Avengers Movie Review: The Avengers gives us a Dynamic Comic Book Experience

 

When in Manila, heroism is about saving the world.

 

Critics and fans recognize a breakthrough by The Avengers’ writer/director Joss Whedon who managed to make a box-office movie adaptation while staying faithful to the comic series.

 

The sixth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe of the Marvel Studios, and simultaneously a post- and pre- installment films to several other Marvel films, The Avengers  proved to be a treat to both average movie-goers and comic book fans alike.

 

 

Technically, it worked because the producers and the director did not underestimate nor overestimate the pre-orientation of the audiences. It was neither overloaded with technical information, nor was it lacking in details, so it was neither boring nor confusing. It also made effective use of all ttechnological that must have been within its resources, which gave way to its masterful and entertaining story tellng. 

 

 

The storyline is olden and familiar. The hero’s story has been told so many times; again and again. But great stories should not be told in a singular way. The ascent of the comic books proved this to be true. The multiplicity of avenues and media can only support the truth and strength of common stories and experiences.
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The Avengers gives me the same impression. 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a time when people refused to recognize comic books as literature. Serving to young audiences and using languages that are not exactly Shakespearean (although Stark’s Doth mother know you weareth her drapes? stands to contest), comic books were seen to provide only light entertainment as opposed to serious, legit art. The comic book movement was started by writers who could not seem to afford expensive publishing, and catered to younger audiences. In reality, comic book stories make use not of light issues and themes, but even turn to deep mythological and sophisticated scientific references!  Besides, most of the comic book lovers I know are actually (and I mean this as a compliment) nerds. Besides defending the intelligence of this story telling, the fact is, art is about telling stories, and showing realities and the human experience. The comic subgenres tell of these experiences, although with different, often fantastic storylines. 

 

 

Yet there is truth in all its comic seriousness. The hero, he of a thousand faces, as Joseph Campbell puts it, is he whose abilities, courage and determination surpass all others, and through these he rises above his human weaknesses to save his land and people.  The Avengers tells of the same story, with fresh exuberance and taste. There are differences in forms and appearances yet we understand that Aall the superheroes supported by either test tube miracles, Krypton or demi-gods, are united by one common feature: the fantastic superpower element that is always beyond the ordinary or the human. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Avengers shows us that while heroism can be idealized, it can be at once home and real too. This is the comic book experience that Whedon achieved.  While keeping the super powers and abilities, he managed to communicate the essential details that allow the audience to feel the story to be their own.