Avengers Assemble

So it's finally here! The film that Marvel fans have been dreaming of for years. The Avengers (or "Marvel's Avengers Assemble" as it's officially called here in the UK) had its European premiere in London last night. The apocalyptic weather couldn't have been more perfect, there was thunder and lightning over London, as if Loki and Thor had just arrived for the event! Lucky stars didn't assemble for me and I failed to get a ticket for the actual premiere (boo!) but there were simultaneous screenings of the film in five other cinemas around the country ("regional" premieres?), and I went to one of those, in Greenwich.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon, The Avengers hardly needs introduction. Briefly, Thor's naughty brother Loki fancies ruling planet Earth, and it's down to S.H.I.E.L.D. boss Nick Fury to gather our favourite superheroes to fight back and save the world!

In one word, the film is phenomenal. It's everything I had hoped for, and more! The action is superb, all main characters get their time in the spotlight, the dialogue is sharp and funny (hilarious in places), special effects breathtaking (heck, even some 3D effects were good, and I don't say that very often), and the end result a fantastic blockbuster that will take some beating for years to come. I couldn't pick a favourite cast member as they all did a brilliant job, but do also look out for cameos from some familiar faces along the way, and not just Stan Lee!

Running time of 143 minutes might seem long but it wasn't long enough. I sat through the end credits (which of course you must do!) and wanted to watch it all over again immediately. I'll have to wait until April 26th when the film finally comes out in the UK, and I recommend you go and see it too. In fact, I can't say this loud enough: YOU MUST SEE IT.

UK release date: 26th April 2012