The Avengers (2012)

starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Hemsworth

directed by Joss Whedon

story by Zak Penn, screenplay by Joss Whedon, based on a series by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

In 2008, Marvel Studios released its first film, Iron Man. Despite the hype surrounding it’s box office success, and overall quality (some go so far as to say it revived the dying genre of superhero films), true comic fans were more excited about a short post-credits scene which hinted at the possibility of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes assembling on screen for the first time ever. Four years, and five films later, Marvel Studios made good on their promise. For many, the chance of failure was just as possible as the chance of success, but the over two hour superhero epic that resulted hit all the right marks. The story is that of the rise of the Asgardian Loki, mischievous brother of the lightning god Thor, in his attempt to take over the earth for his own with the assistance of a massive alien army, and an absurdly powerful energy source known as the Tesseract. The desperation to defeat him results in Nick Fury, head of S.H.I.E.L.D., an international peace-keeping agency, calling together a star-studded ensemble of superheroes that consists of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Hawkeye, and Black Widow. Between the flashing explosions, and larger-than-life fight sequences, the dialogue is witty and fun, flowing seamlessly from scene-to-scene. Whedon’s talent for wordplay shines through with wonderful one-liners. Even first-time audience members can enjoy this film, as the story is successfully expositional and yet still rewarding to followers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The acting effectively transforms the characters on the screen into the legends of comic book lore, with Mark Ruffalo’s intriguing Bruce Banner upstaging the all-star ensemble. The film is phenomenally well-rounded, and masterfully executed, offering something exciting and unique for avid fans and new viewers alike. An absolute must-see, destined to become a blockbuster classic.

Final Score: 4.8 out of 5

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

starring Chris Evans

directed by Joe Johnston

screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, based on a character by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

Coming out only 2 months after Thor, Captain America is the second half of Marvel’s one-two summer blockbuster knockout. The story is that of frail Steven Rogers (Chris Evans), a young Brooklyn boy adamant to fight for the US during World War II, despite his frequent rejections. He is finally given the chance to serve when Dr. Abraham Erskine chooses him for his super soldier project, endowing him with the power to become the iconic Captain America, and wage war against the villainous Nazi group H.Y.D.R.A. Captain America is different than its predecessors in that it is not merely a superhero flick, but also somewhat of a period piece, taking place in the early 40’s. The vintage tone instills the film with a compelling uniqueness in turn. Captain America does not follow the normal mold of superhero film plot. Captain America is an interesting hero in comparison to previous silver screen comic adaptions, like a James Bond / Batman hybrid. What also makes Cap such a compelling protagonist is the development of his character. Steven Rogers is a truly noble man, undoubtedly courageous, compassionate, and persevering. He may wear the colors of an American flag, but Chris Evans plays a hero that anyone can get behind, with his morals tried and true. There is a fantastic supporting cast with Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough, and Hayley Atwell. Hugo Weaving notably creates the bone-chilling Nazi scientist The Red Skull with the villainous flair he has become iconic for. The perfect hybrid of war movie and superhero movie, Captain America also includes plenty of high-octane action sequences, ranging from battlefront shootouts to super-powered fist-fights. Like Thor though, the character development and plot construction is very impressive for a superhero movie, and Captain America serves as another success from Marvel Studios winning recipe for cinema.

Final Score: 3.7 out of 5

p.s. After the credits is a special teaser for Avengers that is so exciting, it alone may have been worth the price of admission. Don’t leave early!