Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Based on the Marvel comics series by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the story of Captain America uncovering a conspiracy involving the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization as he is also targeted by a mysterious assassin prompting him to face demons and new ideals about his new world. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the film has Captain America/Steve Rogers adjust to living in the 21st Century following the events in the 2012 film The Avengers as well as his past as Chris Evans reprises the role of Captain America. Also starring Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, and Robert Redford. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a rapturous and exhilarating film from Anthony and Joe Russo.

The film revolves around Steve Rogers working for S.H.I.E.L.D. as he copes with not just what he’s asked to do but also a world that is far more complicated once S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised by forces from within forcing Rogers to become a fugitive as well as being targeted by a mysterious assassin known as the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). There, Rogers is forced to realize that all of these ideas of keeping things in control have been compromised as he has very few allies he can count on such as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) who aids him in uncovering the mystery. It’s a film that explores the idea of what people are willing to do to avoid war and to keep people safe as someone like Rogers who lived during the time of World War II has a hard time trying to understand what S.H.I.E.L.D. is trying to do as he questions what Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) about these reasons to arm the world and keep them under heavy watch.

The film’s screenplay definitely plays into this world of conspiracies where Rogers would meet one of the heads of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) who is trying to get a project unveiled as he is an old friend of Fury where he questions Rogers about his own ideas and such. It is in that moment where the film’s second act comes to play where Rogers is on the run as the only people he can trust is Romanoff and a former USAF pararescueman in Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the latter is a soldier that Rogers can relate to. When Rogers and Romanoff uncover more secrets about what has happened within S.H.I.E.L.D., it becomes clear that there’s elements of Rogers’ past that has come back to haunt him as well as the identity of the Winter Soldier which would only trouble Rogers. The eventual confrontation between Rogers and the Winter Soldier does come ahead in the third act but the stakes are much higher as it relates to what Rogers can do to make the world safer amidst the terror from within.

The film’s direction by Anthony and Joe Russo is definitely sprawling in terms of its action sequences and set pieces but the Russo Brothers know what to do when there’s a need for a break from the action. Much of it involves some inspired use of wide and medium shots where a lot of it is shot in location in Washington, D.C. plus locations in Cleveland and Long Beach, California. There’s also some close-ups as it plays to the drama along with some very key moments in the film as it relates to some of the things that Rogers would encounter that includes the eventual identity of the Winter Soldier. The usage of high camera angles, wide shots, and medium shots play into the sense of action that occurs as it’s very frenetic which plays to the sense of danger and no-holds-barred attitude that Rogers, Wilson, and Romanoff are facing.

There’s also elements of flashbacks that play into Rogers’ past as he is trying to hold on to ideals that he had grown up on where he knows that he need to hold on to them as it adds to the drama and elements of suspense. It’s climax where Rogers has to face the Winter Soldier is definitely gripping as it’s filled with massive set pieces where it adds to the sense of high stakes for Rogers and his need for people to believe in something all over again in a world that is very cynical and chaotic. Overall, the Russo brothers create a very intelligent yet engaging film about a hero dealing with his new surroundings and the need to keep his old ideals intact.

Cinematographer Trent Opaloch does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography with its use of low-key lights and sepia lighting schemes for some of its interiors to the usage of low-level lights for the exteriors set at night. Editors Jeffrey Ford and Matthew Schmidt do amazing work with the editing to create some unique fast-cutting styles to play into some of the fights and action scenes while slowing things down for some of the film‘s suspenseful and dramatic moments. Production designer Peter Wenham, with set decorator Leslie A. Pope and supervising art director Thomas Valentine, does brilliant work with the look of the S.H.I.E.L.D. building as well as the heli-carriers and the secret buildings where Rogers and Romanoff uncover a very dark secret. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky does nice work with the costumes as it’s mostly casual with the exception of Rogers’ Captain America uniform.

