Despite all of the early reactions and buzz surrounding The Avengers stemming from its press premieres around the world, the film doesn’t open in North American theaters until May 4th – a wait, we can agree, that is far too long. Most of Europe benefits from having the film open before this weekend, but some international markets enjoy an even earlier start.
The Avengers opened Wednesday night in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and several other smaller overseas markets, breaking a few box office records before it hits the rest of the international scene Thursday and Friday.
According to the early numbers, The Avengers - Marvel’s longest film to date – raked in nearly $8 million last night, $6 million of which came from its Australian premiere, home of Thor actor Chris Hemsworth. That haul places The Avengers as Australia’s second biggest opening ever, sitting behind only Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but earning more than twice that of Iron Man 2 - Marvel’s previous best opening in the region. In Taiwan however, The Avengers’ $1.2 million opening makes it their biggest ever. In North America, it’s practically guaranteed to break $100 million in its opening weekend, likely hitting The Hunger Games numbers at $150 million or more thanks to the 3D ticket price boost.
Marvel and Disney have struck a gold mine with The Avengers and it’s poised to not only be a contender for top grossing film of the year, but it’s earning the love from critics and fans alike as well. The first 39 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have the film averaging an 8.4/10 score for a 97% fresh rating and according to IMDB users, it’s already made it into the top 250 list from nearly 8000 votes (how many actually saw the film, we can’t say).
The Avengers draws from the best parts of every Marvel film before it and by all accounts, director Joss Whedon has hit a home run for the franchise. If you’re a fan eagerly awaiting your chance to see it in theaters, check out these five Avengers comic stories that may help prepare you. If you have seen it, join our Avengers spoiler discussion. And for moviegoers who love the genre, The Avengers opening on May 4th comes packed with brand new trailers for both The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises.
The Avengers stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Clark Gregg, Tom Hiddleston and Stellan Skarsgard. It is of course written and directed by Joss Whedon, opening in theaters on May 4, 2012.
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Follow Rob on Twitter @rob_keyes if you’re a Marvel fan.
Sources: THR, The Sydney Morning Herald
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Releasing here in India tomorrow on 27th, gonna watch the first show. hoping the action is real good..
You’re not gonna be disappointed!
Arrey India rocks! The Avengers..I’m gonna show you soo much love..yeahhhh. Your seat is mine, Abhijeet >.<
Here in South-Africa we’re having a 5 day weekend (a national holiday this Friday and Tuesday).
PLUS, I’ve never seen so much promotional material (there are trailers on every TV channel and banners everywhere I look) for a movie before.
My point is: this’ll break box-office records here too. Most of the cinemas are already booked out for the first two nights.
So glad I got my tickets early!!!
Avengers Assemble in a few hours!
Same here in America. While channel surfing, in the span of 5 mins, I must have run across some sort of promo for The Avengers 3 different times. Marvel/Disney must be spending millions upon millions just to advertise worldwide but it will pay off in spades. Too bad John Carter didn’t have the same marketing team/strategy behind it.
John Carter was horrible anyway. Was looking forward to that movie and actually was dosing off during the movie. Avengers however I will be at the midnight showing and only will get 3 and half hours sleep before I have to be in to work at 7:30 the next morning. The things we do for the stuff we love
Wow. The hype for this film is unbelievable. It was okay, but not worthy of being considered a masterpiece. I enjoyed both “Iron Man” and “Thor” better than “The Avengers”. To each his own though. This film will be forgotten once “The Dark Knight Rises” is released… and then both of those will be forgotten when “The Hobbit” is released. But people seem to enjoy following the latest trend and being all the same. I’ve had people tell me I’m an idiot because I didn’t enjoy “The Avengers” all that much. Why am I an idiot for sharing my opinion? I’m just sick of these type of films is all. I want to see some good old fashioned cinema again. Thank God for films like “The Artist” that bring cinema back to its roots. “The Avengers” was very, very entertaining and I will most definitely buy it on Blu-ray, but I think it deserves a 3/5 at best. I’m eager to see what Screen Rant thinks of it.
Oh get out of here you Batmaniac!!!! You probably haven’t even seen it and your so stuck up the Batman’s end you wouldn’t admit if the Avengers was great or not!!!! I’ve read comment after comment from different sites and your the first to say something not positive!!!
