The Avengers (Joss Whedon)

[Winston*]

AVENGERs (by Marvel)
Director: Joss Whedon

imdb link (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/TheAvengers2012Poster.jpg

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/

[Winston*]

I liked when Loki called Scarlett Johansson a "mewling quim". That cad!

[Winston*]

Thank you invisible mod for fixing my thread title. Now no one will think to vote for the Uma Thurman Ralph Fiennes vehicle

[Morris Schæffer]

Do we still need spoiler tags here? I'll do this one. It's kinda safe to read though.

Harry Dean Stanton!!!

[Raiders]

Thank you invisible mod for fixing my thread title. Now no one will think to vote for the Uma Thurman Ralph Fiennes vehicle

I did it because the database reports I pull use the title you give the thread and since we have established a format, I would like to stick with it. But whatever.

[Morris Schæffer]

By the way, there's this moment when Stark pokes Banner with a pointy object and peers into his eyes to see if he's changing, and in the shot after that Banner's got a smile, except it looked like it was out of character, that it was Ruffalo who was smiling. Like it wasn't in the script and he was caught off-guard by what Downey Jr. Did.

but it didn't bother me. It was great.

[Winston*]

I did it because the database reports I pull use the title you give the thread and since we have established a format, I would like to stick with it. But whatever.

Makes sense. Sorry. I was drunk when I posted this thread.

[B-side]

Despite the rave reviews and positive reaction from trustworthy individuals, I just can't be bothered with this. It seems I'm broken.

[Boner M]

Despite the rave reviews and positive reaction from trustworthy individuals, I just can't be bothered with this.
C'mon dude this movie needs your support.

[B-side]

C'mon dude this movie needs your support.

I might catch it in its last few days at my local arthouse theater. Gotta support indie cinema.

[soitgoes...]

I might catch it in its last few days at my local arthouse theater. Gotta support indie cinema.
I hear that if Giorgi Shengelaya were to have made a superhero film, this is the film he would have made.

[B-side]

I hear that if Giorgi Shengelaya were to have made a superhero film, this is the film he would have made.

:eek:

I just ordered my ticket.

[MadMan]

More than likely I'm seeing The Avengers this on Thursday. I figured that I would end up viewing it before I ever saw The Cabin In The Woods. Yet I really sort of viewed both movies as potential rentals instead.

[Saya]

This was fun! Hulk was my favorite of the heroes. I think Mark Ruffalo deserves his own spin-off Hulk movie. He did a good job with the character I thought.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Despite the rave reviews and positive reaction from trustworthy individuals, I just can't be bothered with this. It seems I'm broken.

You shouldn't've spent all your ticket money on those Avengers limited edition collectible soda cans.

[Morris Schæffer]

This was fun! Hulk was my favorite of the heroes. I think Mark Ruffalo deserves his own spin-off Hulk movie. He did a good job with the character I thought.

Ruffalo was fine, but it was really his alter ego that stole the show so on account of that, I can't say that Ruffalo deserves his own spin-off Hulk movie because of Ruffalo. ;)

[number8]

Ruffalo did full face and body motion-capture. He played the Hulk too.

[Saya]

That makes his performance even better for me.

Hulk had all the best moments in the movie. He was really funny. I enjoyed the interactions between Tony Stark and Bruce Banner as well. Wouldn't mind seeing more of that.

[Morris Schæffer]

Ruffalo did full face and body motion-capture. He played the Hulk too.

I expected this answer, but it's not as clear cut for me as Serkis and Gollum. Hulk gets angry period. I can't say I detected nuance while he was angry, but perhaps these are things picked up on a second viewing.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm taking my son to see this on Sunday. I'm going to rent Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, and Hulk for him in the days leading up. I might watch Thor and Hulk with him. I've already seen the first Iron Man, and have no desire to see the second.

[Fezzik]

I'm taking my son to see this on Sunday. I'm going to rent Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, and Hulk for him in the days leading up. I might watch Thor and Hulk with him. I've already seen the first Iron Man, and have no desire to see the second.

Me and a group of friends (including TGM) watched the 9 hour cut yesterday. The most important thing I took from it was that it seriously highlighted just how bad Iron Man 2 was. Seeing it by itself, I didn't really understand the hate. Seeing it in context, oh my GOD was it bad. So bad.

Oh..and I'm going to see The Avengers at the midnight release :D

[Dukefrukem]

I don't like that I have to post in this thread just because a bunch of people get to see it before it's US wide opening on Friday.

Nevertheless,

http://assets.notebookforums.com/f/f7/f796acae_IMG_20120501_075832.j peg

[Raiders]

I don't like that I have to post in this thread just because a bunch of people get to see it before it's US wide opening on Friday.

Sorry, it is inconvenient that we don't dedicate everything to the great and powerful USA, but it seemed reasonable enough that since it was just a few days before many would start seeing and commenting and others had already seen it to go ahead and switch everything to this thread.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm just being a whiner Raiders. It's not a big deal. I just hoped I didn't read a glimpse of anything spoilerish but it was my own risk in coming in. As you can tell, i'm stoked.

[Morris Schæffer]

I'm just being a whiner Raiders. It's not a big deal. I just hoped I didn't read a glimpse of anything spoilerish but it was my own risk in coming in. As you can tell, i'm stoked.

You should be...you should be.:)

[Mara]

I can't say I was excited for this. I haven't read the comic books and of the prequels I've seen... um... Iron Man. The first one, only.

But these reviews are kind of blowing my mind. Maybe I shouldn't wait for Netflix.

[[ETM]]

Got my tickets for tomorrow evening, in 3D. I hope the conversion is as good as the reviews say, because I had no other choice.

[Winston*]

;416774']Got my tickets for tomorrow evening, in 3D. I hope the conversion is as good as the reviews say, because I had no other choice.

I watched it in 3D. Didn't find it particularly worthwhile, but didn't find it all that distracting either.

[[ETM]]

I find it hilarious that they had no problems getting all the characters into the porn parody. (http://cdn.bleedingcool.net/wp-content/uploads//2012/04/Avengers-XXX-Box-Cover.jpg?d58414)

[Watashi]

Harry Dean Stanton is in this movie? How come you people have not told me of this.

[Winston*]

Harry Dean Stanton is in this movie? How come you people have not told me of this.

Because it's a nice surprise.

[EvilShoe]

This is why he's in it:
http://badassdigest.com/2012/05/02/joss-whedon-explains-why-harry-dean-stanton-got-to-see-mark-ruffalo-naked-i/

[Grouchy]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH HULK SMASH

I really enjoyed this. Harry Dean Stanton's little scene was so great. It has a lot of rapid-fire dialogue, like a screwball comedy with superheroes that cost millions of dollars.

[MadMan]

Well all of the midnight shows in my area were sold out, so it looks like I'm not seeing this for now. Oh well I should probably go see Cabin In The Woods before it leaves theaters.

[megladon8]

Bought tickets to Saturday's showing at 12:50pm.

Going to leave a good hour and a half early. This is definitely one of those movies where they'll make everyone wait in line outside the theatre, instead of letting them just go in and get seats.

If it's too busy and we end up getting shit seats or not even being able to sit together, we'll just go next weekend.

[[ETM]]

Just got back... I loved every second of it. My audience burst out into furious laughter about a dozen times. 3D is well done, even if it suffers from all the usual conversion issues.

[Rowland]

I'm about to leave for the midnight showing, hoping for the best. The only thing I've seen by Whedon is Serenity (nope, not even Firefly), and I liked that quite a bit, so I'm hoping for the best here. All the praise, even by people like Boner who I wouldn't have expected to enjoy it so much, has me pretty confident that I should have a good time.

[Dukefrukem]

Sitting in the theater. I got Iron Man 3D glasses

[Derek]

Sitting in the theater. I got Iron Man 3D glasses

Cool, text us updates throughout!

[Ezee E]

Fairly sure I asked, but gotta verify, this wasn't shot with 3D cameras correct?

[EyesWideOpen]

Bought tickets to Saturday's showing at 12:50pm.

Going to leave a good hour and a half early. This is definitely one of those movies where they'll make everyone wait in line outside the theatre, instead of letting them just go in and get seats.

If it's too busy and we end up getting shit seats or not even being able to sit together, we'll just go next weekend.

I'm so glad I live in an area with a shit ton of theaters. Unless I'm going to a midnight showing or a new release on a friday night I never have to worry about seating at any movie or getting to the theater any earlier then 15 minutes before.

[[ETM]]

Fairly sure I asked, but gotta verify, this wasn't shot with 3D cameras correct?

Indeed. But as far as conversions go, this is a good one.

[Dukefrukem]

nevermind. Misread E's post.

[Dukefrukem]

But fuck my ass was this good. Every impression and theory I had going in was dead wrong. This is NOT a; team 1 goes to A while team 2 goes to B and team 3 fights C. This is a tightly woven synopsis that has more to do with the synergy of the Avengers than it does fighting an enemy. Sure the third act is mostly action, but the most interesting things happen in the first two thirds.

It was said before, but the Hulk gets the most laughs and made me smile a lot. I'm graduating tomorrow, so I'm crashin' for the night. But I'm giving this 5 stars for the time being. Most entertaining movie of the year for me.

[Mr. McGibblets]

I really like this a lot.

But...what was the point of making Thor stuck away from Earth in his movie, if that's all going to be waved away with a few words?

[Dukefrukem]

I really like this a lot.

But...what was the point of making Thor stuck away from Earth in his movie, if that's all going to be waved away with a few words?

That confused me too. All of a sudden he was here....

[number8]

Damn, great cameos.

MARA. YOU WILL LOVE THEM.

