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Open Forum => Off-Topic => Entertainment => Topic started by: JSB23 on May 04, 2012, 04:32:18 AM

Title: Avengers
Post by: JSB23 on May 04, 2012, 04:32:18 AM
Just got back from seeing it.

Short: See it. Now.

Long:
Spoiler (hover to show)

The only downside is, when making my top ten/five I'll need to decide if it was better than Cabin in the Woods.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 04, 2012, 06:44:41 AM
Joss Whedon was behind them both...so...yeah. :)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: The Warrior on May 04, 2012, 11:13:50 AM
Gonna See it Tonight! It it really as good as it looks? :o
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: JSB23 on May 04, 2012, 11:39:23 AM
Gonna See it Tonight! It it really as good as it looks? :o
It gives The Dark Knight a run for its money.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Jmbeers on May 04, 2012, 12:03:28 PM
That's a high compliment, I plan on watching it but to be honest I'd be very surprised if it can match the Dark Knight.

I've been looking forward to The Hobbit and the next Batman movie far more than the avengers but am still excited to see it (on Tuesday).
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Warrior_Monk on May 04, 2012, 11:29:50 PM
Spoiler: RAEG TEXT (hover to show)

Feel free to explain how stupid I am and all the things I missed.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: jbeers285 on May 05, 2012, 12:00:04 AM
i just got back from it and thought it was good  . . the start was a little slow for my taste  . . . i just about died laughing when the hulk beat the tar out loki

def worth the 8 dollars i paid to get in
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: STAMP on May 05, 2012, 01:06:55 AM
i just got back from it and thought it was good  . . the start was a little slow for my taste  . . . i just about died laughing when the hulk beat the tar out loki

def worth the 8 dollars i paid to get in

The whole theater was laughing so hard we didn't hear what Hulk said.  Did he say "puny god" or "dummy god" or something else.

THe adrenaline ride has just begun!
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: ChristianSoldier on May 05, 2012, 03:38:32 AM
I just watched it, I would say I liked it better than The Dark Knight, and Batman Begins. I can understand the reasoning behind people liking TDK better though. I am not particularly a fan of either Nolan or Joss, I would rather say I am a fan of their works and it is not influenced by them directing them (besides how good the movie is because of them).

My reasoning for liking it is:
Spoiler (hover to show)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: The Warrior on May 05, 2012, 11:01:33 AM
I Liked it. It had lots of explosions but also "Sentiment" (in the words of loki) and Fixing of Relationships between the Characters.

Spoiler (hover to show)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: CJSports on May 05, 2012, 11:28:38 AM
Awesome movie.

Spoiler (hover to show)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: lp670sv on May 05, 2012, 12:21:53 PM
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fd24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net%2Fphoto%2F4071169_460s.jpg&hash=544c980a2d76342b9072aad6e9a2dc5d8f375d6a)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: lp670sv on May 05, 2012, 01:24:09 PM
The Avengers set the record for 2nd highest opening day venue. Not even close to number one though.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 03:13:08 AM
The Avengers set the record for 2nd highest opening day venue. Not even close to number one though.

Are you kidding? It was only 9 mil behind.

Just got back from watching it in IMAX 3D. Seriously, you would be doing this movie a SERIOUS injustice if you do not watch it in 3D.

Also completely blows Batman out of the water.

Best line in the movie?
Spoiler (hover to show)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: CJSports on May 06, 2012, 08:35:30 AM
It did not blow Batman out of the water. It was good but TDK was amazing. I don't think another superhero movie will ever beat it.

What was the number one movie anyways? Was it The Dark Knight?
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Red on May 06, 2012, 08:57:22 AM
The Avengers set the record for 2nd highest opening day venue. Not even close to number one though.

Are you kidding? It was only 9 mil behind.

Just got back from watching it in IMAX 3D. Seriously, you would be doing this movie a SERIOUS injustice if you do not watch it in 3D.

Also completely blows Batman out of the water.

Best line in the movie?
Spoiler (hover to show)
Nahhh... best line in the movie can't be posted on here hahahahaha.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 12:01:57 PM
It did not blow Batman out of the water. It was good but TDK was amazing. I don't think another superhero movie will ever beat it.

What was the number one movie anyways? Was it The Dark Knight?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (and my bad, 11 mil behind, not 9, but still not a huge gap). TDK didn't even beat the Twilight movies. ::)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: lp670sv on May 06, 2012, 12:10:55 PM
I miss read the article it said HP8 Got 162 Mil opening WEEKEND not opening day Thats the number I thought wasn't even close.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 12:47:55 PM
Got to see it last night, and I was very impressed with the whole film. I didn't have too much hype going in, but I was still excited for it, so it pretty much met all of my expectations. There's definitely a lot of Joss Whedon's style infused in the movie, which I think really worked well. Loki's whole "humans were made to serve" thing was definitely related to Whedon's atheism, which, while I obviously don't agree with it, was a nice touch. All in all, if one really liked Firefly, Dollhouse, and Buffy, odds are one would like this movie, and vice versa. If one isn't a Whedon fan, there's still enough in the movie to satisfy non-fans. I was very pleasantly surprised just how much Whedon the movie had, and it made me happy.

Regardless of personal preference, the movie is not better than The Dark Knight. Over the course of the next two years, I'll probably watch The Avengers more than I'll watch all of the Nolan Batman trilogy combined, but TDK is inarguably a better movie.

Spoiler: RAEG TEXT (hover to show)

Feel free to explain how stupid I am and all the things I missed.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Problem 1:The whole point of the movie is learning to work well with others. A lesson best learned in first grade, but if you're looking for morals in a superhero movie, you can't set your standards too high.

Problem 2: The movie during the credits elaborated on the villain for the rest of the trilogy. We'll likely get a better idea of what the army is and its functions later.

