The problem with all these rave reviews is that raises my expectations to very high levels.
Initially, I expected this to be a slightly above average movie (like most Marvel flicks). Often team movies like this just try a lil too hard... and tend to fall short. The Marvel movies have generally been a lot of fun, but to me... well, they've always been just a little bland or having abit of generic quality. Even with that, they've all been a whole lot of fun, with some terrific performances by Downey and Hemsworth especially.
With Whedon at the helm I felt this movie could fare a bit better than most team up flicks and maybe come close to the other Marvel flicks. But still, months ago - maybe even weeks ago, there was that little trepidation about The Avengers.
You've got all three Marvel movie badasses here - Iron Man, Thor and Cap, who've all had major movies and success - now, they're battling for screen time. ...and let's face it, RDj could eat both Chris' for breakfast when it comes to acting. How do you placate the ego's - not necessarily of these actors, but the three larger than life Super-heroes?
That's not all - let's throw in two 'mega-stars': Sam Jackson and Scarlett Johansson. Either a star in their own right and arguably bigger names than any of our leads. Oh, and then there's Renner - an up-and-comer who, while a bit older is still making his mark on the big screen after the highly acclaimed Hurt Locker and coming up as Jason Bourne. The scales for this movie are most definitely top heavy... and you don't have to look to far in Hollywood to see when you get so many big names together it often fails pretty hard.
The Avengers, well this recipe should spell disaster if you think about it too much. But, Marvel's managed their movies well. ...and Whedon's a fanboy - even though, we've never really seen him have to deal with major Hollywood actors in a major league movie (heck, he's only directed one other movie - Serenity).
Early word was positive and the early behind the scenes footage just looked like fun. The preview trailers looked perfectly acceptable (even if a little Marvel-bland).
Now these rave reviews are coming in - and I'm coming full circle. My early hesitation (?) is now in full-on overhype mode. Are my expectations just too much now? Is this movie doomed to disappoint just because I am now just expecting way too much?
I'm struggling to keep it all in focus and trying to maintan some of early skeptisim... but dammit, BRING IT ON.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE.