I’m hardly the biggest comic book fan, but you can bet I was foaming at the mouth for The Avengers, which hits theaters May 4. Though anticipation for the superhero extravaganza has been building for years — in fact, more than 42% of fans polled on the Marvel’s The Avengers Facebook page said they planned on seeing the movie “more than twice” — I have to admit, I was a little skeptical it could be pulled off. Yet, I knew if anyone could prove me wrong, it was screenwriter/director Joss Whedon. And boy, did he deliver!

Here are my top five reasons why The Avengers was everything I was hoping it would be (and more!):

#1) It has a script that actually makes sense: All too often, producers think audiences will ignore gaping plot holes if they throw enough special effects in our faces. Can anyone say, Iron Man 2?  But The Avengers is different. The movie has a well thought-out plot that’s easy to follow, a great villain in Thor’s brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), and a satisfying resolution. I really have to hand it to Joss for not sacrificing substance for style.

#2) It gives everyone in the ensemble their due: Like you, I can’t get enough of Robert Downey Jr. as “billionaire playboy philanthropist” — and smart-ass — Robert Stark/Iron Man. (Not surprisingly, 37% of fans chose Iron Man as the superhero they would most like to be.) Nevertheless, I was going in to see an ensemble film, not Iron Man 3. Thankfully, every character in The Avengers has a clear purpose and gets plenty of screen time. Even more importantly, the six leads — Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. — have amazing chemistry.

#3) It’s action-packed: The Avengers boasts some of the best action sequences I’ve seen in years. The epic final battle between the Avengers and Loki’s army of alien invaders that takes place smack in the middle of New York City will literally have you on the edge of your seats!

#4) It has heart: The Avengers might not be as gritty or as philosophical as Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight, but its message is one that will resonate strongly with audiences of all ages. Watching a ragtag team of superheroes put aside their differences and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds reminds you what we can accomplish if we work together — not to mention what’s worth fighting for.

#5) It’s funny: Sure, Robert Downey Jr. is hilarious, but he’s hardly the only member of the cast who had me cracking up. In fact, several times throughout the movie, the whole audience burst out into laughter.

Bottom line: You have GOT to see Marvel’s The Avengers opening weekend. Run — don’t walk — to your local theater. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Now that you’ve read my list, HollywoodLifers, I want to hear your first impressions of the The Avengers. Leave a comment below letting me know what YOU think of the film!

– Josh Rosenblatt

Attention, all guys! After your girlfriends have forced you to go see The Lucky One or The Vow, it is time to payback the favor and take your girl to The Avengers. But here is the hook: they will love it too! Whether you have seen the other Marvel films like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America or not, this film puts the best of all those films in one great superhero package!

The best thing about The Avengers is not that it’s fun, funny and action packed — but it’s all of that combined and mixed with originality, in a sea of movies that are often cookie cutter and the same boring blockbuster. Stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo seem to be genuinely having a blast playing Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Joss Wheedon‘s script and direction of Hollywood’s heavyweights is amazing, as we never get a shortage of the stars we came to see.

And we never get tired of caring about how they all deal with saving the world from the evil Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Speaking of Tom Hiddleston, he may have the best and most important part in the film, since he is the sole bad guy. He irks all The Avengers in his own certain way, which also allows every one to have a different reason to kill him or keep him alive. The main reason: he is Thor’s brother, who obviously wants to reason with what his brother is trying to do in killing Earth as we know it.

Now I know I haven’t really addressed any spoilers, and I will not because everyone should go into the theater expecting an amazingly good time. Most likely what you will get when you leave the theater is a ticket to the next showing. This film is for everyone and everyone should go see it.

So HollywoodLifers, If you don’t have tickets to The Avengers this weekend you are simply doing the wrong thing. I can’t stress enough how awesome this movie was to watch. I can’t wait to see it again multiple more times. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Russ Weakland

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A brand-new trailer for next summer’s super-hero epic The Avengers has hit the web — and we’re more excited for this Marvel mash-up than ever! Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth and the rest of the team dodge explosions and bust some heads in this never-before-seen footage. So what are you waiting for? Watch it, already!

Marvel released new photos of Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson in the upcoming film The Avengers — and just like the trailer, these pics don’t disappoint!

This action packed movie will feature the Marvel superheroes we all know and love. The film combines the story lines of Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger!

With all these superheroes becoming part of one team, we’ll get the chance to see favorites like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson back in action!

In the movie, the world is on the edge of disaster. Director of the super spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) pulls together this legendary group in hopes of saving the day.

The movie is set for release in May 4, 2012 – just in time for summer!

This movie is packed with superstars and superheroes! It hits theaters in 2012- are you excited?

Legions of Marvel Comic fans can finally get excited. At the end of the box office hit ‘Captain America’ fans were treated to a teasing glimpse of the next huge superhero movie; The Avengers.

This action packed movie will feature the Marvel superheroes we all know and love. The film combines the story lines of Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger!

With all these superheroes becoming part of one team, we’ll get the chance to see favorites like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson back in action!

In the movie, the world is on the edge of disaster. Director of the super spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) pulls together this legendary group in hopes of saving the day.

The movie is set for release in May of 2012 – just in time for summer!

What do you think of the trailer teaser, HollywoodLifers?

– Carolyn McMenemon

Scarlett and Sean seem to be experiencing some trouble in paradise as Sean attacks Scarlett over her drinking and weight!

Scarlett Johansson and Sean Penn‘s newfound relationship seems to have hit a major snag as Sean is constantly fighting with Scarlett! Star reports, “The duo had a huge fight after Sean confronted Scarlett about her drinking, smoking and — gasp! — weight gain!” Scarlett’s weight gain? She looks thinner than ever!

A source tells the magazine, “Sean’s urging Scarlett to go on a health kick, which she’s taken personally since she’s touchy about being heavier than she’d like.” The source goes on to say that though Scarlett wants to lose some weight, “she doesn’t want Sean telling her she should.”

Scarlett has been heavily training for her role in The Avengers so it is somewhat hard to believe anyone would be attacking her weight, but if these are the fights she is already having with Sean it cannot be a good sign. Do you think they’ll last HollywoodLifers?
GET MORE ON SCARLETT & SEAN!

1. SCARLETT & SEAN MOVE IN TOGETHER!
2. SCARLETT JOHANSSON TOTALLY OVER RYAN REYNOLDS!
3. SCARLETT & SEAN GO PUBLIC AT REESE WITHERSPOON’S WEDDING!

It looks like the young starlet may be getting right back to work after she finishes her treatment program, but will it be too much for her to handle?

Demi Lovato‘s career seems to still be going strong despite her recent stint in a treatment center, with news that she is being considered for what would be her biggest role to date in the feature film version of The Avengers. Slated to be directed by Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, the film will feature an all star cast including Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and more — but is it too soon for Demi to be heading back to work?

The film will begin shooting April 1, meaning Demi, 18, would likely only have about three months to adjust following her time in treatment. The actress and singer has proven she is taking her stint in treatment seriously, staying for the recommended period of time and not frequently leaving the facility like certain other starlets, but this would still be a major shock from her now more structured environment.

The problem seems to arise in the size of this sure to be blockbuster film. While Demi has been in her fair share of hit films, among them Camp Rock and Princess Protection Program, The Avengers would be a much, much bigger film and introduce Demi to an even greater fan base.

What do you think HollywoodLifers? Is Demi ready to handle such a big role so soon?