The long-awaited film version of Marvel Comics’ The Avengers doesn’t open in theaters for three weeks, but I figured I’d get my review out of the way early (even though I haven't seen it yet) to avoid the rush. Though there are far too many overblown CGI-infused action sequences, they’re offset by perfectly played character moments which make The Avengers much more than just a loud, garish spectacle. The combination of writer/director Joss Whedon's instinctive feel for these troubled but noble characters and the note-perfect casting of the leads (for which Jon Favreau, Kenneth Branagh and other filmmakers also deserve credit) ensures that the film versions of these iconic characters manage to be true to the spirit of their comic-book incarnations while also transcending them. Even more so than last year’s film version of Thor, The Avengers proves that the phrases “comic-book adaptation” and “artistic merit” can apply to the same movie and reaches a level that its all-but-inevitable sequel will be hard-pressed to match, let alone surpass.
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