MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS

THE AVENGERS is a rousing superhero spectacle in which some of the most popular Marvel superheroes team up to save the world after overcoming divisions caused by mind control from an evil being. THE AVENGERS is spectacular, witty entertainment with a highly redemptive, moral worldview that’s suitable for teenagers, or even older children, through adults.

This adventure brings together the Marvel universe of superheroes that has been painstakingly established over the past four years with films ranging from IRON MAN to CAPTAIN AMERICA). Secret government agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the head of SHIELD, rounds up the Avengers from their individual global escapades to team them up against the forces of Loki, Thor’s evil brother.THE AVENGERS is a rousing superhero spectacle in which some of the most popular Marvel superheroes team up to save the world after overcoming divisions caused by mind control from an evil being. THE AVENGERS is spectacular, witty entertainment with a highly redemptive, moral worldview that’s suitable for teenagers, or even older children, through adults.

This adventure brings together the Marvel universe of superheroes that has been painstakingly established over the past four years with films ranging from IRON MAN to CAPTAIN AMERICA). Secret government agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the head of SHIELD, rounds up the Avengers from their individual global escapades to team them up against the forces of Loki, Thor’s evil brother.

Loki has reached earth. Earth’s scientists have been studying the Tesseract, a square blue jewel-like object, for its energy potential. It also turns out to be a much larger portal window between Earth’s solar system and Asgard, Thor and Loki’s home, as well as other parts of the universe. Loki steals the Tesseract to summon an intergalactic army to enslave mankind. Using his staff of power, Loki has also brainwashed Hawkeye and the scientist working for Agent Fury. They escape together.

Captain America and Iron Man soon manage to re-capture Loki, but the scientist he brainwashed is now working on the Tesseract to open a portal for the intergalactic army Loki is summoning. They take Loki up to the huge flying headquarters Agent Fury has established for the Avengers.

Loki manages to defy earthly interrogations. Reminiscent of the Devil, another deceiver, he tries to divide, distract, and destroy the Avengers by turning them against each other through mind control. Clever thinking by the team manages to set things right and eventually save the day with some of the most wildly entertaining, spectacularly visual special effects battles ever committed to film.

THE AVENGERS is terrifically entertaining. It’s not only great, dramatic spectacle, but the story is laced throughout with plenty of humor and positive messages. Good overcomes evil, teamwork triumphs over jealousy and division, and patriotic attitudes are promoted. Even better, the Captain America character extols ethical monotheism in one really great scene, when, referring to Loki, who thinks of himself as a god and sometimes wears a helmet with elaborate horns and a cape, he says, “There’s only one God, and I’m sure He doesn’t dress like that!”

In the end, it’s Captain America who becomes the real hero of the whole movie. Even when he wonders if his old patriotic costume is a little “old-fashioned,” he’s reassured that people need some “old-fashioned values.” Of course, the old-fashioned value of heroism is what helps Captain America tie the rest of the superheroes together. In fact, Captain America’s positive attitude of commitment and integrity supporting a good cause actually seems to overcome the more cynical attitudes of Tony Stark aka Iron Man and Bruce Banner aka The Hulk. He even inspires Nick Fury, who has some secrets he’s keeping from the superheroes.

As expected, the action violence is frequent in THE AVENGERS, with nonstop action in the final half other. Countless buildings and cars are destroyed when the superheroes fight an array of evil alien soldiers and their spaceships. Unlike the violent tone set in the “Dark Knight” Batman movies, however, there’s always a sense of light and good that weaves throughout THE AVENGERS and its impressive action sequences. Also, an immense sense of patriotism pays off beautifully as Captain America eventually steps up and directs the team of superheroes as they work together to save the day in the final reel. In addition, Writer/Director Joss Whedon provides a deeper level of meaning in much of the movie’s dialogue, especially as the heroes overcome their own problems, including the temptation to take the easy way out, and instead fight together for what’s right and good. Finally, after New York City is saved, there’s a powerful montage of New Yorkers bonding and honoring the victims of the battle. This parallels the sad aftermath of 9/11, but in a more positive, uplifting way. This brief sequence is highly effective.

Overall, therefore, THE AVENGERS has a very strong Christian, redemptive, moral, and patriotic worldview. All the superheroes have to humble themselves. Sacrifice is extolled in a redemptive way. In fact, there’s a symbolic death and resurrection at a major point in the story. And, not only is there a reference to the story of Jonah and the Whale, a symbol of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, but also, as noted above, the One True God is mentioned in a way that’s very clever and extremely satisfying.