Visual effects supervisors Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill, and Dan Suduck do fantastic work with the visual effects from the look of the heli-carriers in the sky to design of some of the big action sequences as well as the look of a character from Rogers‘ past. Sound designers David Hughes, Shannon Mills, and Al Nelson, along with co-sound editor Daniel Laurie, do superb work with the sound in not just creating some unique sound effects but also in the way the sound adds to the sense of terror and suspense that occurs in the film. The film’s music by Henry Jackman is terrific for its mixture of bombast and lush orchestral pieces to play into the action and drama while music supervisor Dave Jordan brings in a couple of music pieces from Marvin Gaye and Harry James’ Orchestra.

The casting by Sarah Finn is great as it features some notable cameos that includes the obligatory cameo from Stan Lee plus small roles from Garry Shandling as Stern, Maximiliano Hernandez as S.H.I.E.L.D. official Jasper Sitwell, Danny Pudi as a S.H.I.E.L.D. technician, DC Pierson as an Apple store employee who helps Rogers and Romanoff, Gary Sinise as a Smithsonian narrator for a Captain America exhibit, Georges St. Pierre as a mercenary Rogers confronts early in the film, and as a trio of council members of the World Security Council are Chin Han, Alan Dale, and Bernard White. Other notable small roles include Jenny Agutter as a World Security Council member, Hayley Atwell in a brief but memorable appearance as Rogers’ old flame Peggy Carter, and Emily VanCamp as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent assigned to protect Rogers at his home. Frank Grillo is terrific as the S.H.I.E.L.D. strike-team commander in Brock Rumlow who is part of the conspiracy as he proves to be a formidable opponent that is willing to take down Rogers and his cohorts.

Toby Jones is superb in his brief but eerie performance as Dr. Arnim Zola whom Rogers had dealt with back in the 1940s as he would be a key figure into uncovering the mystery that Rogers would have to deal with. Cobie Smulders is fantastic as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill who is one of the few people that Rogers and Romanoff can trust as she would help them and Wilson uncover the mystery behind the conspiracy on S.H.I.E.L.D. Sebastian Stan is excellent as the mysterious Winter Soldier who is known for being a fearsome assassin that is willing to cause damage as it’s a very menacing and nearly-silent performance that is all about action rather than words. Anthony Mackie is brilliant as Sam Wilson/Falcon as a former pararescuer who befriends Rogers as he later helps him and Romanoff uncover the mystery while proving to be a formidable soldier that Fury needs. Robert Redford is amazing as Alexander Pierce as a senior official of S.H.I.E.L.D. who would be the one that would make Rogers a fugitive over secrets Rogers refused to divulge as he represents this man that was part of an old world order as he wants to start something new for the sake of maintaining control in the world.

Samuel L. Jackson is great as Nick Fury as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. who is aware of Rogers’ reluctance about the ways of the world as he starts to question things himself where Jackson brings some humility to Fury who is forced to realize that his organization has been compromised. Scarlett Johansson is phenomenal as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow as this agent for S.H.I.E.L.D. who realizes what has been going on as she helps Rogers in trying to uncover the truth as Johansson brings some wit and a lot of ass-kicking into her role. Finally, there’s Chris Evans in a remarkable performance as Steve Rogers/Captain America who copes with not just the new rules of the world but also the conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. as he tries to unravel its mystery as well as elements of his past as Evans brings in that very straightforward manner to someone who feels out of place in the world but with old-school values that still means something.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a dazzling and thrilling film from Anthony and Joe Russo that features great performances from Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel L. Jackson. Not only is a blockbuster that entertains and enthralls but it’s also a film that is very smart and engages the audience into uncovering a lot of the suspense and intrigue that looms over the film. Especially with characters that audiences can root for as it has a lot of real-world ideas about the ways of the world. In the end, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a sensational film from Anthony and Joe Russo.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Infinity Saga: Phase One Films: Iron Man - The Incredible Hulk - Iron Man 2 - Thor - Captain America: The First Avenger - The Avengers (2012 film)

