Retrospective Reviews- Avengers Assemble (2012)

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2012)

If you loved all of Marvel's other movies, then you'll WORSHIP this!
I will conduct this review into 3 sections, CHARACTERS, STORY and VERDICT as opposed to my usual PROS and CONS of my earlier reviews.
CHARACTERS:
ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. as TONY STARK/IRON MAN: The best way to start this review is to start it with the character that brought them all together. Industrial Billionaire Tony Stark made his first epic film appearance in 2008's 'IRON MAN' directed by Jon Favreu and then appeared again in 'IRON MAN 2' in 2010. His character is pretty much the same as he was in his previous films, so there won't be much to say. He's very exaggerated in this one and is much more comical and sarcastic than an arrogant, self obsessed businessman in his solo movies, but also shows an emotion that we've never seen before from the character, and that is anger, he expresses it extremely well, but the scene where he exposes it, in all good conscience, can NOT be explained here as you MUST see the film to understand. His portrayal as the character when he's in a conflict with any of the other team mates is played exceptionally well and is put into some great scenes, especially with Captain America. There's nothing more to say except that he's played with wit, seriousness and greatness by the perfectly cast Robert Downey, Jr.!
CHRIS EVANS as STEVE ROGERS/CAPTAIN America: Evan's portrayal of the patriotic soldier is played very different to his portrayal in his solo movie because it's played more serious and emotional, as he is out of his 1940's lifestyle, so we can truly understand his sadness and what he's going through. Instead of him being the overly confident soldier we saw in 'CAPTAIN America: THE FIRST AVENGER', he is more of a reluctant leader that knows he needs to do the things he needs to do in order to save his Country and his planet, as it's his priority. His role as a team leader is shown to full effect as he gives orders, takes orders and kicks ass! It's actually very difficult to talk about the character in a fully detailed way as we've only seen the character once. But, if I could say anything, it's that Chris Evans was perfectly cast in the role and I'm looking forward to his character being developed further.
MARK RUFFALO as BRUCE BANNER/HULK: In the span of almost as decade, we've gone through 3 different Bruce Banners. But I can proudly say that Mark Ruffalo is perfect for the role, he may not be the most sophisticated or eccentric one of any of the Banners', but damn it, he's committed! He didn't talk very loud throughout the whole thing, and I think that's good because this is a man that has to stay calm and quiet to bottle up his rage, so he stays quiet in order to co-operate with the other team members nicely, but that doesn't stop him. In other words, don't get him angry, you wouldn't like him when he's angry.
CHRIS HEMSWORTH as THOR: The fourth and final "major" Marvel character to talk about, as I'll talk about Black Widow, Hawkeye, Nick Fury and Loki in smaller detail as this isn't really their movie. Thor is once again played with such power and force that he absolutely disappears into the character. Unlike his portrayal in his 2011 solo movie (which was also released next to 'CAPTAIN America', Thor is played out as less of an idiot and more as a powerful God who is extremely passionate about stopping his brother Loki, whom he cares about so much even though he has done so many terrible things. Just like how I spoke about the previous 2 characters, it is way too early to talk about Thor in intense detail. But all I can say, is that you're going to love the HELL out of Chris Hemsworth's performance, he was funny, cool and completely awesome!
SAMUAL L. JACKSON, JEREMY RENNER, SCARLETT JOHANSSON and TOM HIDDLESTON all give great performances that all match the mood of the film, whether it's a serious moment or a comedic moment, actually the comedy is a key part of the film, as it's everywhere! The 2 main comical parts are from villainous Loki and the awesome Hulk!
STORY: The story is very solid and enjoyable, it doesn't mess around and gets straight to the point. It also has a very good opening scene that I am not going to spoil. The action in the film is played out very well and fits in with the characters and the story. Basically, Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. gathers a super-group known as The Avengers to stop Thor's brother Loki from enslaving the human race. The story does sound quite cliché, but it's Marvel and mustn't be taken seriously, that's 'THE DARK KNIGHT RISES' job. The basic story isn't much of an exciting thing, as it's in every superhero film ever made, but it doesn't matter because the explosive action sequences and Stan Lee make it all up! VERDICT: Nothing major except that this is truly an experience and must be seen by EVERYONE!
Written and Directed by: Joss Whedon
Based on 'THE AVENGERS' created by: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L. Jackson