The Avengers
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo,
Scarlett Johansson
Studio: Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures
Marvel comics are super popular, that much was evident when The Avengers dominated the box office when it opened on May 4, shattering the previous record and raking in $207 million in domestic receipts. The other obvious factor is that when you have a movie chock-full of superior computer-generated imagery, the cast might not only be an afterthought, they just might be completely unnecessary. Fortunately for movie and Marvel fans everywhere, the filmmakers didn’t subscribe to that view. So, in addition to the awe-inspiring action, the sensitive among us also get a thrill from watching some of the best actors Hollywood has to offer — Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, strut their superhero powers to full human effect. These are the heroes you want to call on when the planet is under attack. Pass the popcorn. –p.d. lee
