THE AVENGERS

THE AVENGERS

rated PG13

ART--->***

HEART->**1/2

MIND-->**1/2

FUN--->****

Joss Whedon has always been a sucker for Geek Culture, giving us everything from vampires and slayers to space cowboys and programmable assassins. He even wrote a script for Wonder Woman, which unfortunately Warner Bros passed on. But now he's been given his due with Marvel's THE AVENGERS, a movie chock-full of genre goodness to please both fanboys and popcorn movie lovers alike.

For the uninitiated, a good rev-up before seeing THE AVENGERS is to do a Marvel Movie Marathon in the following order: IRON MAN 2, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and THOR (make sure you stay through the credits for the teases at the end of each). That will give you familiarity with enough of the characters, and make the opening of THE AVENGERS much less confusing.

Right off the bat, THE AVENGERS embraces its comic book source and sets events in motion. To be honest, you might not quite understand what is going on at first, but don't fret, within a few minutes the story will be off and running and you'll be in for the ride of your life.

The plot is simple and familiar (bad guys from another dimension want to open a portal and take over the Earth), but Joss Whedon's strength is the ensemble, the individual characters and how they interact. This skill was honed on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and polished on FIREFLY, and it's what makes THE AVENGERS such a strong film.

Each main character actor brings engaging performances to the screen, but Tom Hiddleston in particular is outstanding (he plays Loki, the main bad guy). He is arrogant and wicked but so believable and natural in the role. He just nails it.

The actors' chemistry is enhanced by the strong dynamics in their relationships with each other. If this sounds a bit heady for summer movie fare, don't worry. You won't even notice because you'll too busy enjoying each of the heroes' distinct personalities playing off of each other in believable, and sometimes very funny ways. It works.

There are also some surprisingly profound themes to be found amongst all the explosions and CGI, dealing with dictators, submission, God, and freedom. All of which are a welcome surprise.

Yes, it's pure product. Yes, Marvel has successfully translated their penchant for crossovers from comics to films. So what. THE AVENGERS is an all around great time at the movies, and you will get you money's worth. Go see it!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

PS.

You can skip the 3D if you want. You won't miss it.

PPS.
Remember to stick around after the credits for a sneak peek at...

You'll just have to find out ;-)