Avengers Assemble !

Normally I like to spotlight lesser known films, but the new Avengers movie seems to have smashed opening weekend box office records.  And it totally deserves the success.  The film is a completely engaging action flick while remaining a good drama looking at human qualities and character.  Bringing together characters who have had their own successful (and some not-so-successful) movies, it qualifies as a super-movie the same way that a collection of top musicians is a super-group.

All the way through the movie I kept commenting to myself that the story line and writing in general was just amazing.  At the end of the movie I discovered to my sincere surprise that it had been written and directed by Joss Whedon.  Really, I had no idea.  Hail Joss Whedon!  It had his characteristic witty banter and sophisticated story line.  Having him both write and direct was brilliantly successful.  After his limited contribution to “Cabin In The Woods”, seeing him show his unbridled genius in this film answers the question, “What have you been doing lately, Joss?”  Hopefully this will be the dawn of a long and fruitful second surge in his career.  Can a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie be far off?  Probably.

A friend on Facebook summed up the enthusiasm for this film when he said that he was considering having himself frozen until the sequel comes out.  Well … maybe going to far.

I would give this film an A.  (I reserve the A+ for movies that have some sort of intellectual dimension, and in spite of it’s success on just about every other level, I can’t really say that it is a thought provoking film.  Not that that really matters.  We need entertaining, kick-ass, well told stories too.)

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

Interestingly (for me at least) I’ve got this string of blog entries coming up which all have to do with new stuff from some of my favorite artists.

The first is Joss Whedon, who you may or may not remember as the creator and chief writer for Buffy The Vampire Slayer.  People who know me well know that Buffy is a strong guilty pleasure for me.  I enjoyed it particularly because if the witty banter and great story writing from one Joss Whedon.  When I occasionally watch reruns, I’m still struck by the excellent writing.  The later series by him, Serenity, had the same flavour, but wasn’t as striking because the scenario was a lot more tame.  (Just space pirates.)  Whedon does best when he’s writing a story that’s right out of the ballpark.

Such a story is The Cabin In The Woods.  Soaked in dark comedy, drenched in irony, and constantly taking you one a wild trip through a unique story, Whedon does what he does best.  Dialogue has that same witty banter and nothing is spared in shaking up your take on the story.  Right to the very end.  The cast, drawn mostly from TV shows (including some old Buffy actors) does a great job and pulls you into the classic horror scenario which you know from the beginning isn’t what it seems to be.

Cabin was a fun romp, and it is great to see Whedon back in form after having dropped the ball a bit on his past few projects.

I would give this film a B+.