Although I've admitted in places like here how much I like offbeat books -- and even commended author Stephen White for adding complex personal issues to a thriller novel -- the truth is I grew up like a lot of American kids who liked to read in the latter part of the 20th Century: with my face in a comic book.
And one of my favorites was The Avengers.
That's why I am looking forward to the May 4 release of "The Avengers" movie. I am firm in my belief that it will not suck. I realize this is pie-eyed, hopeful and foolish of me, because almost every childhood favorite franchise of mine has been mutilated on the big screen (I am looking in your direction, "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" and "Godzilla").
But there are reasons to hope. Five reasons, to be exact.
1. Josh Whedon is directing/writing. "Firefly" is basically the "Citizen Kane" of science fiction shows in the last 15 years, and the movie "Serenity" is a personal favorite. Whedon seems to get group dynamics in the context of adventure stories. Plus, he's funny. And a comic book fan.
2. Robert Downey Jr. decided to do it. There was a time when I was a young that Robert Downey Jr. was one of the best actors of his generation. Then came that time when everyone thought he was going to die. This lasted a long time. Now, he's guaranteed good, just this side of George Clooney when it comes to picking good roles. Just having him involved is reason to hope.
3. The "Captain America" movie was not awful. To me, this was the test. If they could make a decent movie out of Captain America -- a character who, let's face it, looks silly and also has the most risk of being too cheesy -- then there was hope for "The Avengers." By Odin's hammer, they pulled it off.
4. The trailer, which rocks. And yes, you can judge a movie by it's trailer. I've done it before.
5. Marvel is on a roll. There was a time that, from a creative standpoint, Marvel seemed to have lost all the ground to rival DC Comics, home of Batman and Superman. But they've regained momentum since "Spider-Man" hit the big screen, and it's kept going through "Thor," "Captain America" and the 'iron Man" movies. Meanwhile, when it's not Batman, DC has issues on the big screen. Exhibit A: last summer's "Green Lantern."
So, my fingers are crossed and so are my toes. Here's looking forward to success and "The Avengers 2" in 2014. With Kang the Conquerer as the villain. I'm just saying.