Problem 3: I never really understood why he couldn't just steer the missile upwards and break away at the last minute. I get that it was satisfying the foreshadowing when Capt. America accused of him never being willing to make the sacrifice play, but it wasn't really thought out.

Problem 4: I think the point is that Banner, at least this early, hates "the other guy". When he almost killed Black Widow, he completely lost control, which is what he feared, and why he only changed willingly when everyone needed him to. He could control it at that point, but that doesn't mean he liked being the Hulk, even with the ability to control.

Problem 5: Who else needs to be elaborated on? I never watched The Incredible Hulk, so I don't know about that, but Captain America's loved ones are dead, or like, super old, and Iron Man doesn't need anyone other than Pepper and Jarvis. Thor's return isn't well-elaborated on, but it sounds like Odin had to make some kind of big sacrifice or something just to send him, so it makes sense that he may have been the only one that could come, especially since he's the only one with a personal investment in Earth. While it doesn't make any sense that he didn't go see Portman while he was around, I don't feel like it's too big a loss, considering she was terrible in the Thor movie. Is there anyone I'm missing?

Problem 6: I think this movie had a better cast, but that's mostly because it's bigger. I don't think anyone will argue that Stark being played by Downey Jr. wasn't a great decision, and Ruffalo did really well as The Hulk. I'm not as crazy about Chris Evans as Captain America and the casting for Thor (his name escapes me), but they still fit the roles extremely well. Downey Jr. bouncing off everyone else's personality (along with his banter with Pepper at the beginning) was masterful.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: lp670sv on May 06, 2012, 01:00:18 PM
FWIW The Thor thing is just a problem with timing, Thor 2 is supposed to show how he gets back to earth which I why I don't understand why they released The Avengers first.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: browarod on May 06, 2012, 01:08:38 PM
I haven't seen Avengers yet, but I didn't think TDK was so uber awesome like some of you guys seem to. It was a good movie for sure, but it wasn't super spectacular or anything.

*prepares to be tar and feathered*
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 01:21:31 PM
FWIW The Thor thing is just a problem with timing, Thor 2 is supposed to show how he gets back to earth which I why I don't understand why they released The Avengers first.

A quick Google search didn't turn up anything confirming this; is there a link or anything? It's not that I doubt you, I'm just curious.

I haven't seen Avengers yet, but I didn't think TDK was so uber awesome like some of you guys seem to. It was a good movie for sure, but it wasn't super spectacular or anything.

*prepares to be tar and feathered*

The Dark Knight, from an artistic standpoint, is inarguably the better superhero movie ever made. The content, tone, etc. is most certainly not for everyone, but even if you don't like the movie, it's hard not to respect it. It's kind of the OK Computer of the action genre of film.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: cookie monster on May 06, 2012, 02:05:28 PM
I'v have not seen either of these movies ::)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: galadgawyn on May 06, 2012, 03:23:54 PM
Quote
The Dark Knight, from an artistic standpoint, is inarguably the better superhero movie ever made.

I do not think that word means what you think it means.


TDK had its good points but I agree that it wasn't the ultimate superhero movie, artistically or otherwise.  I thought the movie was about 30 minutes too long and the ending was weak.  I was not real impressed with Two-Face; they should have wrapped up the movie after Joker was caught.  I also have had no desire to see the movie again since the first time. 

Not sure how I would rank the top 10 superhero movies though. 
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Drrek on May 06, 2012, 04:09:08 PM
Quote
The Dark Knight, from an artistic standpoint, is inarguably the better superhero movie ever made.

I do not think that word means what you think it means.

I agree, it is obviously not inarguably better, or else people wouldn't be arguing the other way.  I for one when I saw TDK didn't see this "GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME" I kept hearing that TDK was (although I think it was a very good movie), and I personally like the Avengers more.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Warrior_Monk on May 06, 2012, 04:39:50 PM
The Avengers wasn't artistic at all. It was pretty much just an action comedy with just enough story to make the action not completely overdone. I understand that some people may enjoy that better, but some people also enjoy Justin Bieber more than The Beetles (which is fine), and I don't think anybody would argue that Bieber is the superior artist.

FWIW, my favorite superhero movie ever was Batman Begins, with TDK coming in at second.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: JSB23 on May 06, 2012, 05:31:29 PM
FWIW, my favorite superhero movie ever was Batman Begins, with TDK coming in at second.
You'll have to explain at MN state...
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 06:03:49 PM
Quote
The Dark Knight, from an artistic standpoint, is inarguably the better superhero movie ever made.

I do not think that word means what you think it means.

Quote
I agree, it is obviously not inarguably better, or else people wouldn't be arguing the other way.  I for one when I saw TDK didn't see this "GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME" I kept hearing that TDK was (although I think it was a very good movie), and I personally like the Avengers more.

My apologies. What I meant was that any film critic, director, or anyone who has taken the time to seriously study the artistic merit of film and cinema who would say that The Avengers was a better made movie or that it had more artistic merit than The Dark Knight would be in the minority by a massive margin. I'm not being arrogant or presumptuous here, as I actual find The Avengers as a more enjoyable and watchable movie, but in overall quality, The Dark Knight is miles ahead of The Avengers.

FWIW, my favorite superhero movie ever was Batman Begins, with TDK coming in at second.
You'll have to explain at MN state...

I found Batman Begins to be more watchable and accessible, so I can see where he's coming from.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 06:39:54 PM
Quote
The Dark Knight, from an artistic standpoint, is inarguably the better superhero movie ever made.

I do not think that word means what you think it means.

Quote
I agree, it is obviously not inarguably better, or else people wouldn't be arguing the other way.  I for one when I saw TDK didn't see this "GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME" I kept hearing that TDK was (although I think it was a very good movie), and I personally like the Avengers more.