Marvel Phase Two Films: Iron Man 3 - Thor: The Dark World - Guardians of the Galaxy - The Avengers: Age of Ultron - Ant-Man

Marvel Phase Three Films: Captain America: Civil War - Doctor Strange - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Spider-Man: Homecoming - Thor: Ragnarok - Black Panther - Avengers: Infinity War - Ant-Man & the Wasp - Captain Marvel - Avengers: Endgame - Captain Marvel - Spider-Man: Far from Home

Multiverse Saga: Phase Four: Black Widow (2021 film) - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Eternals – Spider-Man: No Way Home – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Thor: Love and Thunder – Werewolf by Night - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Phase Five: Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – The Marvels – (Deadpool & Wolverine) - (Captain America: Brave New World) - (Thunderbolts*)

Phase 6: The Fantastic Four: First Steps - (Avengers: Doomsday) - (Avengers: Secret Wars)

Related: MCU is Cinema: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 – Pt. 4 – (Part 5) – (Part 6) – (Part 7) - The MCU: 10 Reasons Why It Rules the World

© thevoid99 2015

The Lego Movie

Written and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller from a story by Lord, Miller, Dan Hageman, and Kevin Hageman, The Lego Movie is the story of an ordinary construction worker who is asked to join a quest to help a wizard defeat an evil lord. The film is an animated feature inspired by the Legos building toys as this ordinary person is believed to be part of a prophecy to help the world of Legos from this evil tyrant. Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson, Alison Brie, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, and Morgan Freeman. The Lego Movie is a truly fun and extremely awesome film from Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Set in a world where it’s built entirely on Legos, the film revolves around an ordinary construction worker who finds a relic that is believed to be part of a prophecy to stop an evil lord from wreaking havoc and instill conformity as part of his vision of perfection and order. By taking part in a quest with a group of misfits led by a wizard, this ordinary worker in Emmett (Chris Pratt) finds himself realizing that he has been in a world where he doesn’t feel special as those question about whether he is this master builder that the prophecy claim to be. It’s a film with a simple premise yet it has compelling themes on the idea of conformity vs. individuality where the latter is rebelling against the ideas of this evil lord in Lord Business (Will Ferrell) as they’re known for creating things based on spontaneity. Yet, Lord Business is an individual who hates these ideas where Emmett would force this band of misfits to work together and find a way to use their spontaneity to defeat the evil lord.

The film’s screenplay definitely plays into aspects of conventional ideas about conformity vs. individuality yet the balance of that is Emmett as he is just this ordinary construction worker that is just trying to fit in as he works on creating buildings based on instructional manuals. When he meets this mysterious woman named Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) where he would accidentally find this relic, he comes across something where it is clear that he wasn’t meant to find this thing as he would team up with Wyldstyle and this wizard named Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) who is a master builder that leads a group of master builders. Yet, they’re pursued by Lord Business’ henchman Bad Cop (Liam Neeson) as they trek through different worlds as they do whatever it takes to stop Lord Business from unleashing the mysterious weapon known as the Kragle.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s direction is definitely wondrous not just for the fact that they created this unique mix of 3D computer animation with traditional elements as they would use Legos as their template. It’s also in how they use Legos to tell the story as well as play into how these characters interact with one another and feel like they’re a part of something. It’s part of the dramatic conflict that occurs in someone like Emmett who wants to fit yet he is unable to stand out as many of his co-workers just think of him as just no one. Much of the compositions aren’t just simple but they also have elements of surrealism in the way Emmett interacts with his surroundings as they’re very strange worlds that he is in. Among them is a world of the West, a medieval world, a world set in the clouds, and all sorts of crazy things that is definitely everything that Lord Business wants to get rid of.