[Boner M]

#Avengers fans, NY Times critic AO Scott needs a new job! Let’s help him find one! One he can ACTUALLY do!”.

Ugh.

[[ETM]]

That confused me too. All of a sudden he was here....

Are we doing spoilers here? Not that this is a huge thing...

I gathered from Loki's words: 'How much dark energy did the All-father have to muster to conjure you here?' that it was a huuuge deal, even for Odin, to give Thor alone this one-way ticket to Earth, as a desperate last-ditch attempt to stop Loki.

The actors hint in this interview that Thor's time here was limited, too:
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=58874

[Watashi]

This is the ultimate number8 movie.

[Watashi]

Ugh.
It's a joke.

AO Scott is even playing along.

[[ETM]]

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m35ju7PS2S1rthy6ko2_500 .gif

[TGM]

Personal matters prevented me from being able to attend the midnight showing last night, but hopefully I'll be able to catch a showing at some point today.

[Dead & Messed Up]

This was very fun. Recalls Iron Man in how it's a comedy based on dialogue with action breaks. The ending is all just a bunch of shit happening that doesn't really matter because who cares about all these alien robots anyway, but Whedon makes it more about the heroes' strategy, which is wise.

And the Hulk lurches away with the whole movie. Did not expect.

[[ETM]]

Hahaha, so they actually got Lou Ferrigno to say Hulk's one and only line in the film. :lol:

[Fezzik]

I went to the midnight show and damn, they did it.

This movie turned me into a kid. This is a good thing.

Some of my thoughts (borrowed from my Facebook post):

1 - Whedon might be the only one who could have pulled this off. His ability to write coupled with his experience balancing big ensemble casts (Buffy, Firefly) made him the perfect guy to write this screenplay.

2 - Any accusations that Whedon can't do big budget right can now be laid to rest. The set pieces were crazy, but well defined and easy to follow.

3 - Mark Ruffalo was a freaking revelation as Bruce Banner / The Hulk. I am VERY happy that they signed him to 6 movies, because after last night I never want to see anyone else play the part.

4 - THEY GOT THE HULK RIGHT. Whedon's love for comic books really pays off here. It's about time. I got teary a couple of times when Hulk was being Hulk.

5 - I was shocked at how EVERYONE (including Hawkeye and Black Widow) got their moment to shine. Especially Black Widow. I LOVE her expanded role in his film. I shouldn't be surprised, I guess. Whedon LOVES his strong women.

6 - Hiddleston is so much fun as Loki, its ridiculous.

7 - The interplay between Cap, Iron Man and Thor is perfect.

8 - There are /two/ after credits scenes. One takes place in the middle of the credits, one at the very end.

In the end, I am sure I will find flaws on later viewings, but right now I don't care. I have never had that much fun watching a film. Whedon woke my inner child last night. I left the theatre wanting to be a superhero, like I did when I was a kid.

Just a mind-blowing success.

PS - "mewling quim" might be the most elegant insult I've ever heard in a film

[Mara]

Damn, great cameos.

MARA. YOU WILL LOVE THEM.

I keep cycling around about whether I want to see this. I'm back to wanting to.

[number8]

I had to explain to people what mewling quim was after the film, and got a look of disgust. It's a fantastic villain line.

Also, THAT SHOT. You guys know what shot I'm talking about, right?

[Fezzik]

Also, THAT SHOT. You guys know what shot I'm talking about, right?

Do tell. Spoiler tag it if you have to, but you have me intrigued.

[number8]

The tracking shot that runs through the battle zone, following one Avenger to the next. There's nothing new about its conception or execution, but it's so well done and so effective at getting you giddy. It's the cinematic equivalent of a comic book splash page.

[Fezzik]

The tracking shot that runs through the battle zone, following one Avenger to the next. There's nothing new about its conception or execution, but it's so well done and so effective at getting you giddy. It's the cinematic equivalent of a comic book splash page.

Oh...THAT. Yeah. I agree about nothing new about it, but the fact that it was done - EFFECTIVELY - in a superhero movie during a balls to the wall action sequence is pretty damned impressive.

And it felt like a big ol' middle finger to the proponents of shaky cam, which is fine with me. :D

[Morris Schæffer]

That shot isn't something I even picked up at all which, I suppose, is high praise. Now I'd like to see the movie again for that scene (and many others) and truly savour it.

Anyone excited now about the revelation of Thanos at the end? I'm not well versed in Marvel lore to be myself, but I'd like to hear what others think of it.

Anyone caught Ruffalo almost getting out of character right after he's poked by Stark in the lab? There's a tiny smile that seems to say "Shit Robert, I hadn't expected that."

I'm so glad you puny Americans now finally get to also enjoy (and have enjoyed) what is sure to be one of the greatest blockbusters of the past five years. :)

[Morris Schæffer]

And it felt like a big ol' middle finger to the proponents of shaky cam, which is fine with me. :D

This movie is, given the chaos, smooth as butter. It's quite remarkable.

[number8]

By the way:

Whedon, you asshole, you got me. AGAIN. I was surprised by how upset I was.

Agent Coulson... You are a leaf in the wind.

[Boner M]

By the way:

Whedon, you asshole, you got me. AGAIN. I was surprised by how upset I was.

Agent Coulson... You are a leaf in the wind.
Ha, just saw it again and was surprised at how much harder that bit hit the second time around.

[number8]

I think I'd watch a movie of just RDJ coming up with funny nicknames for all all the superheroes. "Legolas" and "Point Break" were my favorite.

[number8]

Also, my favorite post-credits scene so far. Just hilarious.

I'm rambling.

[Dukefrukem]

So is the after credit reveal going to be the enemy in IM3?

[number8]

So is the after credit reveal going to be the enemy in IM3?

You think Iron Man is going to fight a schwarma cook? What?

[Fezzik]

So is the after credit reveal going to be the enemy in IM3?

I'm guessing Avengers 2. Although to be honest, he has ties to multiple heroes. But if they're going where I think and are going to do

The Infinity Gauntlet

for the sequel, my brain might melt.

[Fezzik]

Also, my favorite post-credits scene so far. Just hilarious.

I'm rambling.

The end, end credits sequence one? Yes. Freaking hilarious.

[Fezzik]

I think I'd watch a movie of just RDJ coming up with funny nicknames for all all the superheroes. "Legolas" and "Point Break" were my favorite.

I was just telling my friends about this. I was hoping he'd come up with more.

[number8]

The end, end credits sequence one? Yes. Freaking hilarious.

Did I notice right? That Hawkeye wasn't eating and just stared at everybody? I also love how Thor looked like he's contemplating what he's eating and Cap seemed confused. God, I need to see this again.

[Morris Schæffer]

We didn't get that final scene in Belgium which is just lame especially since it sounds indeed hilarious. If anyone finds it online, please post it!

[number8]

Yeah, the second scene is only shown in the US because they just shot it like 2 weeks ago. The cast were at the LA premiere and right after it Joss just brought out wardrobe and told them to gather up for a quick shoot.

[Fezzik]

Did I notice right? That Hawkeye wasn't eating and just stared at everybody? I also love how Thor looked like he's contemplating what he's eating and Cap seemed confused. God, I need to see this again.

It looked like that Hawkeye and Black Widow were just kinda staring at each other, wondering what to make of it all. Cap and Thor were exactly as you said, and it was awesome. Stark was...contemplative like he was thinking "what in the hell did I just eat?" while Banner just kept stuffing his face. Just fantastic.

[TGM]

Yeah, I'm pretty much just head over heels in love with Loki after this movie.

[Fezzik]

Yeah, the second scene is only shown in the US because they just shot it like 2 weeks ago. The cast were at the LA premiere and right after it Joss just brought out wardrobe and told them to gather up for a quick shoot.

A funny story about that secret scene:

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/05/04/backstory-avengers-secret/

The reason Cap looks confused:

Evans had already grown out a beard the day they shot that scene and was wearing a prosthetic to cover it up, but wasn't 100% convinced it would do the job, so he had Cap lean on his fist to help cover it up :)

[Watashi]

The first act REALLY drags (Loki's uneventful escape from SHIELD and his rendezvous in Germany), but once everyone arrived on the Helicarrier, it picked up steam and the fun really started.

The movie plays more like a comic book than a comic book movie which was something solely lacking from the previous Marvel films. Even if the end is shit going boom, Whedon at least gives us money shot after money shot and coherent action to make it worthwhile.

[Watashi]

Also, leave it to Whedon to get the best ScarJo performance since Lost in Translation.

[Fezzik]

Also, leave it to Whedon to get the best ScarJo performance since Lost in Translation.

I agree. Her performance in this is really being overlooked, I feel. I thought she was tremendous.

[Mara]

I'm watching Thor. It's kind of bad.








I mean... it's really kind of bad.

[Sven]

I mean... it's really kind of bad.

Yes! Almost unwatchable. I nearly turned it off multiple times. So bad.

[Mara]

Yes! Almost unwatchable. I nearly turned it off multiple times. So bad.

I can now safely say that Chris Helmsworth is better-looking and more talented than Liam Helmsworth, but that's not saying a heck of a lot on either count. That accent. A world of no. CH did better in A Cabin in the Woods, where he was required to be generically good-looking and a bit dim.

The dialogue was written by a drunk person, too. And I strongly suspect that Anthony Hopkins is forgetting his lines halfway through each one.

[ledfloyd]

saw this last night. the more i think about it the more i love it, despite how heavy on action it is. i agree with you guys that scarjo pretty much owns the first half of the film, which she hasn't been getting enough credit for. possibly because hulk owns the second half and is as good if not better than advertised. i'm pretty confident in calling this my favorite live-action superhero movie. i don't think anything is going to touch the incredibles (especially within the corporate framework these marvel films are a product of), but this is the closest anyone has come.


