After years of buildup and prequels, “The Avengers” is merely average.

The story works, the acting is superb, the humor is on key and the action sequences are breathtaking.

The special effects are impressive but not especially imaginative, and the film is unduly protracted.

Downey’s Stark/Iron Man steals the show because the actor is capable of making the tritest dialogue sound wonderfully witty, but the CGI effects are amazing and, despite its length, the film is very enjoyable.

The Avengers is an amazing madness that guarantees entertainment, fun and awe with the most fantastic gathering of heroes that cinema has ever seen.

Nothing but 2:20 of special effects and ridiculous fights…it’s like all the superheroes are trying out at the Improv to see who can give the best one-liner, and none of them do.

The film begins with a bang and builds from there, a thrill ride peppered with Whedon’s trademark self-aware humor. It’s fun to watch all these egos clash, especially Downey, who just owns the Tony Stark role.