The direction of the film also has elements that feels like a low-budget film where it’s clear that Lord and Miller are having fun as if they are playing with actual Lego toys. Even as the sense of spontaneity comes in whenever characters create something to get out of a bad situation. There’s also superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Gandalf, and many others that appear in the film as they do serve some importance to the film as it also plays to how silly things are in the world of Legos. Especially into what the object known as the Kragle is as there are elements that add to this strange sense of surrealism which does bring a sense of joy and weirdness that feels very accessible. Overall, Lord and Miller create a very delightful and extremely fun film about an ordinary construction worker trying to save his Lego world and its people.

Cinematographer Pablo Plaisted does excellent work with some of the lighting schemes needed for some of the film‘s interior sets to play into the colorful look of the film. Editors David Burrows and Chris McKay do fantastic work with the editing to play into the energetic tone of the film as well as slowing things down for the suspenseful moments. Production designer Grant Freckelton does brilliant work with the look of the Lego buildings and other objects to play into the strange world of Legos. Sound designer Wayne Pashley does superb work with the sound effects including the smaller things into how some things are built. The film’s music by Mark Mothersbaugh is amazing for its mixture of orchestral music with elements of electronic and other offbeat music as it also features the song Everything is Awesome by Tegan & Sara.

The voice casting by Mary Hidalgo is incredible as it features voice cameos from Will Forte, Dave Franco, and Jorma Taccone in small roles as well as other voice performances from Cobie Smolders as Wonder Woman, Channing Tatum as Superman, Jonah Hill as Green Lantern, Shaquille O’Neal as a Lego version of himself, and Charlie Day in a very funny voice performance as 80s space guy who always wants to keep building a spaceship. Other notable small voice roles include Alison Brie as a very optimistic hybrid of cat and unicorn called Princess Unikitty while Nick Offerman is hilarious as a pirate character called Metalbeard who seeks vengeance of Lord Business. Morgan Freeman is excellent as the mysterious wizard Vitruvius as he is this wise man that is often in some very funny situations. Liam Neeson is superb as Bad Cop as this good cop/bad cop who is often forced to do Lord Business’ bidding as Neeson also voices Bad Cop’s parents and his good side.

Will Arnett is fantastic as the voice of Batman as this hilarious variation of the superhero who is often full of himself and thinks he is better than everyone. Will Ferrell is brilliant as Lord Business as this evil tyrant who is keen on making sure that everyone is doing things his way in an act of conformity. Elizabeth Banks is amazing as Wyldstyle as this tech-savvy fighter who was trying to find the mysterious relic as she becomes an object of affection for Emmett while dealing with her own flaws as an individual. Finally, there’s Chris Pratt in a remarkable voice performance as Emmett as this ordinary construction worker who learns that he is part of a prophecy that can save the Lego world as he copes with trying to live up to those expectations while admitting that he is just ordinary.

The Lego Movie is a phenomenal film from Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Featuring a great cast as well as a unique premise that is inspired by Legos, it is a film that manages to be full of imagination as well as bring out all sorts of joy for those who love Legos. Even as it manages to infuse elements of surrealism and weird things that manages to be crazier than it actually is. In the end, The Lego Movie is a sensational film from Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Phil Lord & Chris Miller Films: (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) - 21 Jump Street - 22 Jump Street

Related: The Lego Batman Movie - (The Lego Ninjago Movie)

© thevoid99 2014

The Avengers (2012 film)

Based on the comic book by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Avengers is the story of a group of different superheroes and assassins who team up to fight against an evil force that is threatening Earth’s existence. Written and directed by Joss Whedon from a screen story co-written with Zak Penn, the film is about the formation of the Avengers as they have to fight Thor’s brother Loki who decides to bring destruction to Earth. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Cobie Smulders, Clark Gregg, and Samuel L. Jackson. The Avengers is a sprawling yet magnificent film from Joss Whedon.