Damn, great cameos.

MARA. YOU WILL LOVE THEM.
i apparently missed the denisof cameo, who was he? harry dean, skolimowski and gjokaj were all pretty cool.


I think I'd watch a movie of just RDJ coming up with funny nicknames for all all the superheroes. "Legolas" and "Point Break" were my favorite.
this caught me off guard after reading that interview with whedon in which he claimed there wouldn't be any pop-culture references. "reindeer games" was pretty funny as well. i like how stark is there more or less to make fun of everything and keep the film from taking itself too seriously.

[Rowland]

The first ten minutes or so of this are a bit awkward, but after that I was digging almost every minute of it, and the crowd's reception was tremendous.

[number8]

i apparently missed the denisof cameo, who was he? harry dean, skolimowski and gjokaj were all pretty cool.

His wasn't really a cameo. Alexis Denisof was Annihilus, the Chitauri leader, so he was buried under prosthetic and putting on that Power Rangers villain voice.

[ledfloyd]

His wasn't really a cameo. Alexis Denisof was Annihilus, the Chitauri leader, so he was buried under prosthetic and putting on that Power Rangers villain voice.
ah, so that's why i couldn't find him.

[Watashi]

I think my favorite gag in the entire film is the SHIELD agent playing Galaga.

[number8]

I think my favorite gag in the entire film is the SHIELD agent playing Galaga.

:lol: God, that was so funny.

"He thinks no one would notice.... but we do."

The ominous looking over the shoulder before he starts playing again killed me.

[Watashi]

:lol: God, that was so funny.

"He thinks no one would notice.... but we do."

The ominous looking over the shoulder before he starts playing again killed me.

Did you know about the mid-credit tease beforehand?

I had to explain to Barty about Thanos. I can imagine your pants explosion during the "court death" exchange and then his reveal.

[number8]

Did you know about the mid-credit tease beforehand?

I had to explain to Barty about Thanos. I can imagine your pants explosion during the "court death" exchange and then his reveal.

NO. NO IDEA. You should have seen my face.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I think my favorite gag in the entire film is the SHIELD agent playing Galaga.

I love how that joke doubled back on itself.

[Rowland]

Anybody else have an audience respond very positively to the Hulk? I didn't expect it at all, but he probably got the most cheers and laughs of the bunch. Whedon did a spectacular job with him.

[ledfloyd]

I love how that joke doubled back on itself.
there was a lot of that, like the $10 bet between cap and fury, and the bit with the baseball cards.

[[ETM]]

I'm watching Thor. It's kind of bad.

I mean... it's really kind of bad.

Oh, shush, you two. :D

[[ETM]]

I had to explain to people what mewling quim was after the film, and got a look of disgust. It's a fantastic villain line.

Curiously enough, our subtitles had "quim" translated with the most offensive and literal version of the word. The audience definitely paused on that one.


Also, THAT SHOT. You guys know what shot I'm talking about, right?

I was totally going "Oh my god, I see what you're doing there, Joss!" when I realized what I was seeing. It was glorious.

[[ETM]]

Anybody else have an audience respond very positively to the Hulk? I didn't expect it at all, but he probably got the most cheers and laughs of the bunch. Whedon did a spectacular job with him.

When he Droopy-Dogged Loki, my crowd burst into such intense laughter that it literally took a minute to settle down.

[number8]

I don't think I've heard anyone reporting back anything less than mad frenzied reception for the Hulk's big scenes.

For mine, they went nuts at almost everything. The Thor fight, the "always angry" line, Cap's "And Hulk? SMASH," the Iron Man catch, and of course the Loki scene.

I couldn't contain myself, either. I don't remember the last time I literally yelled "OHHHHH SHIT" out loud in a movie theater, but I did last night, when Hulk caught the ejecting jet pilot.

[Rowland]

Oh, and what shot?

[Watashi]

Oh, and what shot?
The tracking shot.

[Rowland]

Oh yeah, with all the avengers? I thought he was maybe referring to something a little more esoteric that I didn't pick up on.

[Sven]

;417278']Oh, shush, you two. :D

Not until reason prevails.

[Dead & Messed Up]

;417281']When he Droopy-Dogged Loki, my crowd burst into such intense laughter that it literally took a minute to settle down.

The movie has a lot of fun with that. I also liked how Black Widow reacted to Loki's taunts from inside that cage thing.

[D_Davis]

Harry Dean Stanton is in this movie? How come you people have not told me of this.


HELLO!!!

SPOILER ALERT! GODDAMMIT. Well, now there's no point in seeing this movie at all.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Did I notice right? That Hawkeye wasn't eating and just stared at everybody? I also love how Thor looked like he's contemplating what he's eating and Cap seemed confused. God, I need to see this again.

i_zYU7lHJ4M

Looks like Ruffalo's about to lose it.

[Thirdmango]

I'm not sure if I like this one more then Spiderman 2 which is my current favorite super hero movie. It's damn close. S2 has more heart but Avengers has basically everything else. Probably with repeated viewings I'll figure out which is the top.

[[ETM]]

Spiderman 2 is still the most overrated comic book film. Being the best of the three Spiderman films means absolutely nothing.

[Wryan]

I liked Thor quite a bit.

And I loved this to pieces. Holy shit it was just spectacular. I'll be seeing it again soon. I can't really find much fault with it. It's a ride. Hulk was just aghhashdklg.

[Wryan]

I will say, though, I've always been a bit confused about Hulk's level of control/sentience. Here he swings from uncontrollable to focused. Never quite figured it out.

[Mara]

I'm not sure if I like this one more then Spiderman 2 which is my current favorite super hero movie. It's damn close. S2 has more heart but Avengers has basically everything else. Probably with repeated viewings I'll figure out which is the top.

You like Spiderman 2 more than The Dark Knight? More than X-Men & X2?

[Raiders]

;417319']Spiderman 2 is still the most overrated comic book film. Being the best of the three Spiderman films means absolutely nothing.

It's not even that.

[Winston*]

I'm watching Thor. It's kind of bad.








I mean... it's really kind of bad.

FWIW I didn't like Thor either and I really enjoyed The Avengers.

[Saya]

I will say, though, I've always been a bit confused about Hulk's level of control/sentience. Here he swings from uncontrollable to focused. Never quite figured it out.

I think from the start Banner was always in control of the Hulk.

The reason he transformed the first time was because of the explosion on the helicarrier, meaning that the Hulk tried to protect him from harm or damage. That's why he I think was transforming,like a survival instinct. Before that scene Banner even said he "put a bullet in my mouth and the other guy just spit it out", I think that implied that Hulk will protect Banner from any harm.

Also at the end of the Incredible Hulk movie, Banner (the Norton one) seems to be in control of his transformation as well and I think this Banner character is supposed to be the same one right?

[number8]

Answer: Loki.

[dreamdead]

ok, guys. Our crowd laughed as a huge collective when the Droopy-Dog bit happened, so we missed Hulk's line. What was it? Spoiler if you want...

[Saya]

ok, guys. Our crowd laughed as a huge collective when the Droopy-Dog bit happened, so we missed Hulk's line. What was it? Spoiler if you want...

Puny God...

[MadMan]

;417281']When he Droopy-Dogged Loki, my crowd burst into such intense laughter that it literally took a minute to settle down.Same here. I was laughing for a good five minutes at least after that..."Puny God" :lol:


Also, my favorite post-credits scene so far. Just hilarious.

I'm rambling.Yes I'm glad I stayed for that part. I laughed really hard-it was a perfect moment.


By the way:

Whedon, you asshole, you got me. AGAIN. I was surprised by how upset I was.

Agent Coulson... You are a leaf in the wind.I hope that he's not dead, but chances are he is. "So that's what it does." Poor SOB-he was around for all of those other films, and then he gets killed by Loki.

Oh yeah this movie was cool, entertaining, and a really good superhero movie. I'm glad I was able to go to the midnight showing after all (even though it was in 3D-I hate 3D, but the 3D was decent). Each of the major characters had their fair share of screen time, although there was a few times where I felt Black Widow got a bit shortchanged. But her scene with Bruce Banner and her scene with Loki were both excellent, so maybe I just thought that for some silly reason. After this and Captain America I think my favorite Avenger is oddly him, although Iron Man and The Hulk rule too, of course.

Thor is really quite good, btw. Hell I liked all of the Avengers movies that were made last year, plus Iron Man 2 which came out in 2010.

Spiderman 2 is really good, sure, but I concede that saying its the best of the series doesn't mean much is kind of true. I finally realized last night that Spiderman 3 wasn't very good, for example-before I thought of it as an entertaining mess, but it isn't even that. Amazing Spiderman will hopefully be a vast improvement.

Oh and I think I was the only one in my theater who did a fist pump when Harry Dean Stanton appeared onscreen. That cameo was wicked cool.

[eternity]

This is good in all the ways I was hoping and bad in all the ways I was expecting. Tony Stark calls Thor "Point Break" and all the fight scenes between the heroes are...perfect. It's too bad that it falls into the same trap as every other Marvel movie; the villains are chickenshit, the macguffin is silly, and the final twist is groan-worthy at best.

It's fine, but please, let this be the end of it.

[Morris Schæffer]

I couldn't contain myself, either. I don't remember the last time I literally yelled "OHHHHH SHIT" out loud in a movie theater, but I did last night, when Hulk caught the ejecting jet pilot.

