The Avengers

Steve West: To see the Hulk's response to Loki's insults was worth the price of admission plus the popcorn. Some liberties were taken from the comic with new original members and the deletion of others that is an improvement. Captain America joins earlier than the comic but seems a natural for the movie. Iron Man holds a patent for snarkiness that works. The villain merits the formation of a super team of heroes. My only complaint (and it's a minor one) was the war-like level of violence (a huge chunk of New York is demolished) without a realistic number of casualties. There is almost no onscreen deaths despite violence on par with the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan. Because it's a movie that includes attention to younger viewers it's understandable but still... This movie is fantastic and delivers on all its promises. − May 12, 2012 • more by Steve

Matthew Preston: Well put Evie and Steve. I completely agree about the Hulk/Loki interaction! I had a discussion with a friend at work who is really into comic books and who loved the film. He put it simply, "this is what a comic book movie should be!"

-WARNING, SPOILERS-

The stories just continue on. No one really gets hurt, no one really ever dies. Sure there are humans who are shown evaporating during massive battles, but as you pointed out Steve, they are few and far between. It can also be argued that even agent Coulson is likely still alive and well. It's a world where everyday humans accept the fact that there are superheroes walking amongst us (Thor never seems to get a second glance) and giant-autonomous-alien-creature-thingies can appear through a massive portal. Good is good and evil is evil. The bad guys want to rule the world with an iron fist and the good guys want to stop them. Loki starts out by actually making good points about humanity and society, but then loses touch with reality by having the "and I should rule them all!" mentality. Confusing motivation much like the mummy from "The Mummy". (I thought he just wanted to be with his girlfriend? How come world domination all of a sudden?)

Most of the characters are two dimensional, playing their roles to a tee. Ironically, I feel that the Hulk is one of the more multi-depth characters, but exploring that doesn't turn out so well (just ask Ang Lee). "Hulk... SMASH!" is what the audiences want. :-)

This movie delivers. It's entertaining from the start and keeps your attention 'til the end. Don't expect Oscar worthy performances, but do expect an exciting thrill ride.This reply contains spoilers. Reveal it. − May 19, 2012 • more by Matthew