I still believe in heroes – Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), The Avengers

This is the film that comic book fans have long anticipated…the film where six of the most iconic Marvel Super Heroes join forces against an enemy so powerful, it will take their collaboration and collective strengths to defeat him.  Marvel’s The Avengers opened in theaters nationwide today, with a phenomenal cast, a remarkable story, and all the action and adventure you’d expect from this super hero team.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, or a super hero newbie, it won’t take long to get engrossed in the story and develop an affinity for one or more of the super heroes.  Having never seen a single film inspired by Marvel Comics (guilty!), I was surprised at how quickly I became involved with the film.

As the film opens, audiences learn that villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has taken the Tesseract (an energy source with unlimited power) and is using his abilities to control the world.  Such evil can only attempt to be harnessed by The Avengers, whom director of espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury summons in hopes of saving the world.

The plot is simple enough, yet it’s the rich development of each character that drew me into the film.  Because I am not an avid superhero fan, I needed those retrospective moments to understand what makes each of these characters heroes and that included the transparent revealing of their flaws.  The way each of these heroes come together is remarkable, and given their strong comic book fan following, required a unified cause.  Director Joss Whedon, who’s work includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Toy Story, skillfully weaved in just enough plot from previous films to satisfy avid fans and keep newbies from being confused.

Speaking of super heroes, the cast is impressive and each perfectly suited for their respective characters.  I’m most familiar with The Hulk, whom I had watched with my father as a child, and it is him who I found to be the most endearing.  I absolutely loved the scene where Captain America tells him that “now is the perfect time for you to get angry” and he replies with “That’s my secret Cap, I’m always angry.”  This one scene gives audiences insight into the complexity of these characters.

As a woman, I was also pleased that Black Widow was as intelligent as she was strong…she felt equally powerful despite her lack of “superpowers.”

While the film may appear to be targeted towards die-hard fans of the beloved Marvel Comics, there really is something for everyone.  Action, adventure, heart, and comic relief all converge to produce a cinematic experience unlike anything that has been in theaters in a long time.

This weekend, assemble your friends…your family…and see Marvel’s The Avengers!

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to screen the film and all opinions remain my own.

Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

Tags: AvengersCaptain AmericaDisneyFilmIron ManMarvel ComicsThe HulkThor