With so much anticipation surrounding the latest film produced by Marvel Studios, it was difficult not to be skeptical about the end result.Â Even with the all star cast from the previous films and the beloved Joss Whedon as writer/director, there was still doubt.Â Could it really happen?Â Could the film transcend simply being a “superhero” meal ticket and exceed all our high expectations?Â Even if you weren’t skeptical per se, you might have had this fear that it would let you down.Â We’ve seen hype for superhero movies before and been tremendously disappointed (Fantastic Four, Spider Man 3, Elektra, Ironman 2, Superman Returns..)Â There is no need for trepidation.Â After seeing it twice already, you can rest assured that this film is beyond amazing!Â From start to finish, it is fluid, offering continuous motion whether character development or all out epic action.Â This is the strongest of all Marvel Studios projects thus far.

Joss Whedon was the absolute perfect man for this job.Â With his deep affections for the genre and knack for creating unforgettable characters, it was no surprise that when he got down to these well known fan favorites, he more than delivered!Â Though Joss is admittedly not loved by all. If you are one who is not particularly fond of Whedon, you still should see the movie as it would not have been as successful without his brilliant direction.Â All two hours and 22 minutes, you are on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next witty comeback, the next heart wrenching decision, the next impossible fight.Â There is no need to be an expert on the history of theÂ Avengers, or any of the characters in the film.Â If you are only vaguely familiar with these iconic characters, there is enough narrative to give you what you need to enjoy it. Â Whedon brilliantly used the team meeting for the first time to remind the audience necessary facts from the films predecessors (Ironman 1 and 2, hulk, Thor and captain America). This allowed for an web larger audience because you wouldn’t necessarily have to have seen the other marvels in the catalog and it didn’t put out those who had.

Marvel’sÂ TheÂ AvengersÂ is not just a film for comic book fans.Â Visually wondrous it was a stunning visual interpretation of the script. You literally watch these 6 very different people (and one god) learn to trust each other and work together in situations that feel hopeless. Â These heroes are relatable. They are not beyond flaws, making mistakes or ego.Â Â TheÂ AvengersÂ manages to take 6 unique characters and give them all the perfect amount of screen time. Â You also get to see how the bonds between some heroes formed. , this film does the nearly impossible task of not only giving each hero a turn in the spotlight, but also shows how they work together.

One of the best features was the interplay between heroes and villains alike. CHris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston (Thor and Loki) have an especially unique relationship as they were raised as brothers but now couldn’t be more different.Â Thor has also evolved since we last saw him return to Asgard.Â Another character who we had not seen even longer than Thor and an item of great contention was the replacement of Edward Norton with Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk.Â Initially doubtful based on Ruffalo’s previous banishment to romcoms (which he did well), he shoulders the burdens of Dr. Banner with an all at once oddly graceful and tortured affectation.

Another fear was that Scarlet Johansen would merely be a backdrop to the overly male cast. Thankfully Black Widow has been remade into a character with depth, poise and some serious ass-kicking ability. There is no doubt that Joss had a heavy hand in this reinvention of the sexy, yet uninteresting and flat version of Black Widow in “Ironman 2”.

Tony Stark is ever the snarky yet charming genius you can’t help but love, flaws and all. The role made of course by Robert Downey jr. No other actor could pull off Stark as arrogantly and be applauded for it.Â Whatever film Ironman has a part in, however small (ie. The Incredible Hulk)he steals the scene with his charisma.Â This film however, allowed others like Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor and Hawkeye

There is literally a little bit of everything in this film.Â You’ve got superheroes, aliens, love story (though somewhat minor), old school (Captain American), new school (Ironman), action, dramaâ€¦.just stop reading this list of everything you want in a movie and GO SEE IT!Â Joss Whedon and the cast have delivered unto us a near perfect film.Â The comedy is intelligent (thank you again Joss for not spoon-feeding mere surface comedy but treating us like adults), the characters are relatable and not omnipotent or impervious (to emotion or weapons).Â Whether you catch a late night showing with diehard fans or a Saturday matinee with young families,Â TheÂ AvengersÂ will not only be worth the time and money, but will no doubt leave you wanting moreâ€¦.so go see it again!

The Bottom Line:

See it in IMAX, see it in 3D, see it…. NOW!!!

Until next time…

See you at the theater