I’ve seen multiple reviews of 3/5…. maybe you are just so defensive over a movie just because he doesn’t like that type of movie. You can’t call him a batmaniac when he said nothing about batman. Your just making random assumption cause someone doesn’t like the mighty avengers….he likes classic cinema not cgi get over it
Scratch that he did say something about batman lol
Just because most people like/love the movie doesn’t mean they’re just “following the latest trend and being all the same”.
You are entitled to not like the movie, but that’s it: Give us your opinion/review and move on (I mean, I think this is the third [?] article where you’ve said how disappointed you were with TA)
You’re problem (and I mean no offense so don’t take this the wrong way) is that it seems you’re judging/criticizing the movie unfairly…
You can’t compare this to something like The Artist.
If you’re going to judge/compare this movie, then do so by seeing it for what it is: an action/adventure/comic book/sci-fi movie (not an artistic indy or dramatic movie)
Any real film critic always reviews a movie without bias or unfair comparisons (i.e. you don’t compare a movie like Transformers 3 to the Godfather… and you can’t compare The Titanic to Star Wars). All movies have their positives and negatives, which are unique to their respective genres.
So when you’re reviewing this, you should be comparing it to movies like Iron Man, Batman Begins, X-Men 2, Spider-Man, etc. etc.
Thus, when you say “‘The Avengers’ was very, very entertaining”, then you can agree that (as an ENTERTAINMENT movie) it did what it was supposed to do very well and deserves more than 3 out of 5, no?
If you look at what this movie is mainly about:
Action, humor, quick and smart dialogue, a well thought out plot, amazing character moments and development, I think you’ll realize there’s a check mark next to most of those… at least, that’s what most critics out there think (I haven’t seen it myself, but I’m off to the theater in an hour to find out)
That’s it exactly! He’s spouting about classic cinema roots and “The Artist” and The Avengers is a popcorn movie of the highest order. The only award I could see it winning or even getting nominated for is Special Effects. However, when judged against its peers, I find Avengers to be the best “comic book movie” I’ve seen yet. It fulfilled it’s promise on every level. Epic action, humor, emotion, witty dialog (with few glaring exceptions) and provided me with 2.5 hours of nonstop entertainment. I was glued to the screen the entire time and when it was over I felt hardly any time had passed. That says it all to me. Then he goes on to say it will be forgotten when Dark Knight Rises is released, and that to me smacks of DC fanboi-ism. As much as I’ve enjoyed Nolan’s Batman series, I’m more looking forward to seeing Avengers for the second (and third) time than I am to seeing Dark Knight Rises.
Actually he said The Avengers will be forgotten about when the The Dark Knight Rises comes out in theaters. The he said that The Dark Knight Rises will be forgotten when The Hobbit comes out in theaters.
I agree 99.99%. I would say that you can’t compare Avengers to Nolan’s Batman because Nolan’s film is more crime drama than comic book movie. I wholeheartedly agree with you that comparing films of different genre’s is disingenuous to the highest degree. If a film of a specific genre is very, very entertaining for that genre, then it should be reviewed on that fact. Would someone review Back to the Future on the dramatic side? Of course not.
Aaww… what about the other 0.01%
The .01% is the Nolan Batman films are considered crime dramas, at least by me.
Kahless the Unforgettable, that’s the first time i’ve ever heard anyone say that Nolans file was more of a crime drama than a comic book movie…and i’ve gotta say i think you hit the nail RIGHT on the head
Better comparing Batman to James Bond – Avengers is in a league all of its own !
Seeing it Friday !
Really unfair to compare Avengers with movies like those. And it’s not really about following the trend. Heck, I watched Titanic 3 times in the theatre this time, and will probably watch Avengers multiple times as well. Both good movies, but totally in a different league. My main motive for seeing the Avengers is that it seems like a fun, action-packed superhero movie, instead of the emotional, ‘superhero roaming around depressed or crying over his love’ kind of superhero movie (Superman Returns, Spiderman, The Hulk come to mind).
How is him saying he didn’t really like it any diffrent then someoen else saying they like it on a bunch of post. Let the man say what he wants you all are getting way to defensive over a movie.
Heh, I’m not getting defensive over anything. I share his opinion somewhat, as in I also prefer classic stuff/real stunts over CGI, but gotta indulge in everything, hehe.
Yeah I agree. Thor and Iron Man were better. I saw The Avengers, it’s got heaps of actions, very funny in parts, the 3D is amazing. It’s just having a main character serves the story so much better, then the ensemble cast of Avengers. In the Avengers there is no main character and it just seems weird. I just enjoyed Thor and Iron Man better. Avengers 8/10 though. Still awesome.
nzfilm is a fraud and has not seen the movie. Nolanites don’t quit.