While the intensity of the action is overwhelming for younger children, teenagers and perhaps mature-minded children ages 11 and up will find THE AVENGERS fantastic entertainment that can be enjoyed with either family or friends. There’s some foul language, however, so caution is advised, though many of the obscenities are light and exclamatory.

Paramount, Marvel, and Disney have teamed up to deliver the goods in one of the best superhero movies to be released so far. THE AVENGERS rivals SPIDER-MAN 2 and 3 in terms of excitement, meaning, and heart. It successfully and seamlessly builds on the two IRON MAN movies and last year’s CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR. Also, it finally turns The Hulk into the hero we’ve been waiting to see. What more could you ask?

Loki has reached earth. Earth’s scientists have been studying the Tesseract, a square blue jewel-like object, for its energy potential. It also turns out to be a much larger portal window between Earth’s solar system and Asgard, Thor and Loki’s home, as well as other parts of the universe. Loki steals the Tesseract to summon an intergalactic army to enslave mankind. Using his staff of power, Loki has also brainwashed Hawkeye and the scientist working for Agent Fury. They escape together.

Captain America and Iron Man soon manage to re-capture Loki, but the scientist he brainwashed is now working on the Tesseract to open a portal for the intergalactic army Loki is summoning. They take Loki up to the huge flying headquarters Agent Fury has established for the AvengeTHE AVENGERS is a rousing superhero spectacle in which some of the most popular Marvel superheroes team up to save the world after overcoming divisions caused by mind control from an evil being. THE AVENGERS is spectacular, witty entertainment with a highly redemptive, moral worldview that’s suitable for teenagers, or even older children, through adults.

This adventure brings together the Marvel universe of superheroes that has been painstakingly established over the past four years with films ranging from IRON MAN to CAPTAIN AMERICA). Secret government agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the head of SHIELD, rounds up the Avengers from their individual global escapades to team them up against the forces of Loki, Thor’s evil brother.

Loki has reached earth. Earth’s scientists have been studying the Tesseract, a square blue jewel-like object, for its energy potential. It also turns out to be a much larger portal window between Earth’s solar system and Asgard, Thor and Loki’s home, as well as other parts of the universe. Loki steals the Tesseract to summon an intergalactic army to enslave mankind. Using his staff of power, Loki has also brainwashed Hawkeye and the scientist working for Agent Fury. They escape together.

Captain America and Iron Man soon manage to re-capture Loki, but the scientist he brainwashed is now working on the Tesseract to open a portal for the intergalactic army Loki is summoning. They take Loki up to the huge flying headquarters Agent Fury has established for the Avengers.

Loki manages to defy earthly interrogations. Reminiscent of the Devil, another deceiver, he tries to divide, distract, and destroy the Avengers by turning them against each other through mind control. Clever thinking by the team manages to set things right and eventually save the day with some of the most wildly entertaining, spectacularly visual special effects battles ever committed to film.

THE AVENGERS is terrifically entertaining. It’s not only great, dramatic spectacle, but the story is laced throughout with plenty of humor and positive messages. Good overcomes evil, teamwork triumphs over jealousy and division, and patriotic attitudes are promoted. Even better, the Captain America character extols ethical monotheism in one really great scene, when, referring to Loki, who thinks of himself as a god and sometimes wears a helmet with elaborate horns and a cape, he says, “There’s only one God, and I’m sure He doesn’t dress like that!”

In the end, it’s Captain America who becomes the real hero of the whole movie. Even when he wonders if his old patriotic costume is a little “old-fashioned,” he’s reassured that people need some “old-fashioned values.” Of course, the old-fashioned value of heroism is what helps Captain America tie the rest of the superheroes together. In fact, Captain America’s positive attitude of commitment and integrity supporting a good cause actually seems to overcome the more cynical attitudes of Tony Stark aka Iron Man and Bruce Banner aka The Hulk. He even inspires Nick Fury, who has some secrets he’s keeping from the superheroes.

As expected, the action violence is frequent in THE AVENGERS, with nonstop action in the final half other. Countless buildings and cars are destroyed when the superheroes fight an array of evil alien soldiers and their spaceships. Unlike the violent tone set in the “Dark Knight” Batman movies, however, there’s always a sense of light and good that weaves throughout THE AVENGERS and its impressive action sequences. Also, an immense sense of patriotism pays off beautifully as Captain America eventually steps up and directs the team of superheroes as they work together to save the day in the final reel. In addition, Writer/Director Joss Whedon provides a deeper level of meaning in much of the movie’s dialogue, especially as the heroes overcome their own problems, including the temptation to take the easy way out, and instead fight together for what’s right and good. Finally, after New York City is saved, there’s a powerful montage of New Yorkers bonding and honoring the victims of the battle. This parallels the sad aftermath of 9/11, but in a more positive, uplifting way. This brief sequence is highly effective.

