh.
LD Masterson said…
Unfortunately, Avengers is still on my wish list - as in, I wish I could find the time to go see it.

Can't help you on the Black Widow or Hawk. Back in my comic book days, we read mostly Superman, Batman and Captain Marvel (DC Comics). Does anyone remember Captain Marvel. Shazam!
Maria Zannini said…
Renee: There was no lack of man candy. But you might be disappointed by a lack of skin. The Hulk was the only one I recall shirtless. :)
Maria Zannini said…
Linda: I'm sure they have a back story. I can't imagine Whedon including them unless they already existed in the Marvel catalog of superheroes. I liked them both, too.
Stacy McKitrick said…
Black Widow was in Iron Man II. Hawk had a cameo in Thor. Those are the only times I know of their mention, so it's not like they came out of nowhere.

I'm not a comic book fan, but I did love this movie. Maybe it was all the humorous bantering! That'll usually do it for me.

Did you stay after all the credits? Took me awhile to get it, then I just laughed!
I haven't seen it but want to. I remember the TV show decades ago.
Maria Zannini said…
Stacy: Darn. We didn't stay to the bitter end, just to the first snippet. I looked it up though. Cute.


Karen: I think that's what hubby recalls too. I've been relying on him to bring me up to speed.
Mike Keyton said…
Renee, if you get the DVD you'll be able to freeze-frame the man-candy
Both Black Widow and Hawkeye have wikipedia pages. ^_^
Unknown said…
I'm hoping Husband will take me to see it this weekend for Mother's day.

Nick Fury and S.H.E.I.L.D are a staple in Marvel. They pop up in the X-men titles quite a bit, in particular X-Force (X-men on testosterone). I was laughing in Iron Man 1 when buddy there was using the full name instead of the acronym(sp).

Re; Fan letter. I've had one too and they make you feel all warm and fuzzy, don't they. :D
Maria Zannini said…
Mike: I shudder to think how you came up with that. ;-)

Barbara: I should've looked them up. I just thought maybe there had been a video with them under my radar.

Darke: It was a mouthful. I like how he kept apologizing for saying the full name too.
Jackie said…
Maria first weekend out we opted to go to Austin and see Hunger Games instead. I am the comic book action junkie in the family so maybe this weekend will see The Avengers as our local theatre reopened with new owners and it is showing in both 2D&3D.

Thanks for asking about the squash for me. (I am going to get my husband to plant scalloped squash next time.)

Anyway 3 days of rain so we should have some good pickings by this weekend off the squash and broccoli.
Maria Zannini said…
Jackie: We're expecting rain tomorrow too. We could use some. I'm about 3 weeks behind you, but I've already pulled onions, radishes and lettuce.
Jackie said…
We have been enjoying onions for 2 months or so. Small but good and fresh.

Bell peppers are getting really nice and broccoli is still going strong to the point of almost having too much.

Nothing has been more fun to rediscover my love of trying new recipes and cooking with fresh produce from our backyard has been soul satisfying as well as tasty!
Shelley Munro said…
I haven't seen the movie and haven't heard much buzz down this end of the world. A bunch of superheroes sounds interesting though.
Jennifer Shirk said…
Haven't seen it yet. But really want to!!
Nadja Notariani said…
I have not seen this movie - I rarely watch television and only see movies once on DVD. My boys will be chomping at the bit to see this one, though. Ha.

Ahhh...reader feedback is so great! It's so nice when we get to hear straight from the horse's mouth that someone enjoyed our books.
Angelina Rain said…
I have not seen that movie, but it seems like every action movie I've seen lately has been light on the actual story. I guess that's why I prefer books.

I did see The Raven a few weeks ago. I really enjoy Poe's work, and I'm a fan of serial killer plots, so I really enjoyed that movie.
Tina Moss said…
I'm not a comic book junkie, but I can't wait to see this movie. Must get my butt to the theater.
Maria Zannini said…
Jackie: This year I'm going to try to garden through winter to see if I can do it. Nothing too big, just enough for a few fresh tomatoes and greens.

Shelley: People are insane for that movie here. It's made more money than Hunger Games and Harry Potter.

Jennifer: It's definitely a popcorn movie.

Nadja: Your boys will LOVE this. It's every kid's fantasy.

Angelina: I've been wanting to see The Woman in Black with Daniel Radcliffe, but I'm too chicken.

Tina: It's the perfect summer movie. I guess it's a little early. :)
broken biro said…
Key advice (I didn't have before I went) would be: it would help to see Captain America and Thor before seeing this.

Loved the banter and characters but too much fighting... I know that's what they do, but...
Maria Zannini said…
Broken Biro: I didn't see Thor either. But I agree, the fighting got a little old after a while. I imagine that's to placate the younger crowds. I really wanted more story.

So far my favorite film has been Captain America. It had the right mix of story and action.
I haven't seen it yet, but I hope to this week. I suspected it might have lacked a bit of story, but it's one of those must-see movies anyway ;)
Maria Zannini said…
Lynda: It's a popcorn movie with extra testosterone.