What I meant was that any film critic, director, or anyone who has taken the time to seriously study the artistic merit of film and cinema who would say that The Avengers was a better made movie or that it had more artistic merit than The Dark Knight would be in the minority by a massive margin.

Lol, sources please. The writing by Joss isn't anything short of a masterpiece, especially considering the number of personas vs TDK. Galadgawyn summed up TDK quite well.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Wings of Music on May 06, 2012, 06:43:25 PM
I'll start out by saying I haven't gone to see the Avengers yet, even though I really want to.  I do want to put out this thought to hopefully clarify the debate between TDK and the Avengers.

It comes down to what criterion you are using for comparison.  I judge a film on the film's themes, morals, and general philosophical undertones.  TDK does amazing in this category which is why Chris, and RingWraith, I, and so many other people think it's awesome. From what I understand the Avengers did not do as well in this category. 

Other people judge a good film off different criteria however.  So if you are basing you decision off of the entertainment value or off of the fact that Robert Downey Jr. is in it makes for a different outcome.

Anyhow, I just thought it would be good to point that out.

Blessings,

Wings
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 06:48:47 PM
Here's my comparison.

Scarlett Johansson > Maggie Gyllenhaal
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 06:51:01 PM
Lol, sources please.

Sources? From Metacritic, a couple publications gave them equal scores, and I count four publications that gave The Avengers a better score, and at least one of them is notoriously predisposed towards lighter, more accessible films. The source is that The Dark Knight has better overall ratings than The Avengers and has better ratings from more respected critics. The vast majority of people who have spent their lives studying this agree that The Dark Knight is the superior film, regardless of actual personal preference. (Note: I use Metacritic over Rotten Tomatoes because it is more selective in what reviews it uses. I also wasn't going to check the scores of 200 different reviews, so I figured roughly 40 would be a large enough sample size, since TDK still came up on top on Rotten Tomatoes with both general critics and the "cream of the crop.")

Quote
The writing by Joss isn't anything short of a masterpiece considering the number of personas vs TDK. Galadgawyn summed up TDK quite well.

Yes and no. One of the big things that's praised about The Avengers is how Joss managed to balance six main characters and give each of them a moment. That's definitely one of Joss' strong suits, though I feel like he's never done it better than in Firefly. That said, that balance and the humor are the only things that are even close to masterful in The Avengers. The plot itself is one of the big complaints people have, and while the plot definitely wasn't the focus of the film, you can't call Joss' writing a "masterpiece" with a weak plot. (For the record, I love Whedon, and the fact that he directed was the main reason I went to see it opening weekend.)

Quote
Also, the fact Avengers was shot in 3D makes Avengers a million times better than TDK.

Unfortunately, I cannot see in one eye, so I have no idea if The Avengers actually used 3D properly or not, but by this logic, Avatar (Cameron's film, not The Last Airbender) is the best film of all time, since, from everything I've read, no film has topped Avatar's use of 3D.

Quote
Other people judge a good film off different criteria however.  So if you are basing you decision off of the entertainment value or off of the fact that Robert Downey Jr. is in it makes for a different outcome.

I like watching The Avengers more for these reasons, but I respect the Dark Knight more. The Avengers sought to entertain, and succeeded, but that's a lot easier than seeking to influence and succeeding, which is what The Dark Knight did.

Here's my comparison.

Scarlett Johansson > Maggie Gyllenhaal

I really, really don't like Gyllenhaal, so yeah, I pretty much agree wholeheartedly.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Wings of Music on May 06, 2012, 06:59:34 PM
Unfortunately, I cannot see in one eye

I'm now starting to envision you wearing an eye-patch, a braided beard, and a cutlass, saying, "Arrrggg, I'm makin a rescue attempt wit' me shipmate De Angel Unner De Oak" 
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 07:14:23 PM
Lol, sources please.

Sources? From Metacritic, a couple publications gave them equal scores, and I count four publications that gave The Avengers a better score, and at least one of them is notoriously predisposed towards lighter, more accessible films. The source is that The Dark Knight has better overall ratings than The Avengers and has better ratings from more respected critics. The vast majority of people who have spent their lives studying this agree that The Dark Knight is the superior film, regardless of actual personal preference. (Note: I use Metacritic over Rotten Tomatoes because it is more selective in what reviews it uses. I also wasn't going to check the scores of 200 different reviews, so I figured roughly 40 would be a large enough sample size, since TDK still came up on top on Rotten Tomatoes with both general critics and the "cream of the crop.")

But we're not debating scores. Your initial argument was anyone (undefined) seriously studying the artistic merits (also undefined) of films would say TDK is a better movie than Avengers based on those merits. You haven't presented anything at all suggesting TDK is better than Avengers on 'artistic' merit. You simply provided a handful of critic scores, which span many, many, many different reasons and surely not just on 'artistic' merit alone.

Quote
Yes and no. One of the big things that's praised about The Avengers is how Joss managed to balance six main characters and give each of them a moment. That's definitely one of Joss' strong suits, though I feel like he's never done it better than in Firefly. That said, that balance and the humor are the only things that are even close to masterful in The Avengers. The plot itself is one of the big complaints people have, and while the plot definitely wasn't the focus of the film, you can't call Joss' writing a "masterpiece" with a weak plot. (For the record, I love Whedon, and the fact that he directed was the main reason I went to see it opening weekend.)

How exactly was the plot weak? How was the plot not exactly like every stereotypical plot injected into any superhero movie ever created? Superhero beats bad villians, everyone goes home? The beauty is in how Whedon can move past that and take even the most stereotypical genre and serve us the Creme de la Creme of superhero movies. Personally, I am not a fan of superhero movies or even the genre in general. But I left that IMAX theater last night with a deep respect that could only be obtained through pure talent and an expertly woven tale.

