"The Avengers" rocks

“Marvel's The Avengers”
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference
Runtime: 142 minutes
Release date: May 4
Rating: Excellent, a must see

What do you get when you combine a billionaire genius, an all-American soldier, a scientist, an alien, a super assassin and an expert marksman? You get “Marvel’s The Avengers.”
Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye are summoned under the leadership of Nick Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D. organization to take on Thor’s half brother Loki, who is out to destroy Earth.
The super egos clash at first but later come together to save the world from alien destruction.
While the plot may sound simple, director Joss Whedon weaves the heroes’ stories together with precision. There’s also plenty of well-placed humor, some coming in unexpected places.
Most of the actors have played their character at least once, adding a comfort to their roles. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg, Gwyneth Paltrow and Stellan Skarsgård all reprise their roles from previous Avenger films.
Mark Ruffalo (“Shutter Island”) replaces Edward Norton to play the Hulk’s alter ego, Bruce Banner, and Cobie Smulders (“How I Met Your Mother”) joins the cast as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill.
The film takes its time setting up the team and its ability to work together, leading to an action-packed ending.
While most of the movie stands on its own, seeing previous Avenger films helps. The plot is built through previous entries and extended scenes following the movies’ credits. So for homework you should check out “Iron Man”, “The Incredible Hulk” (2008), “Iron Man 2,” “Thor” and “Captain America.” Watching those films, in that order, will help make sense of events that lead up to the film’s plot and some of the inside jokes about the characters.
For parents, the violence is mostly comic hero action violence and nothing intense. There are very few issues with bad language.
The special effects that bring the Hulk to life also have improved from previous films. His computer-generated character blends in well with rest of the crew.
As in all Marvel films, audiences can look for Marvel comics giant and executive producer Stan Lee’s cameo and catch a special peek into future Avengers films with an extended scene in the credits.
Superheroes are back in theaters and the movies are improving. “The Avengers” sets the bar high for others to follow. Spider-man and DC’s Batman both hit theaters this summer; Thor and Iron Man return next year and a Captain America sequel is planned for 2014.
“The Avengers” is a fun ride and a great way to kick off the summer movie season. With superheroes, alien invaders and a flying aircraft carrier, what’s not to love?
It’s a must see for any comic book or action fan.