Avengers assemble!

A fraction of the line waiting to see the Avengers. Photo: Adriana Villavicencio

It’s one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year; Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have struck the silver screen with the strength of Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer for the Non-Comic-Geek inclined). Being Latino was invited to an advanced screening of the Avengers thanks to our friends at OurTiempo.com. With over 600 people lined up for the event in New York (with simultaneous showings in Chicago and LA) – some as early as midnight the night before – literally everyone and their mother wants to catch this film.

After two hours, it’s easy to see how this high octane, action-packed thrill ride keeps you on the edge of your seat and screaming in excitement. While I tend to lean towards the DC Universe, I can honestly say that this is by far the best Marvel Comic movie to date (I only wish the X-men franchise would have achieved the same fate). As ensemble flicks go, this all-star cast, directed by Joss Whedon (best known as the mastermind behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer), starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Samuel L Jackson (Nick Fury), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor); encapsulates the personalities and subtleties that have driven and defined this 5 decade long comic book series.

While there have been many retellings of the origins of each hero – like changing Nick Fury’s ethnicity from Caucasian to African-American, and recently identifying Tony Stark’s mother as Mexican – once this team comes together in 3D, you’ll quickly realize why they are a force to be reckoned with. With some of the best choreographed fight scenes that I’ve seen in any movie of the genre, two things are apparent: first, with as much collateral damage as they cause, I’m glad I don’t live in the Marvel Universe’s version of New York, and second, this is by far the new standard for comic book movies, (at least until Rise of the Dark Knight comes out that is) – until then, I give this epic tale of heroism 5 red, white and blue Cap Shield Stars.