The Avengers (a.k.a. Avengers Assemble)

[huntergrayson]

It's already out overseas (where it's titled Avengers Assemble, for some reason). And grossed a crapton of money. I feel like I have to cram - I've only seen Captain America! This is, based on reviews, supposed to be pretty decent. Plus, Whedon wrote/directed it, so we should get some awesome one-liners.

Does anyone know which Hulk film is considered to be "canon" as tying into this story?

[Deleted]

I've only seen the Ang Lee Hulk film, so I'm clueless on that. I did read up on the Edward Norton one. I can't stand him, so I'm glad they re-cast the part with Mark Ruffalo. I have seen all the other ones in the franchise so I'm pretty well up to speed. I'm not looking forward to Scarlett Johansson's bad acting stinking up the screen, but I can just console myself by staring at Jeremy Renner's arms whenever possible.

[Mugsy]

Is it necessary to have seen all the lead-in movies to understand/enjoy this? Or will it stand alone? Which movies are all represented: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Hulk, ??

[Atreides]

You've got it right, Mugsy, although Iron Man has two movies and RDJr has the most screentime in The Avengers since he's by far the most famous and bankable actor.

I've only seen the first Iron Man movie so I'm really out of the loop too. I'm guessing you could see this without the others (Dostoyevsky this is not haha!) but we'll probably miss some in-jokes and backstory. I believe the title Avengers Assemble is to avoid comparison with the British TV spy series The Avengers, which is more well known overseas. The Ed Norton Hulk movie is considered canon to this movie as well, although we're on our 3rd actor in three movies now for that character.

[huntergrayson]

From what I have heard from friends, the only really crucial one to see beforehand is Thor. They said, "it's basically Thor 1 1/2" (they have the same villain, I believe).

The Ed Norton Hulk movie is considered canon to this movie as well, although we're on our 3rd actor in three movies now for that character.

Ruffalo apparently signed a SIX film deal with Marvel, so I think his Hulk will get his own solo movie soon.

[forever1267]

The radio people this morning said there are TWO after credits scenes, and the second one is a "Wow" moment, so be prepared!

[ross]

Honestly you can feel free to give the Northon Hulk a miss. It isn't a bad film but it has by far the fewest callbacks and Bruce Banner being recast means The Avengers feels like an introduction anyway.

I'd strongly advise seeing the Iron Man movies and Thor. Iron Man sets up... well Iron Man himself but Iron Man 2 sets up Nick Fury and Natasha Romanoff (ScarJo's character). Thor sets up Thor himself, plus Loki.

[azaleaqueen]

Well, I'll be going to see this when the family takes my grandson, age 3, to see it. He adores Iron Man.

[Chenoeh]

I saw it this week, having seen Iron Man 1and 2, and Hulk 1 and 2, but not Thor or Captain America, and I followed it fine, though I do have some knowledge of the comics. The history of Hulk barely came up, basically he's been living quietly, making a living as a doctor. I thought Ruffalo was by far the best Hulk, they seem to have a much better handle on how to present him. I thought Scarjo was actually quite good as Black Widow, rather than merely acceptable. I do have a soft spot for the character though. I liked seeing Maria Hill too.

The balance between all the characters was really good, they all get time and characterisation. That's Whedon's strength, along with humour and genre savvy.

Bonus points if you spot the character Alexis Denisof plays!

[Deleted]

I just got back from seeing it and I really liked it. It was indeed well balanced, all the main characters had some good moments. I agree that Ruffalo made the best Hulk thus far, he played it just right. And the CGI Hulk I think is the best effort made thus far.

And you all should stick around through the credits.