Why So Serious?

Rating: 10/10 (9 August 2016)

Marvel's The Avengers flat out brings the fun back into comic book films. Don't get me wrong, I love the Nolan-verse's darkness and depth and Iron Man's introspection, but those movies aren't fun in the basic sense of the word. The beauty of the Avengers, in contrast, is that it doesn't take itself too seriously and despite the large cast the characters, somehow gives them their due individual justice.
In this league of heroes seeking justice (poor choice of words?), I want to highlight Captain America and Black Widow in particular. The latter fits surprisingly well in the 21st century and cracks quite a few good jokes as any 90 year old would. Black Widow, with her increased screen time compared to Iron Man 2, comes across with more agency of her own instead of pure sex appeal, though that is surely there too. I can also note that while I enjoyed Edward Norton as the Incredible Hulk, I prefer Mark Ruffalo's humor and think he deserves an film of his own.
Loki, in his first appearance since his debut in Thor, provides a well-balanced and somewhat empathetic villain who I think he will be a mainstay in the MCU for as long as it continues. Finally, you can see some of the real-life issues of accountability that become the basis for future films in the series.
The Avengers deserves 4 out of 4 shawarmas.