True dat! BRO FIST BOTHA! Avengers will be forgotten and will rest in dust once Nolan arrives beeyoutch!
To NZ’s credit, however (and not saying he’s right or wrong), he didn’t say TDKR will be better in a vacuum. He said it will come out and be considered the fantastic end-all-be-all; THEN, “The Hobbit” will follow and usurp that position. He was making a valid point that the public’s tastes tend to be very fickle. That is a simple fact and not just his opinion. Those of you attacking him for giving his thoughts are acting much like the “Nolanites” against whom many of you have been railing. As for the fact that he has given this same critique on more than one thread, it’s no different than the MANY people who have done exactly the same thing on multiple threads…and not always as neutrally (just look at various TDK and TDKR and “Man of Steel” threads for proof).
Just something to consider…
Thank you. That is exactly what I’m saying. It’s just like “Titanic” when that was released. Just like any of the “Transformers” films. Just like “Avatar”. All I’m saying is that the hype is ridiculous and the film will b forgotten in a few months. And if you must no, I’m not that bigger fan of Nolan…
I haven’t seen “Following”
“Memento” was actually pretty good 4/5
“Insomnia” was okay 2.5/5
“Batman Begins” is the best Batman film to date 3.5/5
“The Prestige” I think is underrated, but still no masterpiece 3/5
“The Dark Knight” is a piece of s*** (bring it on fan boys) 2/5
“Inception” okay… so this one I loved and would put in my “Top 10 favourite films of all time” 5/5
So you see… I’m not “Nolanite” just making a simple and valid point that obviously you simple brain-dead people can’t comprehend.
Thank you. That is exactly what I’m saying. It’s just like “Titanic” when that was released. Just like any of the “Transformers” films. Just like “Avatar”. All I’m saying is that the hype is ridiculous and the film will b forgotten in a few months. And if you must no, I’m not that bigger fan of Nolan…
I haven’t seen “Following”
“Memento” was actually pretty good 4/5
“Insomnia” was okay 2.5/5
“Batman Begins” is the best Batman film to date 3.5/5
“The Prestige” I think is underrated, but still no masterpiece 3/5
“The Dark Knight” is a piece of s*** (bring it on fan boys) 2/5
“Inception” okay… so this one I loved and would put in my “Top 10 favourite films of all time” 5/5
So you see… I’m not a “Nolanite” just making a simple and valid point that obviously you simple brain-dead people can’t comprehend.
Sorry for the double post.
your opinion is a joke. and that is by your own standards.
first, you say that you are entitled to your own opinion. and then you say that everyone who liked the movie is a sheep just following the herd.
that is contradictory.
i will similarly categorize you as a hipster jerk who hates popular films just because they’re popular.
I disagree, unless TDKR shows something really kickass in the real near future I don’t think it’ll do as good. Personally speaking, I haven’t seen anything to impress me yet. Even without TA as competition I don’t think it will live up to TDK, not with what they’ve shown so far. As for The Hobbit, I reserve judgement until later, I haven’t really been following that one.
I’ve went to the Belgian premiere of this movie after months/ years of anxiously awaiting this movie after it being teased in Iron Man 1.
I must say that it was even better then I had imagined. The whole movie just breaths a comic book vibe. It has been described in previews as a totally different superhero film then Christopher Nolan’s Batman, and I’d even go further as to calling it a film from a totally different genre!
Where ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ pull the comic elements from its roots in the Batman universe, Marvel has tried, and after seeing this movie succeeded, in creating a universe that pulls us out of our everyday (dull) lives and lets us roam free to enjoy the adventures these superheroes. In that sense I believe that Joss Whedon’s ‘The Avengers’ is a real comic book movie, embracing its comic books roots and presenting people who really are ‘super’ people. Characters we all adore because we ‘want’ to be like them, but we know we could never ‘be’ them. Batman has been such an amazing success because it gives us the idea that we could be this hero, for real (if we had the money and the training). I think this difference is style will be key to the future of superhero films. Where the DC universe gives us reality and humanity and the Marvel universe fantasy and entertainment.
To back up my claim, just look at the Green Lantern. It was an enjoyable film, but it didn’t succeed in letting us believe in the world it presented. I’ve seen a lot of people cheer for a Justice League film and I honestly hope it never sees the light of day.. A vey harsh and perhaps questionable claim, but unless it can give us a fitting universe to work its magic, it will be doomed before they even start filming. Having said that I think that DC comic book characters are more fit for standalone quality features that can keep audiences engaged, whereas Marvel characters can be used together like in “The Avengers” because it focuses on entertainment.