When he caught that pilot, that was, well, it's not supposed to happen that way. Hollywood pilots have always been able to rely on the good ole ejector seat. Not anymore I guess. :lol:

my brother and I just burst out laughing at the aftermath of that scene. It's a widescreen sound of a tiny Hulk just being catapulted away from the exploding jet, but making this hilarious moaning sound that seemed to reverberate for ages.

[[ETM]]

It's too bad that it falls into the same trap as every other Marvel movie; the villains are chickenshit, the macguffin is silly, and the final twist is groan-worthy at best.

The "trap" is not doing right by the characters. I never really cared about the enemies at all, and that's as it should be. The threat was real and present, but, thankfully, it's the last thing the movie is about.

[Morris Schæffer]

i_zYU7lHJ4M

Looks like Ruffalo's about to lose it.

Can't see the vid damu. Do you have the link? Unless it's dead.

[Thirdmango]

apparently everyone hates Spiderman 2. Oh well news to me. I loved it.

[Rowland]

apparently everyone hates Spiderman 2. Oh well news to me. I loved it.I'm with you, it's easily my favorite of the trilogy. I like the third quite a bit as well, and the first is fun.

[Thirdmango]

I'm with you, it's easily my favorite of the trilogy. I like the third quite a bit as well, and the first is fun.

I do have to put the caveat on it that there are very few comic books movies I don't like. I give comic book movies a lot of passes because I generally just have a really fun time.

But yes I did like S2 more than X1, X2 and The Dark Knight. I know I know Dark Knight rabble rabble rabble. We have a 90 page thread if you want to argue with me about that. :cool:

[Mara]

apparently everyone hates Spiderman 2. Oh well news to me. I loved it.

I didn't hate it. I thought it was pretty good... but not the high-water mark of comic book films. (I like to delineate by comic book films instead of superhero films, because otherwise we start to compare apples and oranges.)

[Rowland]

Maybe I'd feel differently if I revisited them today, but of all the respectable superhero films of late, my least favorites were Singer's attempts at X-Men. They were fine I suppose, but even the inexplicably overrated X2 left me pretty underwhelmed, despite all the allegorical whatnots and such.

[ledfloyd]

I didn't hate it. I thought it was pretty good... but not the high-water mark of comic book films. (I like to delineate by comic book films instead of superhero films, because otherwise we start to compare apples and oranges.)
dunno. ghost world is my favorite comic book film and it's definitely an apple to the avengers' orange.

[Mara]

dunno. ghost world is my favorite comic book film and it's definitely an apple to the avengers' orange.

Ack. "Comic Book Superhero Flick" is apparently the term I want.

I think I am going to be able to see The Avengers at 10 a.m. today. If not, it will probably have to wait until... um... June? Sheesh, my schedule is insane right now.

[[ETM]]

Can't see the vid damu. Do you have the link? Unless it's dead.

Yeah, they got to it.

[dreamdead]

The first act takes a while to establish itself, and the third act is a bit of a chore in wall-to-wall excess, but the character beats are solid. Clark Gregg was frequently the best thing on screen, Ruffalo was the best of the three portrayals of Banner, and I liked how Johannson's character felt necessary here, which is totally counter to Iron Man 2.

I doubt anything else this year will make me giggle maniacally as much as the Hulk's sucker punch of Thor.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm not sure if I like this one more then Spiderman 2 which is my current favorite super hero movie. It's damn close. S2 has more heart but Avengers has basically everything else. Probably with repeated viewings I'll figure out which is the top.

This is what I am contemplating too. I need to get over the honeymoon of how much I loved this movie.

[slqrick]

This is good in all the ways I was hoping and bad in all the ways I was expecting. Tony Stark calls Thor "Point Break" and all the fight scenes between the heroes are...perfect. It's too bad that it falls into the same trap as every other Marvel movie; the villains are chickenshit, the macguffin is silly, and the final twist is groan-worthy at best.

It's fine, but please, let this be the end of it.

lol eternity, as they used to say in a bygone era.

This really was everything I could have hoped for, and it's fairly obvious that Whedon and crew understand all the "trappings," and just didn't really care. We even got equal amounts of Black Widow and Cap ass time.

Other than the film finding its footing early on, I really can't find anything to complain about. Ruffalo really is a revelation as both Banner AND the Hulk.

[megladon8]

In the theatre waiting for it to start.

It's currently 11:32 and it starts at 12:50. We're the only people here.

I think I overestimated how busy the theatre would be on a sunny Saturday morning in May.

[Skitch]

My friend said the 3D was better than Avatar. Opinions on the 3D? Is there hope for conversions?

[Watashi]

80.5 million opening day. On pace for 180 opening weekend.

Good for Whedon. He already has the fanbase, but now he has the public eye as well. I wonder if this success will let him develop more TV projects down the road?

Also, if Marvel moves along with The Avengers 2 without Whedon, they are absolutely insane,

[EyesWideOpen]

80.5 million opening day. On pace for 180 opening weekend.

Good for Whedon. He already has the fanbase, but now he has the public eye as well. I wonder if this success will let him develop more TV projects down the road?

Also, if Marvel moves along with The Avengers 2 without Whedon, they are absolutely insane,

If you think Whedon had anything to do with the big numbers this movie has made you are delusional.

[Dead & Messed Up]

If you think Whedon had anything to do with the big numbers this movie has made you are delusional.

The studio will think him responsible, especially when the numbers stay higher than expected due to the movie being as good as it is.

[EyesWideOpen]

The studio will think him responsible, especially when the numbers stay higher than expected due to the movie being as good as it is.

Studios have never thought that before why would they now? The Hunger Games, Thor, the Twilight films being recent examples.

[Dukefrukem]

My friend said the 3D was better than Avatar. Opinions on the 3D? Is there hope for conversions?

That statement is 100% false.

[megladon8]

I'm pretty sure all three of your examples there, EWO, were cases of the director leaving the project, not the studio actively seeking someone else from day 1.

And if you don't think the film's success will translate to more open doors for Whedon, then I believe it is you, sir, who is delusional.

[Dukefrukem]

Studios have never thought that before why would they now? The Hunger Games, Thor, the Twilight films being recent examples.

I'm not expecting him to come back for the 2nd movie, but I am a little bit excited on maybe this turning into interest in making Serenity 2.

[Boner M]

Studios have never thought that before why would they now?
Seriously? Nolan, Burton, Cameron et al... Plus, Whedon's contributions have been way more hyped & publicised than any of the people behind the films you've mentioned.

[Watashi]

If you think Whedon had anything to do with the big numbers this movie has made you are delusional.
Since it's a good movie and likely the best of the new Marvel crop of films, yes I do.

Thor, Hulk, and Captain America didn't exactly make bank opening weekend. Disney sought out Whedon because he knows these characters. He's the perfect guy to get a team of tonally different stars to act fluently together.

The early word of mouth helped from screenings and overseas. Whedon is now the Nolan of Marvel. He can do whatever he wants with this franchise now.

[Watashi]

Of course all of this depends on if they can keep the cast together. I know Fiege says they can replace Iron Man when RDJ's contract runs out (but seriously, you think RDJ will walk away from the role that rejuvanted his career?).

I think if Whedon can't return, a lot of the cast won't either.

[slqrick]

Seems like Whedon already has plans for the sequel and wants it to be more "intimate," although I'm not sure where that would fit in with the stuff at the end. I do think he'd absolutely kill another movie with these characters though, now that he's got all the obligatory stuff out of the way.

[Mara]

I think I overestimated how busy the theatre would be on a sunny Saturday morning in May.

I went at 10 a.m. and the theater was packed.

I really liked this. I'm not sure I'm head-over-heels in love, because in some ways it was too big and unwieldy to have that intense a connection with, but given the scope and ambition of the piece, I'm not sure it could have been handled any better than it was. Whedon showed a deft hand with the huge action sets and sequences, which normally aren't my favorite, but he included two things that set them above the pack: first, humor; and second, he had moments when ever main character was badly hurt, tired, angry, and overwhelmed, long before the fight was over.

The cast was excellent. RDJ was the standout, but even actors that I don't have a lot of built in respect for (including Scarlett Johansson, Chris Helmsworth, and Chris Evans) all pulled out fine performances. ScarJo had some real physical chops-- she handled the physical demands admirably, and gave the impression of being intimidating and powerful even though she's a tiny little thing. Colbie Smothers also had some action-girl cred, and she is so so pretty. Didn't Whedon want her to be Wonder Woman? She would have been great.

The 3D conversion was annoying.

Other questions:

I don't really get the Hulk. When he's all Hulky, does he differentiate between friends and enemies? Because when he was hunting the Black Widow, he didn't seem to care, but then in the climax he was pretty much avoiding hitting the heroes, going after the baddies, and saving Iron Man. Except he punched Thor. But admit it: if you thought you could get away with it, you would punch Thor, too. Also, does Black Widow have any actual powers, other than that butt? And does Hawkeye have powers, or is he just really good at shooting arrows?

Also:

Enver, my love.

Also:

I thought Whedon would legit kill Iron Man. He's such a jerk, he loves doing stuff like that. Just poor Agent Coulson, though.

Thanks for alerting me to the after-credits scene. Gold.

Note: I had to go kind of far to find an early enough showing, and ended up in a building that has been converted to a movie theater, full mall, and a bunch of office buildings. It looks like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/maragirl/5511323.jpg

Baltimore. It's a funny town.

[Mara]

And, so long as we're discussing comparing apples and oranges... I still liked Cabin in the Woods better.

[EyesWideOpen]

I'm pretty sure all three of your examples there, EWO, were cases of the director leaving the project, not the studio actively seeking someone else from day 1.

