AVENGERS: Grade, Reviews, Discuss, DVD & Sequel **SPOILERS**

[Captain Craig]

^^^
They likely will. I recall it being said that while IM3 and Thor2 will be very much stand alone with little said about events in Avengers that with Cap2 the story is going to heavily roll out of events in The Avengers. To me that means a good dose of SHIELD.


How about for a Black Widow film, with Hawkeye as a support character it be titled- SHIELD:Operation Widow, the story is about bringing her in and in that process the necessary origin type flashbacks happen. OR, maybe it's Black Widow: Budapest Initiative, just brainstorming here.

 

[LaxScrutiny]

It's kind of like saying one character named James Bond couldn't sustain a whole movie. Black Widow could be a fine standalone movie/series if it had the right script and the right director.

I think a better angle would have been to pair up Widow and Coulsen as her handler, and play the two personalities off each other. That is sadly now not possible. I think Hawkeye, as portrayed in the movies, is a little too much like Widow in personality, they are both too hard.

A good example was how Happy was played off against the Widow in IM2, those were some of the best scenes in the movie, certainly the one's that I remember the most and still chuckle over. With Coulsen it wouldn't have been such a contrast with physical prowess; Coulsen could hold his own, but his understated sardonic humour played off against Widow's edginess.

 

[TremblingBluStar]

Saw the movie this weekend with my girlfriend (yes, I have one), and we both loved it! If I have any complaints, they are ones already mentioned here - the music was extremely bland and forgettable, even the theme song. There were also a few green screen effects that looked rather fake (when Scarlett was riding the alien bike thing), but I have seen worse in other big budget films.

Overall I agree that it is probably the best Marvel film I have seen so far, if not the best attempt at a superhero adaptation for the big screen.

 

[Tyberius]

Ok, that makes him sound bad, but I know there's more to him not coming back then just salary negotioations.

He was a little bitch and demanded final cut on the movie. Marvel refused him, so he refused to do publicity for the movie. That resulted in this statement from Kevin Feige:

"We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Samuel, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."

In short, Norton acted like a bitch and got slapped down like one. Kudos to Marvel for not taking his shit.

The link also links to a statement from Norton's agent. The piece says that Norton is expected to comment. Did this ever happen?

 

[Admiral James Kirk]

Ok, that makes him sound bad, but I know there's more to him not coming back then just salary negotioations.

He was a little bitch and demanded final cut on the movie. Marvel refused him, so he refused to do publicity for the movie. That resulted in this statement from Kevin Feige:

"We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Samuel, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."

In short, Norton acted like a bitch and got slapped down like one. Kudos to Marvel for not taking his shit.

The link also links to a statement from Norton's agent. The piece says that Norton is expected to comment. Did this ever happen?

Just the typical spin doctoring you would expect from his representation.

"This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans.

Brian Swardstrom
WME"

 

[Agent Richard07]

Overall I agree that it is probably the best Marvel film I have seen so far, if not the best attempt at a superhero adaptation for the big screen.

For me, that spot still belongs to The Dark Knight. The Mask of Zorro is pretty high on the list too if you want to count that as a superhero movie.

 

[Trekker4747]

TDK might be the best comic book movie as far as story, plot, acting, tone and in grounding the character and situations in a few ounces of "realism." But on pure ass-kicking entertainment value of bringing a comic book "to life" I think the Avengers did it very well.

 

[Agent Richard07]

If we're talking pure fun and sensationalism, I'd probably go with Iron Man. And for impressive ass-kicking, I'd say Hulk. Sure, the movie had problems trying to be artsy, but it had some good action when the Hulk got going.

 

[Jax]

Just got back from the cinema (2D Showing) and I fucking loved it and so did the friends who I went with. Solid story, great pacing, high octane action mixed with brilliant directing from Joss Whedon + some real great moments like..."Puny God". Infact by the end I thought HULK stole the show he was handled so much better by Whedon than in his last two outings though Norton did alright in his movie. So gutted that Phil died but thats Whedon for you especially after hearing reports he would be in Iron Man 3.

A- and I look forward to any sequel.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

I do think people are overrating it just a tad, I think a year from now on DVD, it's not going to feel quite as substantial. I think it's telling that people have to qualify their praise by referring to it as a "comic book movie". That's always been the problem, the sort of lightweight expectations and delivery of Marvel movies. IM2, Thor, and Captain America are all fun entertaining movies, that I kind of forgot about 5 minutes after they were over. Avengers bucks the trend somewhat by actually feeling a little weighty, but the story is kinda bleh. It's so funny and has that newness of seeing several heroes onscreen together than it's still electrifying.