Overall, therefore, THE AVENGERS has a very strong Christian, redemptive, moral, and patriotic worldview. All the superheroes have to humble themselves. Sacrifice is extolled in a redemptive way. In fact, there’s a symbolic death and resurrection at a major point in the story. And, not only is there a reference to the story of Jonah and the Whale, a symbol of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, but also, as noted above, the One True God is mentioned in a way that’s very clever and extremely satisfying.

While the intensity of the action is overwhelming for younger children, teenagers and perhaps mature-minded children ages 11 and up will find THE AVENGERS fantastic entertainment that can be enjoyed with either family or friends. There’s some foul language, however, so caution is advised, though many of the obscenities are light and exclamatory.

Paramount, Marvel, and Disney have teamed up to deliver the goods in one of the best superhero movies to be released so far. THE AVENGERS rivals SPIDER-MAN 2 and 3 in terms of excitement, meaning, and heart. It successfully and seamlessly builds on the two IRON MAN movies and last year’s CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR. Also, it finally turns The Hulk into the hero we’ve been waiting to see. What more could you ask?

Loki manages to defy earthly interrogations. Reminiscent of the Devil, another deceiver, he tries to divide, distract, and destroy the Avengers by turning them against each other through mind control. Clever thinking by the team manages to set things right and eventually save the day with some of the most wildly entertaining, spectacularly visual special effects battles ever committed to film.

THE AVENGERS is terrifically entertaining. It’s not only great, dramatic spectacle, but the story is laced throughout with plenty of humor and positive messages. Good overcomes evil, teamwork triumphs over jealousy and division, and patriotic attitudes are promoted. Even better, the Captain America character extols ethical monotheism in one really great scene, when, referring to Loki, who thinks of himself as a god and sometimes wears a helmet with elaborate horns and a cape, he says, “There’s only one God, and I’m sure He doesn’t dress like that!”

In the end, it’s Captain America who becomes the real hero of the whole movie. Even when he wonders if his old patriotic costume is a little “old-fashioned,” he’s reassured that people need some “old-fashioned values.” Of course, the old-fashioned value of heroism is what helps Captain America tie the rest of the superheroes together. In fact, Captain America’s positive attitude of commitment and integrity supporting a good cause actually seems to overcome the more cynical attitudes of Tony Stark aka Iron Man and Bruce Banner aka The Hulk. He even inspires Nick Fury, who has some secrets he’s keeping from the superheroes.

As expected, the action violence is frequent in THE AVENGERS, with nonstop action in the final half other. Countless buildings and cars are destroyed when the superheroes fight an array of evil alien soldiers and their spaceships. Unlike the violent tone set in the “Dark Knight” Batman movies, however, there’s always a sense of light and good that weaves throughout THE AVENGERS and its impressive action sequences. Also, an immense sense of patriotism pays off beautifully as Captain America eventually steps up and directs the team of superheroes as they work together to save the day in the final reel. In addition, Writer/Director Joss Whedon provides a deeper level of meaning in much of the movie’s dialogue, especially as the heroes overcome their own problems, including the temptation to take the easy way out, and instead fight together for what’s right and good. Finally, after New York City is saved, there’s a powerful montage of New Yorkers bonding and honoring the victims of the battle. This parallels the sad aftermath of 9/11, but in a more positive, uplifting way. This brief sequence is highly effective.

Overall, therefore, THE AVENGERS has a very strong Christian, redemptive, moral, and patriotic worldview. All the superheroes have to humble themselves. Sacrifice is extolled in a redemptive way. In fact, there’s a symbolic death and resurrection at a major point in the story. And, not only is there a reference to the story of Jonah and the Whale, a symbol of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, but also, as noted above, the One True God is mentioned in a way that’s very clever and extremely satisfying.

While the intensity of the action is overwhelming for younger children, teenagers and perhaps mature-minded children ages 11 and up will find THE AVENGERS fantastic entertainment that can be enjoyed with either family or friends. There’s some foul language, however, so caution is advised, though many of the obscenities are light and exclamatory. 
Paramount, Marvel, and Disney have teamed up to deliver the goods in one of the best superhero movies to be released so far. THE AVENGERS rivals SPIDER-MAN 2 and 3 in terms of excitement, meaning, and heart. It successfully and seamlessly builds on the two IRON MAN movies and last year’s CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR. Also, it finally turns The Hulk into the hero we’ve been waiting to see. What more could you ask?