And if you don't think the film's success will translate to more open doors for Whedon, then I believe it is you, sir, who is delusional.

When did I say any of that?

I never said the studio would actively seek someone else out from day 1. Of course it's easier and better publicity to keep your same director but if he bailed I doubt they would care that much. The movie made a ton of movie because of the brand not because of the director. The majority of the audience didn't know who Whedon was before the film came out and won't know his name now either.

[Pop Trash]

I'm giving this a mild 'yay' simply because it's worth watching and remains quite entertaining and engaging to the very end, despite rapidly disappearing from my mind after I walked out of the theater. I will give Whedon props for making a rather coherent and humorous "big ass smash-em-up scene" at the end, especially in comparison to the similar scene in Transformers (and a host of other Summer popcorn fare). Like others, I was surprised that Banner/The Hulk seemed to be the second character Whedon was most interested in exploring after Tony Stark of course.

[number8]

People seem to be asking the Hulk question a lot.

My take on it is that Whedon's intention was to subvert the usual "I can control it THIS time" plot point and make it a twist. See, we were intentionally led to believe the whole time that when Banner goes Hulk, he can't do anything about it. That's why there's the running line of his "secret" to keep from going Hulk. We assume that when he went on a rampage on the Helicarrier, that's how he usually is. But everyone was under Loki's staff's influence at the time. Cap was ready to beat the shit out of Iron Man. Imagine what that did to Hulk. Separating Banner from the others right after that whole sequence prevented Banner from explaining that, so the others (and the audience) didn't realize until Banner rejoined them in Manhattan that, actually, he can totally control the Hulk.

Awesome that you liked it, Mara.

[Ezee E]

I'll have to look it up, but it's been a long whole since I've had this much fun at a summer movie. Perhaps since the first Iron Man? Not sure....

Anyways, this is by far, the best of the Marvel canon of movies. I really don't see how you can step back and do individual movies of each character now. They all gelled so well together. I think Ruffalo, Downey, and Johannson lead the way as being the favorites of the bunch. This speaks great about Johannson whose powers are pretty silly when next to Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor.

Action sequences were varied, had focus, and were actually thrilling. I still think Loki wasn't menacing enough, and his influence certainly wasn't as well established as it should of. This thread and lots of theater goers were confused over why Hulk was attacking Black Widow.

I look forward to what Thanos will bring, despite knowing nothing about him. He seems like an Asgaard version of the Hulk. What was actually going on at that asteroid?

[Rowland]

Reading up on Thanos, he sounds more like the equivalent of the X-Men universe's Apocalypse, which is to say he sounds nearly invincible. One of my friends cracked a joke about it, that at least the Avengers will have the Black Widow there to shoot him with her pistols.

Regarding the Hulk, I think a big part of it is the difference between Banner being agitated into becoming the Hulk against his will, versus him choosing to transform. The secret is that he's always angry, so it's all about willpower for him.

[Thirdmango]

One of my first comics as a kid was The Infinity Gauntlet so Thanos has long been a favorite of mine. I got super giddy.

I knew Whedon was good at making smaller characters look good but I was also quite surprised at how good ScarJo and even Hawkeye looked through out the film. Hawkeye for me and I'm sure many others has never been all that cool, in this he turned out to be really cool. I loved his quiver.

[Henry Gale]

Uurgh. It's so difficult to look at a 25-0 score, hear how awesome it is from all sides (this site, every other site, real life, TV shows, Twitter, etc.), learn how many records it's breaking at the box office, and then remember I have to wait until tomorrow at the earliest to see it.

At least this way I know I can't be disappointed.

[Morris Schæffer]

Colbie Smothers also had some action-girl cred, and she is so so pretty.

Colbie Smothers?! :lol:

[dreamdead]

One weakness to the film for me was the lack of narrative development for Hawkeye. Whereas at least Johannson gets one or two solid character beats, Renner is largely reduced to being a baddie, with the restraining scene being the only real bit of humanity that we're given. That is to say, Whedon never really transforms him into anything cool, unlike the other characters.

[number8]

Whedon says his original cut was 3 hours long. Promises that the DVD/Blu-ray will have 30 mins of deleted scenes.

[Wryan]

Colbie Smothers?! :lol:

In Mara's defense, that name is truly awful either way. Sorry Cobie.

[Ezee E]

Whedon says his original cut was 3 hours long. Promises that the DVD/Blu-ray will have 30 mins of deleted scenes.
This was the appropriate length to me. Although I am curious what was cut out.

[megladon8]

Just awesome.

I have had serious doubts about this film ever since it was announced. How could it possibly work? How could it be anything other than a colossal, incomprehensible mess?

Well, Whedon made it work. Better than I ever could have imagined.

I think the choice of Whedon to helm the project was perfect and I didn't really think of the logic behind it until watching the film and seeing how well balanced it was. Coming from a TV background - and more specifically, TV shows with ensemble casts - there couldn't have been a more logical fit for writer and director. He balanced the characters perfectly.

It didn't feel like Iron Man 3, or Captain America 2, or a third incarnation of Hulk. This was The Avengers, and everyone got their due.

The action was jaw-dropping, the humor incredibly well-timed and executed by every actor involved.

I can't remember the last time I had this much fun at the movies. Probably The Cabin in the Woods.

We need more Joss Whedon at the movies.

[ledfloyd]

Also, does Black Widow have any actual powers, other than that butt?
number8 is probably the one to ask but i think outside of being a badass martial artist she has a wolverine like ability to heal and not age. which could explain that butt.


Whedon says his original cut was 3 hours long. Promises that the DVD/Blu-ray will have 30 mins of deleted scenes.
want.

[megladon8]

Also, Agent Coulson.

I thought Clark Gregg signed on for, like, a million movies?

Did Nick Fury deceive the Avengers not only about the cards, but about his death itself? Did he survive?

[Pop Trash]

Uurgh. It's so difficult to look at a 25-0 score, hear how awesome it is from all sides (this site, every other site, real life, TV shows, Twitter, etc.), learn how many records it's breaking at the box office, and then remember I have to wait until tomorrow at the earliest to see it.


At least you won't have to sit on the stairs like me. My theater was beyond sold out yesterday and I even fandangoed dat shit.

[[ETM]]

That is to say, Whedon never really transforms him into anything cool, unlike the other characters.

I thought the whole roof sequence where he dodges enemy fire while standing in the open, firing arrows with pinpoint precision, while relaying tactical information to others was bone-chillingly cool and bad-ass.

[number8]

number8 is probably the one to ask but i think outside of being a badass martial artist she has a wolverine like ability to heal and not age. which could explain that butt.

She heals faster than most humans, but nowhere even close to Wolverine. She can break a leg and take off the cast and walk without crutches in a couple of days, things like that. She can't survive twenty swords to the stomach like Logan.

Also her slowed aging due to biotechnology thing was really just a fix to explain how a modern day character has a 50s Cold War origin, not to suggest she's immortal or anything like that. It's the same way the Infinity Formula serum was invented to justify Nick Fury still walking around all spry despite being a World War 2 veteran.

[MadMan]

Also, Agent Coulson.

I thought Clark Gregg signed on for, like, a million movies?

Did Nick Fury deceive the Avengers not only about the cards, but about his death itself? Did he survive?My guess: is that Agent Coulson survived. What better way to get Iron Man all pissed off at Loki and willing to finally work with The Avengers?


My friend said the 3D was better than Avatar. Opinions on the 3D? Is there hope for conversions?Nah its 3D isn't better than Avatar's, but I was surprised at how good it looked in 3D.


apparently everyone hates Spiderman 2. Oh well news to me. I loved it.No, I like it a lot and I think its one of the best superhero movies of the past 10 years (which might not be saying much, though). My problem is that I don't love it since I don't like Spiderman. If I did a favorite superhero movies list that list would feature Unbreakable and Watchmen as my favorites of the 2000s. I'll admit I like The Dark Knight, but I'm a bit burned out on that movie.

[megladon8]

Did anyone else geek-gasm at that shot with Thor and Cap catching Mjolnir and the shield simultaneously?

Loved that.

There are so many little "ooo...cool!" moments in the movie.

I felt like I was watching a comic book with real actors. I don't think I've ever felt that (at least not this strongly) before.

Incredible.

[Morris Schæffer]

In Mara's defense, that name is truly awful either way. Sorry Cobie.

Well, she's Dutch. Not her fault.

[Morris Schæffer]

My guess: is that Agent Coulson survived. What better way to get Iron Man all pissed off at Loki and willing to finally work with The Avengers?

yeah, but if that's true it's tenuous at best. I'd have agreed if Coulson had been Pepper Pots, but it's a bit weird that It takes Coulson's demise to get Stark in the game at long last

[Morris Schæffer]

An unexpected side effect of seeing this smashingly cool movie, is that the past week I've been having a massive urge to buy Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. And I'm probably going to cave. Goddammit, it's got Ghost Rider vs. hulk, hawkeye vs captain america, thor vs iron man, and many more marvelicious combinations. It even one-ups the movie by being a sort of wish-fullfillment by having Spider-Man part of the fray.

[Fezzik]

A theory I saw yesterday that has some merit.


Multiple times in the movie, the fact that Coulson is dating a cellist is mentioned. In the Marvel Universe, there was actually a cellist super-hero: The Scarlet Witch. She eventually married The Vision. Could Coulson be back with a different identity?

[Robby P]

This was certainly fun but didn't really stand out from most of the other Marvel movies in my mind. I wouldn't say I was disappointed but I was hardly blown away either. The best part of the movie was probably the Batman trailer, to be honest.

