First Impressions: "Avengers" - the Genre Achieves True Glory

We want you to go see Avengers!

I'll write up a full review later, but my first impression on seeing this much-anticipated film is simply:

• (a) This could be the perfect comic book superhero movie.  I'm trying to find some obvious flaw, but I can't.  This flick is the straight A student of superhero movies!
• (b) Joss Whedon is no mere mortal ... and I am gladly his adoring minion. Joss, we're not worthy!

MM grades Avengers A+.  It is everything she dared to hope it could be - and more.  As good as Iron Man was, as good as Captain America was, you now realize they were indeed only the preludes to the splendor of the Avengers project now in its flower.  Full of action, humor, heart, and memorable personalities in its radiant ensemble cast, Avengers is brilliant storytelling all around that surprises and delights with its emotionally deft, often witty writing and overall triumphant virtuosity.  It's glorious.  It's a talent bomb that raises the bar and elevates the entire genre to empyrean heights even as it brilliantly highlights the humanity of these heroes.  You will become emotionally invested, and the story achieves greatness because of it.  RUN TO THE CINEMA.  RIGHT NOW.  (And stay past the credits.)  

A particular note of praise: Mark Ruffalo finally gives us the fantastic Bruce Banner/Incredible Hulk that we've been wanting and that Eric Bana and even Edward Norton could not quite deliver.  Oh, and for La Parisienne: cue up the AC/DC, hon, because our Tony Stark is back and better than ever (and almost steals the movie as he delivers some of the best lines in the script, such as the hilariously deadpanned "Dr. Banner, your work is unparalleled. And I'm a huge fan of the way you lose control and turn into an enormous green rage monster").