Embargo Is Lifted: THE AVENGERS Reviews Start Pouring In! Kevin Feige Updates On Recent Call Back For The Movie...

Well it's time. Marvel has lifted the embargo and is allowing media to voice their thoughts about THE AVENGERS and thus far (and to no one's surprise after twitter reactions already) the movie is a critical hit. Rotten Tomatoes has the movie pegged at a 98% fresh rating and holding.

Here are some quotes from various media outlets about THE AVENGERS:

Todd McCarthy, THR - "As creatively variable and predictably formulaic as the Marvel films have been, this one will not only make the core geek audience feel like it’s died and gone to Asgard but has so much going for it that many non-fans will be disarmed and charmed. This is effects-driven, mass appeal summer fare par excellence, that sought-after rare bird that hits all the quadrants, as marketing mavens like to say."

Justin Chang, Variety - "As written and directed by the ever genre-savvy Whedon, it’s a clean-burning, six-cylinder entertainment that exudes discipline in every particular, from the script’s balance of sincerity and self-effacing humor to the well-integrated visual effects to the keen sense of proportion that governs the ensemble. Whenever the possibility of boredom or excess rears its head, Whedon finds an elegant solution."

Oliver Lyttleton, The Playlist - "It’s not just the best Marvel movie to date (although it is that), and it’s not just in the very top tier of superhero movies (although it is), but it’s one of the most all-around satisfying summer blockbusters since God-knows-when."

Eric Eisenberg, Cinemablend - "As a lifelong comic book fan, I walked into The Avengers with the highest hopes and deepest fears. A little over two hours later, as the credits began to roll, I turned to the friend sitting next to me, smiled and exclaimed, “They actually did it!” What Whedon and Marvel have created here is not just extraordinary, but one of the most entertaining and satisfying comic book movies yet."

Eric Goldman, IGN - "Iron Man and Captain America probably get the most screen time (or at least the most focus). And while Whedon and the funny and clever Tony Stark seem made for each other, I was very impressed how he handled Captain America, who is a far more straightforward and unwaveringly noble fellow than Whedon – who prefers his characters to be a bit more ambiguous and flawed — is known for, but one he handles very well, as Cap takes on the leadership role he was destined for."

James White, Empire Magazine - "A joyous blend of heroism and humour that raises the stakes even as it maintains a firm grip on what makes the individual heroes tick."

**AND**

Producer Kevin Feige updates (via Blogomatic 3000) on just what Joss Whedon and the A-list talent were shooting the night of the premiere in Los Angeles:

"I will tell you this: It was not a scene. It was not a scene. There’s little things. It’s been blown out of proportion. Which is fun, I like that things are blown out of proportion. Sometimes they’re true sometimes they’re not. There is the potential that there will be one little change. People might not even notice it. It’s not a big thing."

So anyone's guess as to what was actually shot that day. A set up for IRON MAN 3? CAPTAIN AMERICA 2? THE AVENGERS 2? THOR 2? Actually it's a great marketing angle for free publicity and if that's the case - bravo Marvel.

Quick Post: THOR Opens Overseas To 3D Conversion Acclaim!

Everything that I have heard about THOR overseas has been stellar, especially the conversion which is music to my ears! Could it be that we finally have a 3D post converted movie that will set the bar higher for all that follow? THE GREEN HORNET was well done, but had issues. What I am hearing is that THOR has delivered on its promises and has made Marvel proud.

Here's what MarketSaw readers from around the world are saying (feel free to add more below in comments - including spoilers):

Ebostock: "You could not tell it was conversion , to me it was = to AVATAR , And as for the film , Do you agree its the best comic book movie ever made ?"

"As for MARVELS schedule , they are a well oiled machine now , with the man power of Disney , to get this done on time ,Watch THOR and then tell me if your not excited for the AVENGERS."

"To me the 3D was really strong from start to finish , There may have been some shots were 3D was not present , but it felt natural , a really skilled conversion , The shot were THOR is kneeling after the first time he tries to lift the hammer is the best 3D shot i have seen , It helps that it is such a great movie , And i plan to see it again."

Kilar: "...I just got back from Thor (Australia has it's advantages at times!)... Man, I haven't had such a good time at a film in ages. The 3D was very very good, by far the best conversion I've seen and honestly I wouldn't have picked it as converted at all. Some absolutely fantastic 3D shots. And wow, who would of thought Kenneth Branough would be a kick ass action director. That just happened!!!"

GeorgeOfTheIMAX: "Don't get me wrong the 3D was awesome when there was 3D . I liked it but i tend to dislike the fact that there are 2D scenes in 45% of the movie when we pay for 3D. Im gonna go watch it again tomorrow in IMAX. Gonna pay close attention to the 3D. Cause first time i saw it i just watched without looking at something in particular. Second time(without the glasses) i was just observing it again. And the third time i was paying attention to the details(costumes, backgrounds, sounds which are all AMAZING). One would think that after 2 years of working for a cinema i would learn to multitask that stuff. p.s. the 45% thing might be a tad bit over exaggerated. But there were a lot of scenes that didnt have 3D. @EBostock that scene was unexpected(at least for me). And i agree it was one of the best 3D ive seen. But movies like Wild Safari, The Haunted Castle (all 40 min long imax only movies) have awesome 3D so nothing new on that front. I do have to admit i am curious as to how far 3D can be pushed. Transformers is gonna be a fun example of action 3D. At least until we see the Cameron 3D action movie with 60fps(if im not mistaken)."

For me personally, I really push for 3D conversion movies to have rest periods for us to rest our eyes. We don't need 3D for every piece of dialog or close up (THE GREEN HORNET was too much). The best 3D is used for depth and immersion and boy, it sounds like THOR has got it right. We will soon see here in North America!

That's our update from fellow readers overseas about THOR and its 3D conversion. Sounds like we have a winner on our hands! Once I see this movie, I will walk out of the theater, turn to whoever is beside me, throw down my ticket on the floor and say in a deep voice: "This movie... I like it. ANOTHER!!" :-)

Be sure to leave further THOR reviews (both content and conversion) in the comments but BE FOREWARNED: SPOILERS ARE ALLOWED!!