[slqrick]

A theory I saw yesterday that has some merit.


Multiple times in the movie, the fact that Coulson is dating a cellist is mentioned. In the Marvel Universe, there was actually a cellist super-hero: The Scarlet Witch. She eventually married The Vision. Could Coulson be back with a different identity?

That's the word on the street, and I'd be all for it.

[Watashi]

200.3 million opening weekend.

50% of its sales were 3D, but still.... damn.

No way Dark Knight Rises makes that much.

[Morris Schæffer]

Jesus! That's big. That's really big.

[EyesWideOpen]

200.3 million opening weekend.

50% of its sales were 3D, but still.... damn.

No way Dark Knight Rises makes that much.

To be fair they spent probably 200 million more on advertising then the Dark Knight will also.

[Watashi]

I've seen the movie twice. Even though I think it's a top-tier Marvel film (though not my favorite.... that's still X2), I wish we got a more formidable villain alongside Loki. I know his army is kinda supposed to be a faceless group of shmucks, but no matter how many came out, you still never really felt threatened. I mean it falls on the ole "aliens shut off when homebase is exploded" cliche. I have to feel that a lot of the story's main developments were initially like this before Whedon was brought on board.

I wanted more trickster out of Loki. Most of his shenanigans are making holograms or trying to manipulate others, but does he really have the upperhand in any point of the movie? Even when he's contained, The Avengers still outsmart him and at the end battle, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and especially the Hulk all have the last laugh. Maybe because I like my villains threatening, I wanted Loki to at least cripple the Avengers in some form so we know the stakes are higher.

I think the Coulson death is probably the moment where Loki gets his due, but even then Coulson gets the last laugh in his final breath.

[Morris Schæffer]

That is 100% correct. Still, just how do you create a foe strong enough to deal with 6 - that's six!!! - superheroes? I mean, even when it comes to Superman, without Krypton, you virtually have no movie.

Maybe this Thanos dude is going to bring the heat.

Anybody got some opinions on the Infinity Gauntlet? I'd like to buy it.

[ledfloyd]

I've seen the movie twice. Even though I think it's a top-tier Marvel film (though not my favorite.... that's still X2), I wish we got a more formidable villain alongside Loki. I know his army is kinda supposed to be a faceless group of shmucks, but no matter how many came out, you still never really felt threatened. I mean it falls on the ole "aliens shut off when homebase is exploded" cliche. I have to feel that a lot of the story's main developments were initially like this before Whedon was brought on board.

I wanted more trickster out of Loki. Most of his shenanigans are making holograms or trying to manipulate others, but does he really have the upperhand in any point of the movie? Even when he's contained, The Avengers still outsmart him and at the end battle, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and especially the Hulk all have the last laugh. Maybe because I like my villains threatening, I wanted Loki to at least cripple the Avengers in some form so we know the stakes are higher.

I think the Coulson death is probably the moment where Loki gets his due, but even then Coulson gets the last laugh in his final breath.
in that interview 8 posted whedon said the only argument he had with marvel was their insistence on loki as the sole villain. he wanted two. which i think would've been an improvement.

[Ezee E]

Guess we have to think longterm here. Loki's clearly outmatched, but I guess that's not even the main conflict. The main conflict is making sure that the Avengers can actually come together.

Thanos seems formidable. Only issue may be the CGI.

Do you think the common item in the next set of movies will be the gems to the Infinity Gauntlet?

[Dukefrukem]

Thanos seems formidable. Only issue may be the CGI.


I pray it doesn't fall into the bad CGI Green Lantern category, but I have no reason to suspect that it will. Marvel has done fine in my eye.

[megladon8]

I can't get over how freaking awesome Hulk was in this movie.

Slamming Loki around like a freaking Looney Tunes character was sublime.


Oh and non-Hulk related, but that bit when Stark is first looking around the bridge of the SHIELD Hellicarrier and says...

"That guy there is playing Galaga. He thought no one would notice, but we did."

Was so great. Followed by the guy continuing his game of Galaga after Stark leaves :lol:

[Kurosawa Fan]

This was okay. Certainly not bad, but not nearly as spectacular as it wants to be. It can't avoid the familiar tropes of its genre, with the fake deaths and the grave peril before a last minute solution, and I'm a bit uncomfortable with

the approved use of nuclear weapons, something argued against earlier only to be utilized to vanquish the enemy later.

Didn't really understand

Hulk's ability to channel his rage. It's given no other explanation than, when falling, HDS claims to have seen him steer toward an empty building. Yet minutes ago he had tried to kill Black Widow, Thor, and a fighter pilot. He shows up at the end and has things completely under control. That was lame.

Also found Loki to be far too inconsistently characterized. Flip flops from petulant, embittered child to serious, threatening menace far too often for me to take him seriously. Still, the film had some good laughs along the way, and the action sequences were well done. RDJ steals the show, Johansson is bland as per usual, and the rest are sort of along for the ride. It's nothing I'd ever watch again, but it was a nice diversion, and my son liked it.

[Grouchy]

the approved use of nuclear weapons, something argued against earlier only to be utilized to vanquish the enemy later.
Eh, not really.

I want to wait a week or so and I might even watch this again on theaters. It's just too much fun.

That Agent Coulson theory sounds incredible.

[megladon8]

This was okay. Certainly not bad, but not nearly as spectacular as it wants to be. It can't avoid the familiar tropes of its genre, with the fake deaths and the grave peril before a last minute solution, and I'm a bit uncomfortable with

the approved use of nuclear weapons, something argued against earlier only to be utilized to vanquish the enemy later.


Hmmm...can't say I agree with this analysis.

I don't think the film or the characters ever said they approved. Something had to be done with the missile - blow it up here on Earth, or in outer space.

I don't think Stark's intention flying through the portal was to use the missile against the enemy. I think he just wanted to throw the missile out into space.

That the enemy ship happened to be directly on the other side of the portal was just a coincidence.

[[ETM]]

My girlfriend is gonna go see it for the second time in 3D, and when I visit her next weekend for her birthday, we'll go again.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Hmmm...can't say I agree with this analysis.

I don't think the film or the characters ever said they approved. Something had to be done with the missile - blow it up here on Earth, or in outer space.

I don't think Stark's intention flying through the portal was to use the missile against the enemy. I think he just wanted to throw the missile out into space.

That the enemy ship happened to be directly on the other side of the portal was just a coincidence.

I don't buy that for a second. The way he said, "I know just where I'm going to send it" clearly conveyed to me intent to use it against the enemy.

[megladon8]

I don't buy that for a second. The way he said, "I know just where I'm going to send it" clearly conveyed to me intent to use it against the enemy.


I forgot that line.

But even then, I mean...it's Stark. The guy has questionable morals to begin with. He's a weapons manufacturer who decided to manufacture weapons for his own personal use to fight terrorists.

Of all the characters, I think this use of a nuke against the enemy is most easily bought from him.

[[ETM]]

Gee, let me think - bomb is going to explode anyway, where do I put it, hmm... why, there's a portal to far out into space through which the enemy is coming, right above Manhattan! Cool! It's kinda like a no-brainer to me, within the context of the situation.

I have to add that the thought of a mothership just beyond the portal never occurred to me before I saw it, at all. The fact that they were all surprised when, after killing the first huge armored space whale, many more of them just came through the portal, tells me that everyone underestimated the size of the attacking force. It's not like Stark devised a Independence Day-like plan to nuke the whole race.

[Dukefrukem]

I don't buy that for a second. The way he said, "I know just where I'm going to send it" clearly conveyed to me intent to use it against the enemy.

I think the audience gets a little bit confused on who exactly is ordering the weapon strike to begin with. That's a big piece to the problem you bring up. All we know is it's a council of some sort, who like to speak into video phones in a dimly lit area.

[Kurosawa Fan]

;417617']Gee, let me think - bomb is going to explode anyway, where do I put it, hmm... why, there's a portal to far out into space through which the enemy is coming, right above Manhattan! Cool! It's kinda like a no-brainer to me, within the context of the situation.

He could have taken it up into the upper levels of the earth's atmosphere and let it detonate with reasonable harmlessness. He thought it was a suicide mission either way, so taking it up as far as he could would have had the same result. Earlier in the film he and the rest of the Avengers were so up in arms about SHIELD using the blue cube (tetra?) to create nuclear weapons to use on their enemies in the first place, and then they all stand in solidarity when Stark redirects a nuke fired by our own government to destroy that same enemy. The message seems to be that, even though it seems bad, yes, huge weapons of mass destruction are necessary to protect your country from major threats.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Tesseract. For the life of me, I couldn't think what that thing was called.

[megladon8]

Aren't the Avengers themselves huge weapons of mass destruction that were required to save the world?

I don't get how Stark redirecting the nuke would be any different than keeping the portal open and just letting every enemy spill through while the Avengers kill them all with their individual powers and abilities.

It's kind of potay-to, potah-to, is it not?

The enemy needed to be stopped. If Stark had just flown the nuke up into the atmosphere to blow up, they still would have been stuck fighting these guys.

Even if they closed the portal, the threat was still there, and we'd just wait for them to re-open the portal and continue the fight.

I dunno...I don't like nukes either, but I don't see what the alternate solution to the problem would have been.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Aren't the Avengers themselves huge weapons of mass destruction that were required to save the world?

I don't get how Stark redirecting the nuke would be any different than keeping the portal open and just letting every enemy spill through while the Avengers kill them all with their individual powers and abilities.

It's kind of potay-to, potah-to, is it not?

No, because the portal was able to be closed before the nuke was sent through. It's not the same thing at all.