Quote
Unfortunately, I cannot see in one eye, so I have no idea if The Avengers actually used 3D properly or not, but by this logic, Avatar (Cameron's film, not The Last Airbender) is the best film of all time, since, from everything I've read, no film has topped Avatar's use of 3D.

I have since retracted and rescinded this point, I'm pretty sure some scenes in TDK were shot in 3D. As far as Avatar, it's getting to be a dated movie now, so it can come as no surprise that 3D technology is getting better and better. Seeing the IMAX 3D trailer for Spider-Man with him swinging over Manhattan was nothing short of AMAZING.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Alex_Olijar on May 06, 2012, 07:16:23 PM
TDK is significantly better as an art piece, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know much about the art of stories. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it was a better movie.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 07:59:19 PM
Unfortunately, I cannot see in one eye

I'm now starting to envision you wearing an eye-patch, a braided beard, and a cutlass, saying, "Arrrggg, I'm makin a rescue attempt wit' me shipmate De Angel Unner De Oak"

I've heard way, way too many of these jokes over the years.  ::)

Quote
But we're not debating scores. Your initial argument was anyone (undefined) seriously studying the artistic merits (also undefined) of films would say TDK is a better movie than Avengers based on those merits. You haven't presented anything at all suggesting TDK is better than Avengers on 'artistic' merit. You simply provided a handful of critic scores, which span many, many, many different reasons and surely not just on 'artistic' merit alone.

When I said anyone seriously studying the artistic merits of film, I meant film critics who have spent their lives judging movies, and have the educational background to understand what the art and film community considers good, and give their opinions (and back them up) accordingly. People who legitimately know what they're talking about.

Quote
How exactly was the plot weak? How was the plot not exactly like every stereotypical plot injected into any superhero movie ever created? Superhero beats bad villians, everyone goes home? The beauty is in how Whedon can move past that and take even the most stereotypical genre and serve us the Creme de la Creme of superhero movies. Personally, I am not a fan of superhero movies or even the genre in general. But I left that IMAX theater last night with a deep respect that could only be obtained through pure talent and an expertly woven tale.

Exactly. The plot was pretty much like every single other superhero movie ever created. Doing a bad thing really well doesn't suddenly make it good. The characterization was good (though Whedon did have the help of multiple prequels, he still kept the standard [which was quite high]), but that's not what I'm talking about when I say the plot, I'm talking about what actually drives the story. Calling The Avengers the "creme de la creme of superhero movies" is just wrong, because that term implies a certain level of sophistication and class, and it had none of that. It was a really, really fun ride, but that's all. If you really thought it was an expertly woven tale, I advise you to read more literature like Faulkner, Whitman, or Hawthorne. If you prefer epic tales, then look at Lord of the Rings or Ringworld. If you're looking for a rip-roaring good time, then look at The Avengers.

Quote
I see alot of 'art' being thrown around but absolutely no one backing up the value that entails.

When I refer to the "artistic merits" of the Dark Knight, I'm referring to themes it employs, the subjects it attempts to tackle, and the overall visual style of the film, and most importantly, how it brings these things together and how it executes them overall. The themes and subjects are things like government corruption, overcoming fear, whether the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, whether a person can be redeemed, what changes a person, etc. Some of these it really focuses on, others it only glances at, but it does approach these issues in a very subtle, masterful manner, and gives each theme its own satisfying answer, implies that an answer will be given in the sequel, or is just enough to make the audience think. Additionally, the whole "dark, gritty" world gives it a unique visual feel, and I think is a good mix between movies like The Watchmen, 300, and Spirit (which really take the whole comic book thing to heart) and regular dramas or action flicks. Comparatively, The Avengers' main theme is "how to get along well with others" and (to a lesser extent) the whole "humanity was made to serve" thing that's never really elaborated on.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 08:00:06 PM
I see alot of 'art' being thrown around but absolutely no one defending the value of what it entails. I'm going to wager a guess, TDK is more 'artistic' because you start with the ominous and conflicted superhero in the heavily foreboding environment. Sprinkle with heavy asthma, bake at perma-scowl temperature. Discard witty/humorous dialogue and one-liners...because 'art' is srs bsns. ಠ_ಠ

When I said anyone seriously studying the artistic merits of film, I meant film critics who have spent their lives judging movies, and have the educational background to understand what the art and film community considers good, and give their opinions (and back them up) accordingly. People who legitimately know what they're talking about.

I can almost guarantee you the majority of critics on metacritic.com do not fit that criteria at all. What makes you a critic or not is whether you work in a media outlet and provide an opinion on a movie.

Quote
Exactly. The plot was pretty much like every single other superhero movie ever created. Doing a bad thing really well doesn't suddenly make it good. The characterization was good (though Whedon did have the help of multiple prequels, he still kept the standard [which was quite high]), but that's not what I'm talking about when I say the plot, I'm talking about what actually drives the story. Calling The Avengers the "creme de la creme of superhero movies" is just wrong, because that term implies a certain level of sophistication and class, and it had none of that. It was a really, really fun ride, but that's all. If you really thought it was an expertly woven tale, I advise you to read more literature like Faulkner, Whitman, or Hawthorne. If you prefer epic tales, then look at Lord of the Rings or Ringworld. If you're looking for a rip-roaring good time, then look at The Avengers.

I'm not exactly understanding what you mean by what 'drives' the story. Because it was propelled at the perfect pace a la Whedon style. Slow and constructive first half, monumental closer. It takes raw unbridled talent to do what that man does. Calling it a ride is selling it severely short. The story is nothing without round characters to propel it, and Whedon did it masterfully.

