The Avengers

Next to Batman and Watchmen, probably the best comic book adaptation. A film full of fun, thrilling action, wit, polished dialogues, self-reflection, and a fantastic cast; everything a first-class blockbuster should have, and with an incredibly precise tuning of the individual ingredients. The last time something similarly perfect within its genre was seen in cinemas was 1996 when Ronald Emmerich directed Independence Day. (2012-05-15)

Undemanding, popcorn paint by numbers with clear contours which begin to turn pastel green only after they line up. The Avengers Assemble is quality craftsmanship which unfortunately pays dearly for having just routine action (the first “teaser" part is markedly better than the second) and zero “emotional involvement" of either the viewer or the characters. The whole thing rests on the shoulders of the Stark - Thor - Banner trio and the remaining characters are either a necessary evil (Capt. America) or there to make up numbers. And also a proper baddy is sorely lacking; Loki is outstanding, but he’s more an amusing stooge than an arch-villain. As far as Marvel team productions are concerned, the movie versions of X-Men play in a much higher league. (2012-05-02)

I went to the cinema thinking I had only seen Thor, so I was afraid I would be indisposed by my ignorance and therefore not enjoy it as much. But the opposite is true! It was absolutely the ultimate action-fun spectacle, packed from top to bottom with perfect audiovisuals and funny lines. I am not particularly fond of Scarlett Johansson, but here she surprised me very pleasantly. Oh, and my favourite Avenger is Iron Man. I didn't even gasp at the 3D projection during the final battle! In short, an American blockbuster with all the trimmings, which is undoubtedly deserves a visit to the cinema, because it is really worth it. (2012-05-24)

It wasn't until the final credits started rolling that I realized that many people's dreams had just come true. Such as the viewers who sensed from the end of the first Iron Man that this superhero gathering would be epic to the top floor of Stark Tower. Or Joss Whedon, who had been smiling under his (fully geeky) beard for so long until he brought us the essence of himself. And last but not least, all the Whedon fans who supported the creator as an unrivaled storyteller for many years. And then, in one of the most-watched movies of recent years, he proved them absolutely right. The Avengers has Stark's audacity, Cap's courage, Thor's rudeness, and Hulk's titanic power. And they mix everything into a cocktail that is almost impossible to drink in one go. Trying to catch all the quotes, breathtaking action scenes, and meticulously crafted details was simply impossible. It wasn't until the second viewing that I realized that Whedon had thoroughly played with his Marvel toy and then lent it to us, ordinary mortals. The fact that he created a perfectly cinematic comic book, nurturing it minute by minute like a mirror of the genre, is another matter altogether. (2012-05-08)

The Avengers are getting better. The disappointment of the movie theatre is slowly but surely fading thanks to the DVD, and the only problems I really have are with the character of Hawkeye (or rather, his wooden performance) and the fact that the film wants to be endlessly breathtaking at times while making fun of itself, which is a strange game I haven't yet bought into. (2012-05-14)