Feel free to comment, did you enjoy this movie? What do you think will be the future of comic book/ superhero films?
You sir, make an extremely valid point. I was tossing up between giving it a 3/5 or a 3.5/5, but looking at it from your point of view, I would give it a very strong 4.5/5. I was able to loose myself in the film (which doesn’t happen very often). I did like the fact that Joss was aware of the fact that “The Avengers” is larger than life and I guess trying to ground something like this in reality wouldn’t work. Wow. You might have made me change my entire opinion of the film (and that doesn’t happen very often either
). Thank you. Can’t wait to see it again and again 
I also like the fact that this film gives merit to the five tie-in films that proceeded “The Avengers”. Trust me; after watching this, go back and watch “Iron Man 2″ and everything makes so much more sense. My opinion before seeing “The Avengers”…
1. “Iron Man”
2. “Thor”
3. “The Incredible Hulk” (extremely underrated)
4. “Iron Man 2″
5. “Captain America: The First Avenger”
My opinion after seeing “The Avengers”…
1. “The Avengers”
2. “Iron Man 2″ (I know! Shocking isn’t it? You’ll see why)
3. “Thor”
4. “Iron Man”
5. “Captain America: The First Avenger”
6. “The Incredible Hulk”
I really never got why people hated IM2. I have loved that film from it’s inception (shut up Nolan fans
), and have seen it more than any other Marvel film. Could it have been better? Sure, but I was immensely entertained.
@naiknaT_jreS: as if put captain america all the way down there, that movie was so cool, and ironman 2 was better than it?? well to each his own. but avengers will always be number one for me
From an entertainment perspective, Iron Man 2 was an overindulgent movie with excessive-comedy and almost no action to speak of. The 2 hours sitting through the movie were a long one, with some scenes making me cringe. So I wouldn’t even count it among the top 5 Marvel movies, hehe.
Anyway, 14 hours from now I’ll be watching the Avengers myself. Can’t wait.
I mean… did any of you guys actually read my comment? I didn’t like “Iron Man 2″ at first, but “The Avengers” sheds so much light on WTF moments. It gives background story to Black Widow. It shows why Nick Fury showed up when he did and why he wasn’t in any of the other films. And I hated “Captain America”. I hated everything about it. Just my opinion though. But in “The Avengers”… Steve Rogers was my favourite character.
Already watched the movie.
I’m from the Philippines and the movie opened yesterday, April 25.
It’s a must- see and definitely it did not disappoint me.
Saw it yesterday, going back on tomorrow for another viewing. Great atmosphere in the cinema, everyone seemed to love it. People actually stood up and cheered at certain parts, never seen that before.
I was very surprised of the angle they used for the story of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. It was amazing. The best I ever saw. I loved The Hulk in The Avengers (lots of humour). It was a very enjoyable movie and it’s true that this is really a comicbookmovie.
Stop complaining. America gets infinitley more films released before Europe or abroad. About time you guys have to wait!
who is that directed at? i saw no one complaining. i think it was a smart move on marvel/disney’s part to release overseas 1st to build up more anticipation over here. the midnight screenings are1 week from today.
Here in South America it opens up today and I can garantuee that the theaters will be packed until next Friday
Husband and I have declared this movie the “Date Night” the first since our daughter was born 20 months ago. In my eagerness for the movie I kept getting weekends mixed up and scheduled the babysitter for the wrong weekend.
*bangs head against desk*
Luckily, my babysitter corrected me and then in perfect teenage form, mocked me and my old braincells. I think I’ll feed my child prune juice that day for revenge…
lmao!
Now that was funny!
Going to see it at 2.40 uk time. I feel like a cat on a hot tin roof. I have that same bubbly tension in my belly that i had before I saw Star Wars. I was 7 then. 42 now. Haha!
i feel ya sam. i’m 44 and i feel like such a big kid every time i talk about this movie. i’m more anxious to see it than my kids. my 16 year old daughter has no interest in this whatsoever, and whenever she see me watching YET another clip, and if it has the hulk in it, she will quip something about “oh, they made another grinch who stole christmas movie?” i’ll usually retort ” go read your sparkly vampire books again”
Hahaha!
RAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I need a frakkin’ time jump! C’mon next weekend, get here already!!!!!!!