LotR is a bore to me. The trilogy is summed up by walking. Walk some more. Drop some jewelry in a volcano. Fin.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: cookie monster on May 06, 2012, 08:25:35 PM
Avengers "Shatter" old record for the biggest debut is history!
Read this: http://movies.yahoo.com/news/box-office-shocker-avengers-opens-record-shattering-200-155614945.html (http://movies.yahoo.com/news/box-office-shocker-avengers-opens-record-shattering-200-155614945.html)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Drrek on May 06, 2012, 08:26:58 PM
LotR is a bore to me. The trilogy is summed up by walking. Walk some more. Drop some jewelry in a volcano. Fin.

GASP! How dare ye! Your entitled to your own opinion, but your opinion is WRONG!  ;)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Warrior_Monk on May 06, 2012, 08:38:51 PM
LotR is a bore to me. The trilogy is summed up by walking. Walk some more. Drop some jewelry in a volcano. Fin.
You do realize you just lost all credibility in this argument, right?

Unfortunately, I cannot see in one eye

I'm now starting to envision you wearing an eye-patch, a braided beard, and a cutlass, saying, "Arrrggg, I'm makin a rescue attempt wit' me shipmate De Angel Unner De Oak" 
Nick Fury>Pirates. Well, Samuel L. Jackson>Pirates...
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 08:42:02 PM
Nick Fury>Pirates. Well, Samuel L. Jackson>Pirates...

Wrong eye unfortunately. I'm more Odin.

MKC, you fall into a demographic that doesn't appreciate the artistic merit of film, so there's no real debate here. We just have different tastes and appreciate and respect different things.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Drrek on May 06, 2012, 09:03:05 PM
Wrong eye unfortunately. I'm more Odin.


That is not what I call unfortunate.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 09:36:31 PM
Nick Fury>Pirates. Well, Samuel L. Jackson>Pirates...

Wrong eye unfortunately. I'm more Odin.

MKC, you fall into a demographic that doesn't appreciate the artistic merit of film, so there's no real debate here. We just have different tastes and appreciate and respect different things.

And I'm saying TDK has no more 'artistic' value than Avengers does. Most of the 'artistic' merits demonstrated in your examples are easily translated to most any superhero movie ever created. It's a very objective term loosely thrown around that can greatly differ from person to person, and saying the people that forked over $200 mil opening weekend are 'artistically' ignorant would be a gross understatement. Personally, for me, demonstrating the virtue of putting differences aside for the greater good is vastly greater than the guy that never learned to play with others in the sandbox in kindergarten.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2012, 09:39:11 PM
That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Avengers has as much artistic merit as The Dark Knight, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 06, 2012, 09:45:37 PM
That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Avengers has as much artistic merit as The Dark Knight, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.

That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Dark Knight has as much artistic merit as The Avengers, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.

(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSElOvbX24T0QPmmdQ90lrCNwdKwT1ZCwgir81pKP2I4eIf6hst0g)

Simply stating it does not make it true.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Lampy 2.0 on May 06, 2012, 10:24:05 PM
I thought it was the best superhero movie ever made! :) It exceed my expectations!
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Wings of Music on May 06, 2012, 10:44:00 PM
That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Avengers has as much artistic merit as The Dark Knight, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.

That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Dark Knight has as much artistic merit as The Avengers, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.

(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSElOvbX24T0QPmmdQ90lrCNwdKwT1ZCwgir81pKP2I4eIf6hst0g)

Simply stating it does not make it true.

Artistic = Having strong Themes, Morals, and plot. 

By this TDK = Artistic, Avengers not so much...
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Alex_Olijar on May 07, 2012, 02:13:56 AM
That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Avengers has as much artistic merit as The Dark Knight, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.

That's all well and good, but if you genuinely believe The Dark Knight has as much artistic merit as The Avengers, then you simply don't understand the art of film, and there's nothing wrong with that.

(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSElOvbX24T0QPmmdQ90lrCNwdKwT1ZCwgir81pKP2I4eIf6hst0g)

Simply stating it does not make it true.

Stop being ridiculous. There's well established analytical tools, methods, and archetypes we can use to examine films/stories/etc. While not all are always useful or valid, many of them are. If we use them to look at the Avengers vs. Batman Begins or TDK, we can clearly see that as a story, the Avengers is subpar to Nolan Batman. Sure, the Avengers is funnier, but BB and TDK have significantly more to say about life.

Nolan Batman is more artistic than the Avengers. That's just how it is. If you want to try to argue otherwise, I'm going to have to ask you what plot or symbolic elements in the Avengers show it has artistic merit at all, and why those merits outweigh themes such as the power of Fear in BB - I'm thinking of the ending sequences in the Narrows, for example, in which BB seems a little similar to some works of CS Lewis in that hell is what happens when man is abandoned to his fear and worry.
Title: Avengers
Post by: jbeers285 on May 07, 2012, 02:19:56 AM
"i don't think that word means what you think it means"

This totally got me thinking about the princess bride which is the best movie ever and a great cult classic

"Inconceivable"

"rodents of unusual size, I don't think they exist"

"any body want a peanut"

Haha sorry I know totally trolled this topic but had to put a plug in for my favorite movie
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Master KChief on May 07, 2012, 03:26:28 AM
Stop being ridiculous. There's well established analytical tools, methods, and archetypes we can use to examine films/stories/etc.

Of which none of these 'tools', 'methods' nor 'archetypes' has yet surfaced in this thread to produce a shred of credibility as to why TDK is more artistic than Avengers. Again, all I hear is alot of talk and personal bias, not anywhere close to an ounce of substance.

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If we use them to look at the Avengers vs. Batman Begins or TDK...

Please, please feel so inclined to do so instead of merely talking about it.

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we can clearly see that as a story, the Avengers is subpar to Nolan Batman.

Oh, more of that talk.

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Sure, the Avengers is funnier, but BB...

