‘Avengers’ is rousing movie; ‘Engagement’ uses vulgarity

Posted May 7, 2012

One of the main questions about The Avengers is whether or not it would live up to the previous movies (Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, etc.) and if it would live up to its own hype. I would say the answer to both parts of that question is a resounding yes.

Even though the movie is going to be known for the action sequences, the story line manages to fit all of the characters into the plot in a believable way. They seemed to have relatively equal “face time” as well. However, Captain America, Tony Stark, and the Hulk had some of the best lines. (I use the term “lines” loosely because the Hulk doesn’t use too many words.)

The Avengers is a rousing action movie, with good use of slower, emotional moments. It has a grand scale, yet doesn’t get overwhelmed by it. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable movie, and relatively clean as movies today go. I would recommend The Avengers to anyone who enjoyed any of the previous movies, or to anyone who wanted to see an action movie that emphasizes bravery in the face of ridiculous odds.

rrr

Posted April 29, 2012

I enjoy both Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, so I was hoping to enjoy The Five-Year Engagement. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

It definitely descended into what seems to be rapidly becoming a common area for comedies, even romantic comedies, which is vulgar humor. However, it was a little more realistic than I was expecting. I liked the emphasis on not having to find the “perfect” person, because after all, we are all human. Our quirks can be our strengths.

Both Segel and Blunt were good, even if the parts written for them descended into wacky and cheesy at times. It will most likely be a popular movie, and I enjoyed it much more than the acclaimed Bridesmaids.

Woiwode, of Jamestown, shares reviews of movies and TV shows at reelquickie.areavoices.com

Tags: diversions, blogs, movies