THE AVENGERS / AVENGERS ASSEMBLE REVIEW
Release Date: 26th April (UK)
Director: Joss Whedon
Running Time: 142 Minutes
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L. Jackson
Screening reviewed: UK London Press Screening
Reviewed by Kyle Pedley
There’s a terrific shot midway through The Avengers’ final reel where the camera encircles it’s titular band of heroes, united in the face of overwhelming opposition, that perfectly encapsulates and celebrates the achievement of this ambitious box office spectacular. It is in many ways the apex of the kind of pure fan-service upon which much of the film rests - a swing around the assembled Avengers unit as each poses or readies their weapon in their own atypical fashion - but not only is it a supremely satisfying moment for the audience, it is also perfectly demonstrative of the fact that this is a film focused on both no one individual yet all characters equally, and neatly symbolic of the behind-the-scenes coming together and collaboration that has led to this point.
The Avengers (or Marvel Avengers Assemble to give it’s UK release title) is the culmination of the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ - a series of Marvel Studios releases deftly produced with the intention of characters and narrative threads intertwining between the likes of Iron Man (2008 and it’s 2010 sequel), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Thor (2011) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) before finally coming together in this release. The real strength of this unique approach means the respective movies have already dealt with much of their own exposition and backstory, and whilst there is just about enough backtracking and explanation provided for those who have not seen the previous films and for The Avengers to still hold it’s own as a standalone title, there is little doubt that those who will appreciate the film most (and enjoy some of the numerous in-jokes), are those who have gone on this rewarding, unique journey with Marvel and it’s cast.
