Well-reasoned comments. I don't object. Point by point:
I
do excited about seeing certain films. I mentioned the trio of superhero movies that are thrilling and substantial in the review. As far as taking time to catch up with certain films - my work schedule often limits me to seeing one film a week. I have a wide wide ranging taste in movies. If I can only see one film, I will almost always give priority to those films in limited release over blockbusters. Recently, I've seen two Norwegian films, plus films from France, Italy, Belgium, Israel and Turkey and a few small indies (including a pair of quasi-SF films - SOUND OF MY VOICE and SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED). Films like DEEP BLUE SEA, KID WITH A BIKE and FOOTNOTE (which, according to a photo from the Marathon of the theater marquee, you could have seen!) were exciting to watch. Even in a city like L.A., most of these films get one week to prove themselves or they are gone. So, yes, it took 6 weeks to "finally" getting around to see THE AVENGERS. I wouldn't trade most of the choices I made in the interim, and I knew THE AVENGERS would still be there. As I've noted before, I simply wasn't born with the "I've GOT to see it first!!" gene. Movies aren't vegetables - they don't spoil if you don't consume them in a week or so.
As to Loki, we just disagree. One mildly amusing Hulk smash does not an integrated and cohesive plot make.
I don't think I made an argument against CGI as a whole. Sure, there are times when filmmakers apply the more is better approach, but, it's here to stay. After several tries recently, I still just hate the way the Hulk looks on film. It just looks very cartoonish and comical.
Finally, I did say that I thought THE AVENGERS was ok. I enjoyed it. It's just not worthy of being the the 41st best movie ever according to the voters on imdB.
IamJacksUserID wrote:
You are allowed to be critical, and I found flaws with the movie as well. I just don't understand why you won't let yourself get excited about anything. Every time you review a movie it seems like it is always with the caveat that you "finally got around to seeing it." Is there anything you would rush out to see because you just can't wait?
Please don't take this as a personal attack or anything, because I truly don't mean it that way. Sometimes nerds just like to nerd out over nerdy things. This board and Boston's are (theoretically) dedicated to those who wish to do just that. I just don't understand why you always feel the need to put us in our place just because something is popular.
For a more specific counter-argument, I totally disagree with your assessment of it being "scattered" and "un-focused." Plus, your criticism of Loki's "I'm a God" arrogance is unfounded because that is actually addressed directly in the now legendary "Hulk Smash Loki" set piece. I agree that the MacGuffin was weak and there was no real sense of danger, but I thought the characters, the banter and the "heart" of all the various relationships was all spot on, and there were numerous genuine, unforced laughs.
I've been on the "too much CGI" bandwagon for a while now, but in service of a story like this one I think it was just fine. Too often it is a crutch, but sometimes it's just a necessary evil.