The enemy needed to be stopped. If Stark had just flown the nuke up into the atmosphere to blow up, they still would have been stuck fighting these guys.

Even if they closed the portal, the threat was still there, and we'd just wait for them to re-open the portal and continue the fight.

I dunno...I don't like nukes either, but I don't see what the alternate solution to the problem would have been.

Again, the film set up the argument against nukes when the team was appalled that SHIELD was using the tesseract to develop weapons of mass destruction in the case of an alien invasion. Then, instead of shutting the portal and dealing with the alien force left on earth and living with the repercussions of a nuke that was deployed by our own race aimed at our own planet, Stark redirects that nuke through the portal before they close it. Black Widow even waits to close it until he gets the nuke through. It's a blatant reversal of their original assertion that developing and using weapons of mass destruction against other civilizations is wrong. If they hadn't made that argument in the beginning, it would be different, but they did.

[[ETM]]

He could have taken it up into the upper levels of the earth's atmosphere and let it detonate with reasonable harmlessness. He thought it was a suicide mission either way, so taking it up as far as he could would have had the same result.

Didn't Jarvis warn him about power levels? I don't think he fell when he let go of the bomb because of outer space, he fell because the suit shut down. He barely got a few thousand feet in, it seemed. And there was still the scare of the blast wave and debris reaching the portal before it closed. Had he gone into the upper atmosphere, all he'd have created was fallout.

[Henry Gale]

Thought this was pretty damn good!

But, oh, it seems some of you have seen it.

[Dukefrukem]

;417625']Didn't Jarvis warn him about power levels? I don't think he fell when he let go of the bomb because of outer space, he fell because the suit shut down. He barely got a few thousand feet in, it seemed. And there was still the scare of the blast wave and debris reaching the portal before it closed. Had he gone into the upper atmosphere, all he'd have created was fallout.

This is correct.

[Kurosawa Fan]

;417625']Didn't Jarvis warn him about power levels? I don't think he fell when he let go of the bomb because of outer space, he fell because the suit shut down. He barely got a few thousand feet in, it seemed. And there was still the scare of the blast wave and debris reaching the portal before it closed. Had he gone into the upper atmosphere, all he'd have created was fallout.

Again, it was shot by our own race at our own people. The repercussions, by the film's previous argument, should have been our own to deal with.

[[ETM]]

Again, the film set up the argument against nukes when the team was appalled that SHIELD was using the tesseract to develop weapons of mass destruction in the case of an alien invasion. Then, instead of shutting the portal and dealing with the alien force left on earth and living with the repercussions of a nuke that was deployed by our own race aimed at our own planet, Stark redirects that nuke through the portal before they close it. Black Widow even waits to close it until he gets the nuke through. It's a blatant reversal of their original assertion that developing and using weapons of mass destruction against other civilizations is wrong. If they hadn't made that argument in the beginning, it would be different, but they did.

You're complaining about them not taking the "high road" and letting millions die in Manhattan on principle? Didn't Fury shoot at his own people to stop the planes from taking off? The issue here is that they did everything to prevent the use of nukes, but were overridden, and once it was fired, there were basically two options left: let civilians die, or send it away through the portal.

[Kurosawa Fan]

;417629']You're complaining about them not taking the "high road" and letting millions die in Manhattan on principle? Didn't Fury shoot at his own people to stop the planes from taking off? The issue here is that they did everything to prevent the use of nukes, but were overridden, and once it was fired, there were basically two options left: let civilians die, or send it away through the portal.

That nuke was flying on its own, and that portal was pretty high in the sky. Stark flew through the portal, and let the nuke go the rest of the way on its own. It went quite a distance to that ship. If he had done the same thing away from the portal and let it shoot up toward space into the upper reaches of our atmosphere, it's highly doubtful that millions would have died. Hell, it's probable that no one would have died.

[Grouchy]

Black Widow and Hawkeye are international spies who use guns, knives and arrows against the enemy. Captain America is part of a program to turn ordinary soldiers into fighting machines. Iron Man is a weapons manufacturer who builds himself an exo-skeleton packed with missiles and all sorts of death rays. The Hulk is a rampaging monster. Thor is a demi-God with one of the most powerful weapons in the universe on his hand. To an extent, they're all weapons or humans turned into weapons.

I dunno... if the film's theme was more clearly one of pacifism, I'd agree the ending was contradictory. But it's not. It's a superhero movie and the theme is cooperation. I agree that the "aliens as foreigners" metaphor is one used by Hollywood countless times to justify wars and pro-military thinking, most offensively in stuff like Battle: Los Angeles. But, in the context of the scene, re-directing a missile to crash into a spaceship seems like a logical solution. I'm not any more uncomfortable with it than with the whole concept of the Avengers.

[[ETM]]

Again, it was shot by our own race at our own people. The repercussions, by the film's previous argument, should have been our own to deal with.

I might be mistaken, but wasn't there an alien invasion in progress? I don't see how any other resolution could have made more sense.

Hmm, it only now occurred to me how similar the situation was to the ending of The Iron Giant...

[Kurosawa Fan]

It isn't as though I disliked the film because of this conflicting message, but it's worth pointing out, as far as I'm concerned, that it doubled back on its original assertion that using weapons of mass destruction against an enemy is wrong. And it did so by using a weapon launched by our own people to kill the enemy, not a weapon launched by the enemy at us.

[[ETM]]

If he had done the same thing away from the portal and let it shoot up toward space into the upper reaches of our atmosphere, it's highly doubtful that millions would have died. Hell, it's probable that no one would have died.

I don't think I'd have ever bet my money, let alone lives of others, on how far that thing was going to fly before exploding.

[Kurosawa Fan]

;417632']I might be mistaken, but wasn't there an alien invasion in progress? I don't see how any other resolution could have made more sense.

Simply closing the portal doesn't make more sense? Something they were already poised to do? Also, if it's the only resolution, why was Samuel L. arguing against it, and trying to stop it by attempting to shoot down the jet carrying said weapon?


Hmm, it only now occurred to me how similar the situation was to the ending of The Iron Giant...

But the Giant sacrificed himself, and didn't almost entirely annihilate an entire race of beings. So it's a bit different.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Look, we're arguing in circles. The fact is, the Avengers argued against developing weapons of mass destruction, including Stark, a former weapons manufacturer. Fury argued with the council against deploying a nuke (funny that they never thought to shoot the nuke through the portal, only aim it at our own people. What a stupid plot device, now that I think on it), yet there are no qualms against keeping the portal open long enough, meaning more enemy coming through to kill civilians, to nuke the entire race to shit. It's a mixed message, plain and simple. Whether you agree with the film's final stance is irrelevant.

[Dukefrukem]

That nuke was flying on its own, and that portal was pretty high in the sky. Stark flew through the portal, and let the nuke go the rest of the way on its own. It went quite a distance to that ship. If he had done the same thing away from the portal and let it shoot up toward space into the upper reaches of our atmosphere, it's highly doubtful that millions would have died. Hell, it's probable that no one would have died.

Nah it wasn't that high. If it detonated going straight up with no portal it could have killed lots of people. Nukes can detonate a mile above the ground and cause significant damage to anyone that is on the ground.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Movie%20%20Misc/avengers.png
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Movie%20%20Misc/avengers2.png
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Movie%20%20Misc/avengers3.png

[Winston*]

Not seeing a mixed message. KF I think you missed the part at the end where Tony Stark says "We did what had to be done, just like we did in Hiroshima and Nagasaki" and everyone solemnly agrees with him.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Even if that portal wasn't a mile off the ground (debatable) the mothership that it hit before detonation was a long distance from the opening of the portal. Consider how long it took Stark to fall back to the opening of the portal, and add that to the fact that the explosion took place far enough away from him that he wasn't killed when it detonated.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Not seeing a mixed message. KF I think you missed the part at the end where Tony Stark says "We did what had to be done, just like we did in Hiroshima and Nagasaki" and everyone solemnly agrees with him.

:lol:

My mistake.

[Dukefrukem]

Not seeing a mixed message. KF I think you missed the part at the end where Tony Stark says "We did what had to be done, just like we did in Hiroshima and Nagasaki" and everyone solemnly agrees with him.

Overall I don't think there's a mixed message because I think the conflict works, but I can see why KF would think there is one. SHIELD was using the Cube to develop MWDs, and Fury, the head of SHIELD, has a problem with using MWDs in this situation, even though they were developing them to defend the Earth against this exact scenario.

I'd argue Fury didn't see the relevance in deploying the MWDs in this situation, because he believes the Avengers could have stopped them, and the council did not. The council not only did not trust the Avengers in saving NY, even after their success the council thinks they are dangerous. (Remember the ending scene when they were wrapping everything up. "I don't think you understand what you started... letting the Avengers loose on this world. They're dangerous." )

[Dukefrukem]

Even if that portal wasn't a mile off the ground (debatable) the mothership that it hit before detonation was a long distance from the opening of the portal. Consider how long it took Stark to fall back to the opening of the portal, and add that to the fact that the explosion took place far enough away from him that he wasn't killed when it detonated.

I put those last two shots in to give you an idea of how big the portal size was to where IM is flying, and the extra distance the mothership was away from the portal. I don't think there was too far of a distance there considering the distance Stark had traveled to intercept the missile, and the time it took for the missile to hit the mothership.

It took stark awhile to fall back into the portal (which was stupid btw because there wouldn't have been any gravity) because he was still accelerating next to the missile. He had to reach an acceleration of 0 before he started to "fall".

[/nerd]

[Grouchy]

All things considered, KF has a fair point. I just don't think Whedon analyzed the whole WMD subplot deep enough to consider the ending contradictory.