After recovering a mysterious cube known as the Tesseract that is to hold unlimited power, S.H.I.E.L.D. head Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) asks Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) to uncover its source as things start to get troubling during the experiment as Loki (Tom Hiddleston) emerges from another planet. After taking control of the minds of Selvig and top assassin Clint “Hawkeye” Barton (Jeremy Renner), Fury and his assistant Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) decide to gather a team to stop Loki. Among them is assassin Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) who is asked to convince Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to help Fury out while Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) asks Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) to help out. Another person joining the team is Steve Rogers aka Captain America (Chris Evans) who is still dealing with being frozen for seventy years as Fury reveals what he has to do.

When Loki emerges in Germany to let the world know what he’s doing while Barton steals a power source to stabilize the Tesseract’s power, he is confronted by Captain America and later Iron Man as they capture him. Yet, Loki’s adopted older brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth) arrives to have Loki return home to Asgard for his actions as a fight between Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America nearly ruins everything. With Loki imprisoned in the S.H.I.E.L.D. flying aircraft carrier, the team try to figure out what Loki is up to as motives start to cause dissension in the group. Yet, Loki’s mind games would eventually lead to his escape thanks to the mind-controlled Barton as things go out of control where Banner turns into the Hulk. Despite saving the aircraft carrier from further damage, Loki escapes as the team tries to regroup with Barton out of Loki’s control. With Stark realizing what Loki wants to do and where, the whole team decides to form the Avengers to fight off Loki and an army of alien creatures known as Chitauri.

The film is the story of how the Avengers is formed as this team of heroes who are asked to save the Earth from any kind of huge threat. Yet, it’s not just these evil alien forces they have to deal with. They also have to deal with each other as these six individuals are the last group of people who all should be part of a team. There’s two very skilled assassins that both try to maintain their emotions as neither of them have any superpowers. There’s a demigod from another planet who carries a mighty hammer and can unleash powers of thunder from that hammer. There’s an old-school hero from World War II with amazing strength and an idealism who is confused and lost in the modern world. There’s an arrogant playboy billionaire who sports a mechanical super-suit that is powered by an arc reactor near his heart. And then you have this mild-mannered doctor who turns into a huge green monster whenever he gets mad.

Writer/director Joss Whedon understands that these characters, who are all quite flawed, shouldn’t be in the same team due to their egos, emotional baggage, or idealism that sets the apart. When they’re in a corner and realize they have to fight something, they can put all of that aside and kick some ass. Whedon understands who these characters as he gives each of them a chance to display their skills and who they are as people. Meanwhile, there’s these supporting characters like Agents Coulson and Hill who are very different parts of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team as they’re quite skilled at what they do. Coulson and Hill each have different ideas but they do play part of this team that provides additional support for the Avengers. Leading all of this is Nick Fury who is hoping to save the world though he is just as complicated as he believes that the Tesseract cube will help humanity fend off against whatever intergalactic threat that might happen.

This cube that represents unlimited power would end up causing all sorts of trouble as it leads to the arrival of Loki. Loki is presented as much more vengeful villain who wants to rule the world and become king after feeling slighted and overshadowed by his older adopted brother Thor. He would team up with a much darker force led by a conqueror named the Other (Alexis Denisof) who wants the power of the Tesseract and have Loki control his army of aliens. This would add a lot of trouble to the Avengers as Loki is this very manipulative and cunning individual who can get into anyone’s mind while he also adds further complications to this very dysfunctional team of heroes. Notably Thor as he still cares for his adopted brother and just wants to bring him to justice at their home planet.

Whedon’s script succeeds in not just fleshing out the characters and their motivations but also manages to create a story that does more than what is expected in the superhero genre. There’s a lot of action moments that is balanced by simple yet engaging drama as Whedon wants to know how these people can try and get along while figuring out what to do. A lot of the film’s second act following Loki’s capture has a team trying to get know each other where not everything is working. Steve Rogers is trying to deal with the cocky Tony Stark. Natasha Romanoff tries to confront Loki about what happened to Clint where she nearly becomes this emotional mess once he uncovers her dark past. There’s Thor dealing with Loki as he tries to assure Fury that the Tesseract is something not to be trifled with. Then there’s Banner who is trying to maintain a low profile so he wouldn’t unleash the Hulk.

