The Avengers

Can anyone say, "Best Movie Ever!"? Unfortunately it took me three times to see this movie before I was ready to write this review. I thought maybe the excitement of The Avengers would finally regress and I could find flaws in this movie. But after the third viewing this weekend, I now know, I will never tire of watching this movie! It is simply amazing! At already almost $1 billion, this movie has made more money quicker than any other film ever! It is on course to making more money than Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America combined! I draw similarities to the recent James Bond reboots. Quantum of Solace is impossible to watch and understand without seeing Casino Royale first, but once you watch Casino Royale, Quantum is a great action packed conclusion. Avengers finally draws together 4 characters that already received their own movies to develop their back story. Having this part of the story already developed allows Avengers to be a non-stop action packed thrill ride. Action begins literally after only about 2 minutes of prep and stays fairly strong all the way to the very end when they Assemble against Loki. The core characters were as usual phenomenal. After we already learned of their talents in their solo films, we now see them form together to make quite an unpredictable team. The great thing is the story continues to build around Black Widow (Scarlett Johansen) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). This type of sub-development helps open the door to future movies showcasing more SHIELD agents with Black Widow, Hawkeye, Maria Hill (Cobie Smuthers), and Nick Fury (Sam Jackson). The film was actually very funny. The humor seemed more in line with the Iron Man movies. While all of the previous movies had funny parts, Avengers really capitalized on irony and the hilarious moments of trying to create a team from a narcissist billionaire, an old relic from World War II with old morals, a god from another world, and a uncontrollable monster. The humor was one of the most enjoyable and surprisingly parts of the film. I did not expect the humor to be as robust or well written. This movie was different in the sense there were not any obvious nods to fan boys hidden within the film. Obviously Stan Lee made his cameo (that guy is awesome!)and there is a mid-credits scene that hints towards a future villain. It was a little disappointing there weren't more cameos but nonetheless, the nod at the end is intriguing. Speaking if endings- please stay until the very end- after all the credits!! Even in the latest, 3rd viewing, most of the theater up and left. If you really want to leave with a lasting memory of the film- this is the scene to end the experience with! I watched the movie in 2D and 3D, in the IMAX and in the regular theater. Its great in any forma but if you do see it in 3D, see it in the IMAX. The 3D just adds another layer of awesome- but the 2D was also really good! I give this movie the rare and coveted 5 stars! I really would not change a thing. This is a must see in theaters. It deserves to be enjoyed on a bigger than life screen, because this is a bigger than life movie! How will later summer movies fare against this incredible start!? Stay tuned to find out! Movie poster from: http://cdn.ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/newavengersposter.jpg

The Five Year Engagement

The Five Year Engagement is another Jason Segal classic! As in many of his movies as of late, he co-wrote the script and used a lot of improvisation throughout the film to create a genuinely funny movie. Jason Segal plays Tom who proposes to his girlfriend, Violet (Emily Blunt). The two are very excited and madly in love, but an opportunity at the University of Michigan for Violet to get her post-doctorate forces them to propose their wedding during their relocation and adjustment from sunny San Francisco. The adjustment period turns to be longer and harder than either had anticipated and Tom's lack of opportunities as a professional chef begins to wear on the couple's relationship.