BB has never once been mentioned by me. Feel free to debate it at your own pleasure, but surely not on my account.

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...and TDK have significantly more to say about life.

Disagree. There is great value to find humor in life, even in the most dramatic moments. And surely not the only circumspective glimpse on life shared by the movie.

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Nolan Batman is more artistic than the Avengers. That's just how it is.

Oooooh, more of that. -_-

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If you want to try to argue otherwise, I'm going to have to ask you what plot or symbolic elements in the Avengers show it has artistic merit at all...

So are we now finally defining what the artistic merits actually are as they are applied towards movies? So let me get this straight: besides plot elements (which all movies have), are you trying to suggest mere symbolism is what makes a movie 'artistic'?

Also, shouldn't the one so vehemently spouting the marginally greater artistic virtues of TDK be providing the proof? You know, that whole backing up what you claim thing? :o

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and why those merits outweigh themes such as the power of Fear in BB - I'm thinking of the ending sequences in the Narrows, for example, in which BB seems a little similar to some works of CS Lewis in that hell is what happens when man is abandoned to his fear and worry.

Lol, never once was drawing comparisons to BB. You can have any argument there, I haven't even seen the movie.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Ironica on May 07, 2012, 05:36:53 AM
I see most "artistic" films like modern art.  To those who "study" art, modern arts will look wonderful as they dive into different meanings it has for them.  To everyone else, it looks like a three year old threw paint at a canvas and called it art.   :P
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Warrior_Monk on May 07, 2012, 08:35:35 AM
I think art is impossible to pin down to such measures as you want, MKC. What makes Van Gogh a better painter than me? Probably because he can actually paint, but that doesn't explain it artistically. Brush strokes? Whose to say my strokes are not better than his? What does it even mean to feel emotions coming from a painting? A painting can't give off emotions.

Art is defined by people. When a new form of art emerges, it's generally not recognized as art until later (again, see Van Gogh--everybody hated his works initially), but there is a certain element that makes it art, as recognized by the elites (in that area) of society.

So like painting there are certain elements that are present in all art (brush strokes, what the painting is of, colors used, etc.) that are truly done masterfully, in a different, clear light.
In movies, as we've mentioned before, some of these things are plot, character development, themes, subtleties, and more. These are in all films, but the quality of them varies. In TDK (which I'm not nearly as familiar with as Batman Begins, but since you just ignored Olijar I guess I'll take a shot at it), the themes presented are chaos, subjective morality, freedom, and image. These things are powerfully presented as Batman struggles to keep up with the Joker's plans, attempting to bring him in instead of killing him, while also struggling with the people turning on him, and then when he takes matters into his own hands Mr. Fox has to leave, leaving Bruce wondering what he's truly doing, but without time to think it through because of everything else. So that's a very narrow synopsis of some of the themes presented, most of which are presented in such a way that at the end of the film, if you stop to take it in, you'll think about them yourself. Question what you think on such things, especially in light of the events went on.

In contrast, The Avengers only theme presented is unity. Which is displayed quite wonderfully, that when evil (why Loki was wrong I still don't know) rears it's ugly head we should unite against the common foe, no matter how scary it is, or how much we hate each other. A theme that was briefly mentioned was the idea of humans being made to rule, but it was never touched after one statement, which was very poorly explained. I honestly don't think I can give it any more credit than that, and honestly unity isn't really an interesting theme, so The Avengers rates pretty low.

More later, unless somebody else wants to cover the other areas. Subtleties really won't be touched since most of us have only seen The Avengers once, so it wouldn't be an accurate comparison.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: stefferweffer on May 07, 2012, 10:00:49 AM
My wife and I had heard all the hype about TDK and watched it one time.  Still in shock, we watched it a second time to see if there was something we had missed.  After the second time we threw it in the trash.  Just speaking an opinion here, but if sadism is "art" now, then I don't want any part of it (like most of what the NEA now calls "art").  I get that the movie explored dark themes, and I think the Joker played his role very well.  But we just felt "gloomy" after the movie, and we don't see the point of spending our time to feel that way.  I especially don't like how our "hero" encourages the police commisioner to perpetuate a lie, no matter how "heroic" of him it was.

Regarding the Avengers, we'd love to see it.  But we looked it up on Screenit.com first (as we do for all movies now).  Until Hollywood stops making these movies where the heroes keep cursing (which it seems they never will), we'll have to wait until we can see edited versions.  (Again, just our personal convictions here.  Not trying to get "preachy".)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: lp670sv on May 07, 2012, 10:22:19 AM
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi285.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll65%2FWulfger%2FThreadIsGoingNowhere.jpg&hash=261cd5862336abb95bd70ad092df8658f93ed12a)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Wings of Music on May 07, 2012, 10:40:01 AM
My wife and I had heard all the hype about TDK and watched it one time.  Still in shock, we watched it a second time to see if there was something we had missed.  After the second time we threw it in the trash.  Just speaking an opinion here, but if sadism is "art" now, then I don't want any part of it (like most of what the NEA now calls "art").  I get that the movie explored dark themes, and I think the Joker played his role very well.  But we just felt "gloomy" after the movie, and we don't see the point of spending our time to feel that way.  I especially don't like how our "hero" encourages the police commisioner to perpetuate a lie, no matter how "heroic" of him it was.

That's the thing about TDK, it comes off as somewhat offensive to some people.  It depends on what you're looking for in a film, for yourself I can see that you're looking to be uplifted, which is an awesome goal.  My goal is to philosophically challenged, I loved TDK because it presented me with moral dilemmas, I had to ask myself, what would I do?  It also really showed the biblical truth of the depravity of man very well, in fact that's what I liked most about the movie.  I didn't feel gloomy after TDK I felt mentally stimulated, and I spent most of the rest of the day thinking about complex moral ideas and contemplating what can actually be done to counter depravity in society.

