Movie Review: The Avengers is a Huge Hit

Well, this isn't a big surprise is it? Actually it is surprising just how big it is. I had expected Iron Man 2 type of numbers to be reported but Avengers is now the 6th highest grossing domestic film. This is only the third weekend the movie has been playing.

This is great for comic book fans right?

As a comic collector I am super excited for this hit movie. Along with other comic book films of the past decade Avengers is spiking peoples interest in comics. I know a few of my friends that collected in the early 1990's are coming back to read comics again. I just hope this trend continues.

My review of the movie

I can't say this is my favorite comic book movie of all time but it is close to the top. There was a great sense of timing in this movie. It was over 2 hours long but I hardly noticed. The story kicked into place right away and the action really kept flowing. Each character had some great lines and played a big part in the movies success. I will admit I was hoping for more than Loki. If you stayed until the end of the credits you know there was more but that is a spoiler (read below.)

I actually ran into a comic collector friend when my wife and I went to see the film. That made the experience even better, chatting beforehand and then during the end credits about how cool the movie was.

Would I watch it again?

I actually did, I went to see it the second weekend it was out with a good friend. This time, because I heard great reviews, I saw it on IMAX 3D. It was incredibly well done for post-production 3D effects and well worth the extra money. I can't wait for this movie on Blu-Ray in the fall.

SPOILERS

Is there really anyone left who hasn't seen this movie? So, there were 2 extra scenes added to the end of the movie during and after the credits. The first scene hinted that Thanos, the Mad Titan, would be a villain in a coming sequel. The second scene was even better. The Avengers were just sitting around eating Shawarma. It was perfect.

So, about that spoiler and getting comic collectors excited. Sales of Iron Man 55, the first appearance of Thanos, are going through the roof. This comic is now pricing near the first appearance of Wolverine. I don't expect that to continue but got to think some of these buyers are collectors coming back to the hobby as many collectors have this issue as one of their keys already and the price is pretty high.

What did you think of the movie?

Short Review: The Avengers Super Bowl Ad

I'll keep this review short and sweet. The Avengers ad from the Super Bowl was really good. I love the pacing of the entire trailer to the reveal of the Hulk in the circle of Avengers at the end of the ad.

Nick Fury's ominous dialog really sets the tone and helps to build the excitement. Of course I sort of think back to Samuel L Jackson's speech in Deep Blue Sea. We all know how that turned out for him, huh?

This team, while not the exact team I would expect, provides some really great opportunities for comedy, drama, and of course all-out action.

Probably the only thing that bothered me a little is Cap's costume. I think it will grow on me but for some reason it just didn't look right during the commercial last night.

Here is the extended version of the trailer. I love the line, "We have a Hulk."

May 4th can not come soon enough!

Comic Related Movies You Must See in 2012

There are a number of decent movies coming out this year for the comic book enthusiast to enjoy. I love watching my favorite comic book characters come to life but I have to admit that I don't typically see every one of these movies in the theaters.

If the movie just doesn't look good, or is focused on a character that I just don't follow (Green Lantern for example), I will likely wait to see it on Blu-Ray. I actually find I can enjoy a movie much more in my home (less ambient noise = more focus on the movie) than at the theater so the movies I may not have liked as much in the theater turn out to be some of my favorites later on. If only I could recreate the Pretzel Bites experience at home also...

So what movies do I think most comic book fans will love in 2012?

1. The Amazing Spider-Man


2. The Avengers


3. The Dark Knight Rises

The Amazing Spider-Man

Over the July 4th weekend, July 3rd to be exact, we will be treated to another reboot of the Spider-Man mythos. I am not really a fan of constant reboots but I didn't have a good feeling about Spider-Man 3 anyway. So, I am looking forward to a new series of films with new actors and a new spin on the Spider-Man origin.

I like Kirsten Dunst but the part of MJ just wasn't her best role - she just seemed too whiny too me. I did however, love Tobey Maguire and J.K. Simmons as Peter Parker and J. Jonah Jameson, so those will be tough shoes to fill. Particularly since I haven't even seen any mention of the owner of the Daily Bugle in any credits, which is very odd. An added bonus for me will be an appearance by Dennis Leary as George Stacy.

The teaser theater poster doesn't impress me much but I have faith that the movie itself will not let me down. After all, it is Spider-Man right?

The Avengers

This is a project that I really didn't think would happen and I have to really give credit to all of the players being committed and pulling this movie together.

Many of the actors are some big name stars, or became big name stars leading up to this film from their previous roles as Thor and Captain America. I imagine keeping these folks eyes all together on this one goal must have been a bit challenging and the director, Joss Whedon, appears to have done a fantastic job.

The early teaser trailer looks really cool. Hopefully this movie will be a major smash hit and more sequels will follow. May 4th will come faster than you think, get ready for The Avengers!

The Dark Knight Rises

I have to admit that I have not watched this trailer yet and I don't aim to anytime soon. This will be a movie I go into as blind as possible. So, how can I recommend that you must see this movie if I haven't even seen the preview? Easy!

If you have already watched the first 2 installments of Christopher Nolan's Batman films you have an idea of just how awesome this film will be. The dark and gritty nature of the previous films appears to be continuing in this latest film. All of the photos that I have seen and the rumors I have heard lead me to believe we can expect some serious drama and action in TDKR.

Even the posters for this movie look incredible!

What movies are in your top 3 to see this year?