[Winston*]

What would Batman have done in that situation?

[megladon8]

"I watched you sleep. I mean...I was present...while you were unconscious..."

[Pop Trash]

"I watched you sleep. I mean...I was present...while you were unconscious..."

That guy was gay right? Wasn't that what Tony Stark's line "he's...a cellist" refers to? He was going to say "gay" but realized Cap wouldn't know what the hell "gay" meant in it's current definition.

[[ETM]]

It took stark awhile to fall back into the portal (which was stupid btw because there wouldn't have been any gravity) because he was still accelerating next to the missile. He had to reach an acceleration of 0 before he started to "fall".

[/nerd]

Wouldn't there be Earth's gravity pulling through the portal, though?

[Ezee E]

$200 mill in the US alone. Guess Buena Vista can have a sigh of relief after John Carter now.

[megladon8]

Can't say I ever took Coulson's sexual orientation into consideration.

[Kurosawa Fan]

It's also worth noting that Fury had always fought for The Avengers Initiative over Phase 2, with Phase 2 being the development of weapons of mass destruction using the tesseract.

Sorry, that'll be my last word on the subject.

[Kurosawa Fan]

That guy was gay right? Wasn't that what Tony Stark's line "he's...a cellist" refers to? He was going to say "gay" but realized Cap wouldn't know what the hell "gay" meant in it's current definition.

He says he's dating a cellist, not that he is a cellist.

[megladon8]

I'm glad you at least had some fun with it, KF. I know superhero films are not exactly your bag.

I really appreciated how overtly comic book-y it was, while still retaining great humanity in the characters and story.

The humor was just awesome, and kind of made the whole movie notches above what it would have been if "serious".

That the film never even attempted to take place in reality was also a great plus for me. I feel like too many superhero films try to feel like "this is how this could really happen!".

This had crazy shit happening all the time, and never questioned it, nor did it encourage the audience to question.

[ledfloyd]

i thought leaving the portal open was more for getting the nuke out of the atmosphere than destroying the enemy, but that was just my take on it. i don't think fury was ever pro-nuke. just doing the best he could with the situation after the decision was taken out of his hands.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm glad you at least had some fun with it, KF. I know superhero films are not exactly your bag.

Thanks. They aren't, and that's probably something worth pointing out. I'm really tired of the genre, and keep getting dragged back to it by my son. In all honesty, the best I was hoping for was a solid experience, and something in the three star range. I thought maybe there was an outside chance that this one was the best opportunity to turn me around due to Whedon, but it failed to do that. Still, I enjoyed it while watching.

[[ETM]]

Heh, I'm not a comic book movie guy either. I think I only saw Captain America and The Avengers in the theatre, and previously X-Men 2, IIRC. There's plenty of us who are drawn there for different reasons. I think gf and I only saw CA for Hayley Atwell and Hugo Weaving.

[Pop Trash]

He says he's dating a cellist, not that he is a cellist.

Hm. My version is funnier. Your're fired Whedon.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Hm. My version is funnier. Your're fired Whedon.

Your version doesn't make sense, as people in WWII era America would understand what being a homosexual meant.

[megladon8]

As much as I do love Nolan's Batman films something fierce, I want more comic book superhero films like this, and less trying to be gritty real-world dramas with costumed folk duking it out in the background.

[Rowland]

Here's a solid, heartfelt little piece (http://ashleeta.tumblr.com/post/22504851188/pastelchainsaw-theumbrellaseller-hemsworthss) on the friendship between Stark and Banner, and how it plays into the latter's self-control of the Hulk. I still wish they had either made him a bit more in control during the first Hulk sequence, or a little less in control during the second.

[Pop Trash]

Your version doesn't make sense, as people in WWII era America would understand what being a homosexual meant.

Gay.

[Ezee E]

As much as I do love Nolan's Batman films something fierce, I want more comic book superhero films like this, and less trying to be gritty real-world dramas with costumed folk duking it out in the background.
Besides Superman Returns, what others are there? Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider, Green Lantern, all do just that. Spider-Man is in between...

[Biff Justice]

I thought this was quite masterful in showing how to raise tension and excitement throughout the run time of a movie. The various climaxes came at perfect beats and each one-upped the previous quite nicely. The villains were a bit dull, but as has been pointed out, they weren't really the focus.

I also have to reiterate the excellent framing of the action scenes. There were only a handful where I thought they were cheating with close-ups and quick edits and that really added to the giddiness of the climax for me.

And, more Ruffalo. He was Incredible.

[Dukefrukem]

Besides Superman Returns, what others are there? Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider, Green Lantern, all do just that. Spider-Man is in between...

By my count there's only 3 "gritty real-world drama" super hero movies and they all belong to Nolan. You could argue Punisher and the new Ghost Rider but they fall on just a darker tone, rather than a drama.

The new Spider-Man movie will be "grittier" as will the Man of Steel but the other 48 comic book movies are all the same.

[Morris Schæffer]

And, more Ruffalo. He was Incredible.

Man, I must be the only one who felt he was, well, good enough I suppose.

[Biff Justice]

Man, I must be the only one who felt he was, well, good enough I suppose.

I thought his performance as Banner was nicely nuanced, but I'm not sure I would have said that if I hadn't known that he also did the physical work for the Hulk, as well. That, and I wanted to make a (bad) Hulk pun.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Good point on the nuke thing, KF. That's odd that after a centerpiece discussion devoted to the characters reviling nuclear destruction, their success hinges on bombing the enemy with nuclear weapons. I think the most logical defense would not be some sort of "it's morally justifiable" thing, but pointing out that the army they fight seems to be composed of hive-minded robots. Are they sentient? They seem to be made out of Skeletor costumes and pure aggression.

Sidebar: this is one of the things I loathe about these Marvel movies. Over-reliance on heroes fighting automated robots in the final battles. Iron Man 2 and Thor did this to their detriment.

Regarding the nuke, my confusion was that the shadowy council of doom decided to do it so soon without receiving any useful updates from the Avengers, like say, they've almost got the portal closed. My guess is that one of them has been wanting to push that red button for a really, really long time.

Sidebar: Powers Boothe had better call his shadowy room the Powers Boothe Power Booth.

[Sven]

Sidebar: this is one of the things I loathe about these Marvel movies. Over-reliance on heroes fighting automated robots in the final battles. Iron Man 2 and Thor did this to their detriment.

It's because Marvel characters will kill, and that makes for a tough sell. Pit them against aliens, monsters, or robots, things are gravy.

[Boner M]

IM2 did everything to its detriment.

[Dead & Messed Up]

It's because Marvel characters will kill, and that makes for a tough sell. Pit them against aliens, monsters, or robots, things are gravy.

No doubt. I also disliked how all three (Avengers, Thor, Iron Man 2) climaxed with the antiseptic destruction of empty cars and buildings. I know these movies aren't to be taken as high drama, but some drama would be nice.

[Sxottlan]

Twas on vacation and didn't get back until yesterday, so I didn't get to see it until today.

Don't have much more to add that hasn't already been said, but I thought it was absolutely amazing! Easily the best thing I've seen so far this year. I found myself not so much looking forward to the action scenes (fantastic as they were), but the individual dialogue scenes between the characters. For example I was strangely giddy to see Cap to be the first to really face off against Loki. But also the moments like Rogers and Coulson (who was not in Cap's film) and Natasha and Banner were just fascinating to watch.

Maybe it was just the novelty of seeing the different characters from different movies interacting with each other. Berardinelli seemed to think this a "game changer" because of the ensemble cast, but the X-Men did that a dozen years ago. I think perhaps there is a different sensation here because everyone has had their basic story told in separate films and they come to this film as already fully realized characters. At the same time, I was equally fascinated with the idea of breaking out the X-Men characters into more focused individual films even if it was not as successful in Wolverine.

As for the teaser, it was kind of a letdown because in my cursory research into Avenger foes, I had not seen this guy. And I got too much of a Green Lantern feel from it. *shudder* As much as I've loved these films for their balance of realism and fantasy, it looks like I may have to adjust my expectations if they're going to go full-on space opera.

Fantastic after-credit shot. Drawn out to just the right length.

More later if I have time.

[MadMan]

So who's going to be the lone soul to vote "Nay" for this movie? Its 33-0 right now, which is a bit crazy to say the least.

[Pop Trash]

So who's going to be the lone soul to vote "Nay" for this movie? Its 33-0 right now, which is a bit crazy to say the least.

Imma go with Spinal or Sven. Baby Doll probably won't bother with it. Raiders will yay it.

[Boner M]

Derek ... probably won't bother with it.???

[Pop Trash]

???

EDIT: nevermind...Derek = **1/2 and mild yay like KF

[B-side]

I'm disappointed I didn't make the considerations, Pop. Clearly I'm not seeing and subsequently hating enough Hollywood fare.

[Derek]

EDIT: nevermind...Derek = **1/2 and mild yay like KF

Damnit. I'm too predictable. :)

[Pop Trash]

I'm disappointed I didn't make the considerations, Pop. Clearly I'm not seeing and subsequently hating enough Hollywood fare.

Brightside will make unfair comparisons to the lighting and framing evident in the volleyball scene of Top Gun. He will then claim the Thor/Loki rivalry just doesn't grasp the erotic heat of Maverick/Iceman.

[B-side]

Brightside will make unfair comparisons to the lighting and framing evident in the volleyball scene of Top Gun. He will then claim the Thor/Loki rivalry just doesn't grasp the erotic heat of Maverick/Iceman.

I'll try and remember to do this just for your sake.;)

[Rowland]

35 yays, and only 24 star-rating votes. That won't do at all.