I understand your objection to the film, I will agree that it's not for everyone, but from a philosophical standpoint TDK is one of the best movies I have every seen.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Professoralstad on May 07, 2012, 10:42:28 AM
This thread is silly. Objective definitions of artistic value are useless. Someone could try to explain for hours why a Picasso painting is artistically better than my 8 year-old niece's drawing, but I still have a perfectly legitimate and arguable position that the drawing is artistically better. Why? Because all art is purely subjective. One can present arguments why TDK is a better movie, but stating as an objective fact that it is more artistic is silly. And that is a fact.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 07, 2012, 12:01:08 PM
I can back up my opinion that The Dark Knight is a more artful film with multiple examples of how the film executes it's ideas and conveys its messages masterfully. I can also back up my opinion with the fact that the film critics who studied this and do this for a living agree with me in a pretty large majority. "Amateur film critic" is something of a hobby of mine, and I'm able to further back my position by simply having a very large amount of exposure to film and literature over the last four years. I can laugh at the notion that The Avengers is "a masterfully woven tale" because I cannot count the number of plots that I've been exposed to that were far superior to The Avengers using all my digits. If "amateur film critic" isn't good enough, then I simply point to the people who have hundreds of times more exposure than I do.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: stefferweffer on May 07, 2012, 12:09:30 PM
I can back up my opinion that The Dark Knight is a more artful film with multiple examples of how the film executes it's ideas and conveys its messages masterfully. I can also back up my opinion with the fact that the film critics who studied this and do this for a living agree with me in a pretty large majority. "Amateur film critic" is something of a hobby of mine, and I'm able to further back my position by simply having a very large amount of exposure to film and literature over the last four years. I can laugh at the notion that The Avengers is "a masterfully woven tale" because I cannot count the number of plots that I've been exposed to that were far superior to The Avengers using all my digits. If "amateur film critic" isn't good enough, then I simply point to the people who have hundreds of times more exposure than I do.
Yes, but those same types of critics say that a cross soaking in urine is "artistic" too, don't they?  What is "artful" or "artistic" is already subjective, depending on who you ask.  If we can agree on this, then we can certainly agree that what is MORE artistic than something else is also "in the eyes of the beholder".

Why not just say "I liked this movie better than this movie" and leave it at that?  I don't know why we have to argue over which is more "artistic".
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Chris on May 07, 2012, 12:35:45 PM
Yes, but those same types of critics say that a cross soaking in urine is "artistic" too, don't they?  What is "artful" or "artistic" is already subjective, depending on who you ask.  If we can agree on this, then we can certainly agree that what is MORE artistic than something else is also "in the eyes of the beholder".

My mine point here is one of exposure, and the art of film differs in key ways from "traditional" art, so more than likely, no, those same critics would not say a cross soaking in urine is artistic, though I do understand your point. In my opinion, what makes a film more artistic than another is the types of ideas it presents and how it presents them. It's a little more straightforward than "traditional" art, and it's much, much easier to convey those ideas and the emotion behind them in a film. Now that said then, I think exposure is a huge part of being able to gauge what makes a film artistic or not. Again, having exposed myself to the top tier of literature like Faulkner, and having watched movies with good plots that have other bored me to death like Citizen Kane, I think I am more qualified to say "this film executed better ideas in a more sophisticated manner than this one," than someone who tends to enjoy the regular summer blockbusters and read Lord of the Flies for high school. If someone wants to simply chalk that down to arrogance, then I'll simply point to the people who, again, have a lot more experience and exposure to literature and film, who I tend to agree with a lot more than I don't.

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Why not just say "I liked this movie better than this movie" and leave it at that?  I don't know why we have to argue over which is more "artistic".

The main thing here is that The Dark Knight and The Avengers have different goals. While both movies ultimately sought to entertain, I believe The Dark Knight went further than that, and The Avengers really didn't. The argument isn't so much which movie is better (I've stated several times already that I found The Avengers to be more watchable and enjoyable), but whether The Avengers presented itself in as high quality as TDK did.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: lp670sv on May 07, 2012, 12:45:30 PM
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_RjVscSWW_oY%2FS9i5tKiaiuI%2FAAAAAAAAAJk%2FEsv1LgrBDW4%2Fs1600%2Fhigh_horse.jpg&hash=924ed76b0d7ad5c407573fb2900c8e172dbcf96b)

Found your horse man.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: STAMP on May 07, 2012, 01:39:46 PM
This thread is silly. Objective definitions of artistic value are useless. Someone could try to explain for hours why a Picasso painting is artistically better than my 8 year-old niece's drawing, but I still have a perfectly legitimate and arguable position that the drawing is artistically better. Why? Because all art is purely subjective. One can present arguments why TDK is a better movie, but stating as an objective fact that it is more artistic is silly. And that is a fact.

I give this post 5 stars out of 5.  And I'm a very experienced and objective post reader and critic.

;)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: cookie monster on May 07, 2012, 01:40:19 PM
(https://www.cactusforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_RjVscSWW_oY%2FS9i5tKiaiuI%2FAAAAAAAAAJk%2FEsv1LgrBDW4%2Fs1600%2Fhigh_horse.jpg&hash=924ed76b0d7ad5c407573fb2900c8e172dbcf96b)

Found your horse man.

That picture is AWESOME!!!!!
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: cookie monster on May 07, 2012, 01:52:32 PM
This thread is silly. Objective definitions of artistic value are useless. Someone could try to explain for hours why a Picasso painting is artistically better than my 8 year-old niece's drawing, but I still have a perfectly legitimate and arguable position that the drawing is artistically better. Why? Because all art is purely subjective. One can present arguments why TDK is a better movie, but stating as an objective fact that it is more artistic is silly. And that is a fact.