Just got back from AVENGERS I am a Nolanite but DAM I dont know how he is going to top that BEST ACTION movie i have ever seen , LOL funny and very emotional in places , After Iron Man 2 i didnt think anyone could make me like Blackwidows character but i will be dammed if she wasnt my favourite character in the movie , i carnt say enough good hings about Wheadon he delivered BIG TIME !
Mark your calendars geeks! A Nolanite has admitted that Nolan might be defeated!
If the world ends before May 4th, I’m going to be ticked off!
I think The Avengers will make more than The Dark Knight Rises opening weekend only because of the 3D upcharges on tickets. I think The Dark Knight Rises will sell more tickets.
I don’t care, I just want both to be awesome.
What about the TDKR IMAX “upcharges”?
that si pretty low for us aussies
the movie itself though is pure epic, everything is almost perfect minus the continuous humour (which is tolerable but unnecessary).
for marvel fans this movie won’t feel like 2 hrs and 20min mainly b/c everything is done so well and nothing is boring (all the dialogue is in context with what is happening in the movie unlike ironman 2).
i give it a solid 4.5/5, whedon and everyone else involved did an amazing job with this. cant wait for avengers 2
Hope the Avengers sequel will be made soon…2014?
I bring you good news from downunder (the one that’s not filled with flies & poisonous snakes
):
The Avengers now has the highest grossing opening day of all time in New Zealand! Having just come out from ANZAC day, I’m feelin’ mighty patriotic.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Avengers-smashes-NZ-box-office-record/tabid/418/articleID/251981/Default.aspx
How about Sheep? I hear there are plenty of sheep in NZ
There are no wolves on Fenris.
Possible the best superhero movie of all time. I already have tickets for 2 more screenings!
Seeing it this saturday. I can not wait !!!!
8.4 on IMDB? It’s on 8.8/10 right now!! On my computer at least, if it’s not updated.
Couldn’t be more excited at this point!!!
Here in Mexico we are waiting for midnight!!!
And after seeing the praise on the action pieces I’m sure my second screening will be on 4D, I want to feel the action!
I was always curious if on imdb how many reviews are fake. I feel like some crazy fans make like 200 reviews to help the movie
i am in SAO PAULO brazil and i get to watch the avengers tomorrow…words cannot describe the excitement i have for tomorrow evening, years of anticipation finally culminating into a 2.5 hour movie…i hope the subtitles dont detract.
OMG YEAH NERDGASM ASSEMBLE!!!!! WAAAHOOOOOOOO
I will be seeing Avengers tomorrow night and admit that my anticipation increases with every positive comment / review. You can normally tell a movie’s quality if the majority of the feedback is overwhelmingly good – and that’s even from the more ‘professional critics’ if there is ever such a thing.
Whilst I’m certain Avengers is as awesome as most people say, the lead up for TDKR has been very low key so far. Still have no doubt that the true movie event of the year wont happen until December with The Hobbit
To my fellow Ranters:
I hope all of you outside the US that will be seeing The Avengers this weekend enjoy the film and that it’s everything you & we have hoped for.
This summer seems to be a giant thank you to all us Comic Book Readers and CBM buffs.
Enjoy…
I’m watching it tomorrow, suckers!!
You do realize that Klingons are expert trackers right?
I didn’t get the reference. I was born well after Star Trek’s glory days.
Also, I just watched The Avengers. And you should know, you’re gonna love it.
I’ve seen The Avengers, and I’ll be posting my SPOILER FREE thoughts on the movie in tomorrow’s Open Discussion.
For those of you who care
I will say this though:
Best Avengers movie I’ve ever seen? Yes
Best Marvel movie I’ve ever seen? Yes
Best Comic Book movie I’ve ever seen? Hells Yes
Best MOVIE I’ve ever seen?… quite possibly… I’ll have to see the movie at least two more times before I can admit to that.
I am jealous, I still have about 8 more days, I appreciate the no spoilers.
OK, that’s it! My anticipation has officially gone through the atmosphere; it was through the roof but now it’s gone even further!
Just wanted to say I posted a 1000+ word review on the ‘Avengers Spoiler Discussion’ thread (it says “awaiting moderation” so I’m not even sure it’ll make it through
).
I’ll be sure to keep the OD one shorter
Seen yesterday, in italy.
Best superhero film ever made.
Amazing effects, good story, good characters, amazing hulk, some good pretty and fun scenes.
A MUST SEE…
Can. Not. WAIT!
This is good news, Marvel needs to be rewarded for giving the fans something we’ve wanted to see for years.