Solid flick.

I think folks who are convinced that it's such fine cinema so as to be surprised or offended when a professional critic like Roger Ebert gives it three stars and has a little dismissive fun with it in an overwhelmingly positive review are overrating it a bit. That doesn't mean it isn't a really cool fun movie.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

I would enjoy a Fury / Widow / Hawkeye SHIELD movie, but on their own they can't sustain a solid movie. Particularly in the aftermath of the seven hero nerdgasm that was the Avengers!

Oh, those actors as those characters sure as hell can sustain "a solid movie." It would probably be different in tone and less extravagant than Avengers - like, say, Captain America was.

If the only way one of these super-fantasy flicks can succeed now is to be as big as Avengers, then the genre is fucked.

 

[Admiral James Kirk]

I would enjoy a Fury / Widow / Hawkeye SHIELD movie, but on their own they can't sustain a solid movie. Particularly in the aftermath of the seven hero nerdgasm that was the Avengers!

Oh, those actors as those characters sure as hell can sustain "a solid movie."

I can't believe anybody on this planet would ever question the fact that Samuel L. "Motherfuckin" Jackson could sustain a solid Nick Fury movie. Shit, Jackson has saved more movies than any other actor I can think of.

Besides Jackson, I have little doubt that Scarlett could sustain a Black Widow movie. She was effective in both of her Marvel Studios appearances. I have my doubts about Renner's Hawkeye carrying a standalone, but I'm not familiar with his work outside of Marvel. For all I know the guy could be a fuckin' awesome actor.

 

[Jax]

I wonder how the movie will effect IM3, Thor 2/3, Hulk movies and Capt America 2/3. It will be a very very hard juggling act especially if the Avengers get its own trilogy.

 

[Shazam!]

I have my doubts about Renner's Hawkeye carrying a standalone, but I'm not familiar with his work outside of Marvel. For all I know the guy could be a fuckin' awesome actor.

Well, they've given him the Bourne franchise.

 

[Admiral James Kirk]

I have my doubts about Renner's Hawkeye carrying a standalone, but I'm not familiar with his work outside of Marvel. For all I know the guy could be a fuckin' awesome actor.

Well, they've given him the Bourne franchise.

Really? Wow. That's confidence. I'll have to check the new Bourne. Thanks.

 

[Jax]

I have my doubts about Renner's Hawkeye carrying a standalone, but I'm not familiar with his work outside of Marvel. For all I know the guy could be a fuckin' awesome actor.

The Bourne Legacy
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
The Town
The Hurt Locker
28 Weeks Later
SWAT

I think he could handle his own movie but could the character? I think its best to have him like Black Widow appear in the other Marvel movies and not their own.

 

[Admiral James Kirk]

I have my doubts about Renner's Hawkeye carrying a standalone, but I'm not familiar with his work outside of Marvel. For all I know the guy could be a fuckin' awesome actor.

The Bourne Legacy
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
The Town
The Hurt Locker
28 Weeks Later
SWAT

I've been wanting to check out M:I4 and The Town. I have no memory of him in 28 Weeks Later, so I'll have to pull that sucker off the shelf and check it out. I've seen The Hurt Locker, didn't care for it. SWAT any good? Thanks for the list though. You've given me an excuse to watch some movies and that's always welcome.

 

[davejames]

Just the typical spin doctoring you would expect from his representation.

"This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans.

Brian Swardstrom
WME"

You know, reading this I can't help but wonder if it was Joss who decided that Norton just wasn't right for his movie. Either because of the actor's abrasive personality, or because his Banner just didn't really work the way he thought it should.

 

[Admiral James Kirk]

Ed Norton has a tendency to demand creative control on his films. He comes in and rewrites the script to his specs and demands final cut. You can imagine how thrilled Joss-of all people-would be with that.

 

[Jax]

I've been wanting to check out M:I4 and The Town. I have no memory of him in 28 Weeks Later, so I'll have to pull that sucker off the shelf and check it out. I've seen The Hurt Locker, didn't care for it. SWAT any good? Thanks for the list though. You've given me an excuse to watch some movies and that's always welcome.

Np and SWAT its ok, a decent action flick worth a viewing some night. In 28 Weeks Later he was one of the snipers on guard when the outbreak occured and helped the kids escape.

Ed Norton has a tendency to demand creative control on his films. He comes in and rewrites the script to his specs and demands final cut. You can imagine how thrilled Joss-of all people-would be with that.

Yeh especially with Joss being a much better writer than Ed