Through the script, there’s a lot of humorous dialogue that is part of Whedon’s trademark that allows the film to not take itself so seriously. Notably as a lot of the humor comes from the arrogant Stark while characters like Rogers, Romanoff, Barton, and Banner do each get to spout a few funny one-liners in some of the film’s battles. Particularly the final one where the Avengers have to face off Loki and the Chitauri as each character has something funny to say about their situation.

Whedon’s superb script allows him to create a film that is big and not afraid to say exactly what it is. At the same time, the direction of the film is filled with spectacular set pieces and action sequences that allows itself to standout on its own. While the audience can easily figure out who these characters are without needing to see the other films that preceded it. Whedon does create moments where the characters are properly introduced including the first scene where Loki talks with the Other about their plans. Other introduction scenes for the characters that form the Avengers has Whedon giving the audience a chance to get know these characters and what they do.

The more dramatic moments where the characters interact with each other or try to figure out what to do has Whedon framing them in a simple yet direct manner where it’s all about the conversation and what is happening. The camera is still as Whedon knows to just play things out while creating movements to help intensify the drama in order to build up the suspense of what is to come. When it comes for the big action scenes, Whedon knows to keep up with the rhythm of these hits and explosions without delving into more conventional action film territory as he would have brief moments for the characters to catch their breath. Particularly for the sprawling yet operatic final battle between the Avengers and Loki with the Chitauri as it’s all about the excitement and intensity to fight for the world. Overall, Whedon does a truly phenomenal job with the film that truly lives up to the hype as what a superhero film should be and more.

Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey does an excellent job with the film‘s cinematography from the more low-key intimate lighting on some of the film‘s interior settings inside the aircraft and a scene in India and Russia to some wonderful exterior shots outside of the aircraft and some scenes in New York City for the film‘s big battle. Editors Jeffrey Ford and Lisa Lassek do superb work with the editing by maintaining a leisured pace for the film while knowing when to utilize more straightforward cuts to play out the drama as well as more rhythmic cuts for the film’s action scenes.

Production designer James Chinlund, with set decorator Victor J. Zolfo and art director Richard L. Johnson, does amazing work with the set pieces such as the look of the Hellicarrier and its interiors along with the design for Starks tower and the computers used for both sets. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne does terrific work with the costumes from the leather costumes of Hawkeye and Black Widow to a more updated uniform for Captain America plus a more regal look for Loki. Visual effects supervisors Erik Nash, Janek Sirrs, Colin and Greg Strause, and Guy Williams do brilliant work with the visual effects where there‘s a more realistic look to the look of the Chitauri aliens and their big creatures to the look of the Hulk that is more menacing but also more human. Sound designer Christopher Boyes and sound editor Frank E. Eulner do incredible work with the sound to play up the intensity of the action scenes with its clanging objects and gunfire along with more intimate sets for some of the film’s dramatic moments.

The film’s score by Alan Silvestre is truly a spectacle for the orchestral themes to play up some of the film‘s action scenes with swelling arrangements that is bombastic in its delivery as well as some of the drama that occurs in these action scenes. Music supervisor Dave Jordan provides a soundtrack that is true to its bombast as it includes a couple of rock cuts from AC/DC and a new song by Soundgarden to play up the energy of the film.

The casting by Sarah Finn and Randi Hiller is truly outstanding for the ensemble that is created for this film as it includes some notable cameos from comic book creator Stan Lee, Harry Dean Stanton as a security guard, Ashley Johnson as a waitress, Jerzy Skolimowski as a Russian mobster Natasha tries to deal with, Paul Bettany as the voice of Tony’s computer JARVIS, and Gwyneth Paltrow as Tony’s girlfriend Pepper Potts. Other noteworthy small roles include Powers Boothe and Jenny Agutter as members of a World Council that Nick Fury tries to deal with, Alexis Denisof as the villainous Chitauri leader the Other, and Stellan Skarsgard as professor Erik Selvig.

