‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ earns glowing reviews By Meriah Doty | Yahoo! Movie Talk

Yeah! I'm IN THIS: NY Street panics (Cleveland Film Extras) and the Bank. Look for a brown and pattern African scarf and sleeveless dress.

The scene in the pix is E. 9, Cleveland OH.

http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/glowing-reviews-marvel-avengers-172544149.html

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

The reviews are starting to descend upon the planet and the resounding response is glowing: "Marvel's The Avengers" is sizing up to be the next must-see action blockbuster this year.

Landing in theaters on May 4th, the timing couldn't be better—as box office enthusiasm for "The Hunger Games" will have presumably finally waned by then.

"Avengers"-watchers so far seem to agree the action sequences are astounding in 3D. Most reviews offer high praise of writer-director Joss Whedon for making a film that will please both comic book geeks and general audiences alike.

Here are the highlights, which include praise and some criticisms:

"Pays off in extravagant fashion... escapism of a sophisticated order... Production is technically immaculate."

—Justin Chang, Variety

[PHOTOS: 'The Avengers' Los Angeles premiere]

"...not only does this eye-popping 3D display of visual effects fireworks feature an enormously high proportion of action scenes, but director Joss Whedon has adroitly balanced the celebrity circus to give every single one of the superstar characters his or her due."

—Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter

"...the inspired manner in which writer-director Joss Whedon springs the element of surprise is the trump card of the picture..."

—Leigh Paatsch, The Daily Telegraph

"...a successful amalgam of skilful actors, witty banter, top-of-the-line effects, bigger-is-better action sequences and giddy good cheer. Though overlong and inevitably burdened by the need to juggle so many protagonists..."

—Tim Grierson, Screen Daily

"As serious as the stakes get, Whedon's never afraid to let a joke out... and it gives the film a light, bouncy tone that makes it such a pleasure to watch."

—Oliver Lyttelton, Indiewire

[RELATED: Will 'The Avengers' assemble again for a last-minute scene? ]

"With so many characters, it's somewhat inevitable that someone get shortchanged and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is notably underused here."

—Eric Goldman, IGN

"...overall Avengers Assemble [the film's title in Britain] is by far the most spectacular superhero ever made in terms of a visual extravagance, and is truly something that has been worth waiting for..."

—Jay A. Ottley, Movie Web

"...smart, funny and dramatic, but with all the trappings of a sci-fi action movie presented fully intact."

—James Hunt, Den of Geek

"I have never been to a film that brought out so much enthusiasm from the audience, engaging with them on a level that brought out true emotion."

—Yahoo! Movies resident comic-book-nerd-turned-movie-reviewer Galen Sturgess, who attended the Sydney premiere

Watch 'Marvel's The Avengers' Clip:

Cleveland Film Extras and Marvel's The Avengers Trailer 1!

Most explosions and running and mayhem and heroes looking thwarted or cool in action, yes, in Cleveland.

_Neale Sourna, extra via Cleveland Film Commission

DOCUMENTARY APPRENTICE EDITOR WORKSHOP INTENSIVE

Finished Filmmaker/Director Laura Paglin's [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1490119/] w/ Editor Lee Will [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2241444/], Editor Nels Bangerter [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1637105/], and Editor Chris Osborn [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0651557/] DOCUMENTARY APPRENTICE EDITOR WORKSHOP INTENSIVE.

Was very exciting, a bit daunting, but verrry coool. Learned a lot, met cool people. Tri-C/Cuyahoga Community College and the Cleveland Film Commission are a good mix. Even remet a fellow Extras from I, Alex Cross and Marvel's The Avengers.

Sightings: Stars and Directors in Cleveland OH USA

Cleveland, Ohio USA

• Joss Whedon (Buffy, Angel, Firefly/Serenity): Directing Marvel's "The Avengers"

• Samuel L. Jackson (everything): Character Nick Fury "The Avengers"

• Rob Cohen (xXx, The Fast and the Furious): Directing "I, Alex Cross"

• Tyler Perry (Madea film series): Character Alex Cross "I, Alex Cross"

• Miss Cicely Tyson (Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Mrs. Miles Davis): Character Nana Mama "I, Alex Cross"

• Ed Burns (Mr. Christy Turlington): character ?? "I, Alex Cross"

Legendary Doctor Who actor who played The Brigadier opposite five Time Lords dies aged 81

By Daily Mail Reporter 23rd February 2011

Nicholas Courtney, known for decades for his role as The Brigadier in "Doctor Who," has died aged 81 after a long battle with cancer.

The actor featured in more than 100 episodes as Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart, the chief of UNIT whose job it was to protect Earth against attack.

His friend Tom Baker, one of five Time Lords to star with Courtney, led the tributes today.

Nicholas Courtney as The Brigadier with Dr. Who Tom Baker in the Seventies. Courtney appeared in more than 100 episodes

'Of all the characters in Doctor Who there is no doubt he was the most loved by the fans for his wonderful portrayal of the rather pompous Brigadier,' said Baker, who played opposite him as the fourth incarnation of The Doctor.

The Brigadier, who first appeared in the Sixties, was a key figure in the adventures during Jon Pertwee's run as The Doctor, but the character appeared regularly opposite other Time Lords.

Courtney died yesterday in a north London hospice, with his wife Karen at his side.

His last official appearance in the show was in 1989, the year the series was cancelled. It was revived to a new level of popularity in 2005.

Courtney did reprise the role briefly - this time as Sir Alistair - in the 2008 spin-off children's series The Sarah Jane Adventures. But a stroke put paid to further appearances.

The Egypt-born star went to drama school after his national service and went into repertory theatre. In the Sixties he picked up a string of TV roles including appearances in The Saint, The Champions and The Avengers.

His first Doctor Who appearance was as a 'space security agent', but he went on to land the role as a Colonel, later promoted to The Brigadier in a story called The Invasion.

Tom Baker said today: 'He had a marvellous resonant voice which he used brilliantly when it was his turn to spin a yarn.

'And his background was fascinating too: born in Alexandria, Egypt, he was brought up speaking French and Arabic. Later he perfected English and after a few drinks he would speak in Latin tags to great comic effect.'

The Brigadier, played by Nicholas Courtney, was a key figure in the adventures during Jon Pertwee's run as The Doctor in the Sixties

Baker said he visited Courtney only last week to say his goodbyes at the hospice.

'The lady in charge said he was very stoical. And indeed he was. It was so distressing to see him so weak and yet so strong in resignation. My jokes were received with a generous effort from Nick to smile.'

Writing in a newsletter on his website, Baker said: 'There was a certain innocence in his personality that was utterly endearing. He was very easy to tease, and I did my share, which made him shake his head in disbelief when he realised he had been had.'

As the Brigadier he was known for his suave appearance with a well-groomed moustache, and Courtney's association with the series continued when he became honorary president of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society from 1997.

Later roles included appearances in shows such as All Creatures Great And Small, Yes, Prime Minister and Only Fools And Horses.

Others who paid tribute today included actor and Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss who said he was 'desperately sad' to learn of the death.

'A childhood hero and the sweetest of gentlemen. Splendid chap. All of him,' he said.

Impressionist and Doctor Who buff Jon Culshaw said: 'Nicholas Courtney will be very much missed. A brilliant actor and warm, charming man.'

And film director Edgar Wright said: 'He was a true gent.'

Twice-married Courtney leaves two children, Philip and Bella, from his first marriage.

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