I give this post 5 stars out of 5.  And I'm a very experienced and objective post reader and critic.

;)

I gave it a Plus 1 (+1)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Professoralstad on May 07, 2012, 02:26:40 PM
In my opinion, what makes a film more artistic than another is the types of ideas it presents and how it presents them. It's a little more straightforward than "traditional" art, and it's much, much easier to convey those ideas and the emotion behind them in a film.

Thus my point. Earlier in the thread, there was a lot of "inarguable" and "no legitimate argument"-type language being thrown around. My point was that everything that can be defined as artistic is arguable, and there can be legitimate arguments for the artistic value of anything based on someone's opinion.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Rawrlolsauce! on May 07, 2012, 02:36:30 PM
Break out the shaving cream, because we're about to get Beardsley'd.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Warrior_Monk on May 07, 2012, 02:38:47 PM
In my opinion, what makes a film more artistic than another is the types of ideas it presents and how it presents them. It's a little more straightforward than "traditional" art, and it's much, much easier to convey those ideas and the emotion behind them in a film.

Thus my point. Earlier in the thread, there was a lot of "inarguable" and "no legitimate argument"-type language being thrown around. My point was that everything that can be defined as artistic is arguable, and there can be legitimate arguments for the artistic value of anything based on someone's opinion.
"Opinions are immunity to being told you're wrong."
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: cookie monster on May 07, 2012, 05:52:59 PM
In my opinion, what makes a film more artistic than another is the types of ideas it presents and how it presents them. It's a little more straightforward than "traditional" art, and it's much, much easier to convey those ideas and the emotion behind them in a film.

Thus my point. Earlier in the thread, there was a lot of "inarguable" and "no legitimate argument"-type language being thrown around. My point was that everything that can be defined as artistic is arguable, and there can be legitimate arguments for the artistic value of anything based on someone's opinion.
"Opinions are immunity to being told you're wrong."

And me not having an opinion totally discards the theory of being wrong. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: ChristianSoldier on May 08, 2012, 05:10:53 PM
I am not a master of film, I haven't studied film at all. However I have, to some extent, studied stories. Plot barely matters, plot is essentially the frame you are telling your story in, yes it is important, you wouldn't have a story without it, but you can take any plot and make it either good or bad (or anywhere along that spectrum).

Secondly, every story and every piece of art is subjective, that's why its art, if it wasn't subjective it would be science.

Thirdly I will not argue the artistic value of either movie, since, a) It can't be done in an objective matter, yes I can say things that I find good, or that the majority of critics find good, or <insert group here> find good, but that is all. b) I have only watched the Avengers once, and I haven't watched The Dark Knight recently, so maybe after I've watched Avengers 6 or 7 times I will have a better idea and TDK a time or 2 more.

Also since the Marvel Cinematic universe is all linked you get all kinds of cool things if you pay attention (and have some knowledge of the comics) and you might say "not everyone has that" but since I do, I have a lot of fun noticing things in the movies that other people might miss. Like did any of you see the Infinity Gauntlet in Thor?

Anyway, the most important thing in any fiction is to entertain, that is why we invented it. Second is to bring about ideas and such. This is coming from someone who is trying to be a writer, so take my opinions for what they are worth, and it's probably not very much.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Wings of Music on May 08, 2012, 05:36:24 PM
Perhaps art is the wrong term to use for what Wraith, Chris, and I consider to be art.  If it's to be held that art = entertainment value (a definition that I don't really like, but that a lot of people seem to uphold) then fine, Avengers > TDK. 

However, if art means something more than entertainment (great depth, morals, plot, etc.) then TDK > Avengers. 

I personally don't watch movies to be entertained, (I play flash games for that :P) I watch them to be intellectually stimulated, to engross myself in the film, and to contemplate what ideas the film is trying to convey.  I would consider that a far more 'artistic' goal than just being entertained.  If you don't think that my goal is artistic then well, to each his own, but if you do think that movies should be watched for more than just entertainment, I think that my argument of TDK > Avengers makes more sense.   
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: STAMP on May 08, 2012, 05:38:54 PM
Like did any of you see the Infinity Gauntlet in Thor?

SPOILER ALERT! for Avengers 2

;)
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: ChristianSoldier on May 08, 2012, 06:04:58 PM
I personally don't watch movies to be entertained, (I play flash games for that :P) I watch them to be intellectually stimulated, to engross myself in the film, and to contemplate what ideas the film is trying to convey.  I would consider that a far more 'artistic' goal than just being entertained.  If you don't think that my goal is artistic then well, to each his own, but if you do think that movies should be watched for more than just entertainment, I think that my argument of TDK > Avengers makes more sense.   

I watch movies to be entertained, however I get far far more entertainment from being intellectually stimulated and analyzing the things that I'm watching (or reading or listening to or whatever), in fact I don't know what other people consider entertaining, but I love to pick things apart and analyze them.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: TheKarazyvicePresidentRR on May 09, 2012, 02:26:03 PM
Art is ponies.
Title: Re: Avengers
Post by: Jmbeers on May 09, 2012, 03:41:43 PM
 :doh: no ponies here please :offtopic:

And as to TDK/Avengers comparison that has sprung up. I think that almost everyone would agree with me that the Avengers is far more approachable. That doesn't mean it makes it better or worse than TDK but I have a feeling as a whole, the Avengers will have a greater fan base in years to come. Personally I far and away preferred TDK over the Avengers but I still enjoyed the movie. (Unlike The Hunger Games where the best monment was the Hobbit advertisement)

To just talk about the movie, I'd have to say this is the first time I've left a movie with the Hulk in it and was Exteamly happy. Bruce wasn't a sniveling little wuss and the Hulk was actually freakishly powerful (how he is supposed to be!) Hulk/Banner stole the show for me.
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