Marvel’s and Whedon’s Avengers
Posted by Runeslinger on April 27, 2012 · 7 Comments
NO SPOILERS – I have just gotten home from the theatre where my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed The Avengers. Liking Whedon’s past work,and being very pleased with the movie incarnations of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, I felt before going that there was a good chance that the movie continuity for these heroes made a good film likely. I enjoy these versions as much or more than the versions I grew up with, but like everyone else, I have been hurt before. I had to wonder before going, was this going to be one of those great disappointments? It wasn’t.
While those favoring the details of different continuities for these or the characters of the Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye will think differently about that point, I feel that a viewer who does not walk away from this movie having had a rollicking good time is clinging to their hate. We all know what happens to those who cling to hate.
The film does not require any special background knowledge to enjoy, but is enhanced by all the little things that we remember from other sources. The film does not waste our time rehashing backstories or establishing who the characters are. Instead, it focuses in true Whedon style on building the tale and establishing relationships and motivations within it. Instead of some endless origin story followed up by a flashy action sequence, interminable credits and a 30 second teaser to make us feel good, this film opens, builds, builds more, builds more, then closes with all the fun and anticipation of the opening. Better yet, it does so with a sense of wonder. Many of us have grown jaded with the glut of spectacle the movie industry provides. For the first time in a very long time, I felt the sweeping wind of wonder lift me out of my seat as the film erased our world, and replaced it with one replete with visible and not-so-visible miracles.
It leaves you wanting not only to see it again, but to see it with your friends.
I do not write reviews really… yet here I am.
The Avengers have assembled.
Have you?
*In a few days, once people have had a chance to see it in droves, I will write a follow-up on how this film can guide GMs in crafting great tales with mixed parties. Not yet, though~
Darken others' doors:
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Filed under Reviews, The Blog · Tagged with Avengers, Black Widow, Captain America, Hawkeye, Hulk, Iron Man, Joss Whedon, roleplaying games, Thor
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[…] and the little details which bring that scope into focus. What this film has to labor under which Avengers did not, however, is the weight of expectations. Already reviews of how ordinary the film seems in […]
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Casting Shadows 
Can’t wait to see your post on crafting great tales with mixed parties!
Thanks for the support~
I hope it will have one or two useful ideas
Seeing Avenger’s early… bastard!
Am I living in the future, or are you living in the past?
I’m really looking forward to this. Finally saw Thor, and while I thought the lead actor was solid, felt the movie was a bit of a washout.
Thor struck me as a character film, and an attempt to humanize a character that can be complex, but often isn’t seen that way. In tone, it was quite light despite the heavy themes of heroism and betrayal, and I don’t think that combination works well for all people. It amused the hell out of me, though~