Clark Gregg is excellent as Agent Phil Coulson who is proven to be a huge fan of Captain America as well as brave agent. Cobie Smulder is wonderful as Agent Maria Hill who is proven to be a very tough agent who can also take care of things for Fury. Samuel L. Jackson is superb as Nick Fury who tries to get everyone under control while trying to hide his motives for the Tesseract only to realize that it might not be a good idea after all. Tom Hiddleston is great as the vengeful Loki who wants to overshadow Thor while wanting to take over the world and wreak havoc as it’s very slimy character as Hiddleston makes Loki fun to watch.

Finally, there’s the role of the Avengers themselves as all of them give out fantastic performances. Chris Hemsworth brings a much more grounded performance as Thor as a demigod trying to deal with his brother as well as trying to inform everyone about the Tesseract as Hemsworth also has funny moments involving the Hulk. While the character of Hawkeye is more low-key as spends about half of the film in control of Loki, Jeremy Renner brings a cool approach to his character as well as being someone not to be messed with as he becomes more determined once he is out of Loki’s control as it’s a remarkable performance. Chris Evans brings a lot of wit and charisma to his role as Captain America as he tries to deal with his new surroundings while becoming the guy that can rally a team once a battle is about to happen.

Robert Downey Jr. is incredible as Tony Stark/Iron Man by maintaining the swagger that Stark brings as Downey also provides lots of humor into his character that irks some of the team but it’s a truly a performance to enjoy watching. In what is her best performance since Girl with a Pearl Earring, Scarlett Johansson brings a real sense of charm and restraint to the role of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow as she tries to deal with her own emotions relating to Hawkeye while providing some witty lines for some of the film’s battle scenes while proving to be someone not to mess with.

Finally, there’s Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk where Ruffalo finally gives both characters what they needed. As Banner, Ruffalo brings a laid-back approach to his character as someone that just wants to work and not cause trouble as he has some great banter with Downey’s Stark character. When he’s the Hulk, all hell breaks loose as the character is far more dangerous but also very funny as Lou Ferrigno’s voice gets a chance for the Hulk to say a very funny line. Ruffalo is the true scene-stealer as he definitely makes Banner and the Hulk into exciting characters that is finally given the presentation it deserves.

The Avengers is a truly awesome and very entertaining film from Joss Whedon. Thanks to a very remarkable ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s a film that truly defines the idea of what a summer blockbuster action film should be as it does more than just entertain. It’s got a lot of humor, lot of action scenes to cheer for, and characters to root for. In the end, The Avengers is a marvelous superhero film from Joss Whedon.

Joss Whedon Films: Serenity - Much Ado About Nothing (2012 film) - Justice League

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Infinity Saga: Phase One Films: Iron Man - Iron Man 2 - The Incredible Hulk - Thor - Captain America: The First Avenger

Marvel Phase 2 Films: Iron Man 3 - Thor: The Dark World - Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Guardians of the Galaxy - The Avengers: Age of Ultron - Ant Man

Marvel Phase Three Films: Captain America: Civil War - Doctor Strange - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Spider-Man: Homecoming - Thor: Ragnarok - Black Panther - Avengers: Infinity War - Ant-Man & the Wasp - Captain Marvel - Avengers: Endgame - Captain Marvel - Spider-Man: Far from Home

Multiverse Saga: Phase Four: Black Widow (2021 film) - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Eternals – Spider-Man: No Way Home – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Thor: Love and Thunder – Werewolf by Night - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Phase Five: Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – The Marvels – (Deadpool & Wolverine) - (Captain America: Brave New World) - (Thunderbolts*)

Phase 6: The Fantastic Four: First Steps - (Avengers: Doomsday) - (Avengers: Secret Wars)

Related: MCU is Cinema: Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 – Pt. 4 – (Part 5) – (Part 6) – (Part 7) - The MCU: 10 Reasons Why It Rules the World

© thevoid99 2012