Avengers Assemble
Cert: 12A
It's that familar story I'm sure we've all experienced: evil Norse legend teams up with equally evil alien race to attack Earth. Naturally, the U.S. government gathers a crack team of superheroes, monsters and scientists to thwart the tyrant and his hoardes. Okay, so the premise may be an unfamiliar and fanciful one, but the emotions, frailties and problems at the heart of this super movie are very human and recognisable.
To fight vengeful Loki and his alien army, government agency S.H.I.E.L.D. recruit Captain America (superhuman strength), Thor (godlike powers), Hawkeye (good with a bow and arrow), Iron Man (flying suit with weapons), Black Widow (devious spy) and Bruce Banner (turns into a huge green monster). And this is where the film gets interesting as egos clash, sparks fly and one-liners are thrown at everyone.
This is a huge movie, with huge action sequences and huge special effects. It looks spectacular, but not to the expense of a script which delivers very believable, real relationships. The main characters may be superhuman but they have very human flaws and characteristics — pride, superiority complexes, self-reliance, and a need to be wanted all come to the fore in this unusual, dysfunctional "family".
The physical problems they face, such as alien spacecraft attacks, are out of this world, but the emotional struggles are very down to earth. We see such battles of ego and personality every day in our families, work places, and especially our churches. How often are relationships strained and gospel work compromised because of the pride of people involved? Just like these superheroes, our own self-reliance and need for glory can compromise our mission. And just like these mighty characters, we can't expect success against our evil foe unless we discover unity.
As Paul puts it so brilliantly: "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2 v 1-5).
We don't need super powers to achieve unity in Christ; God gives us all the tools and abilities we need, through His Spirit.
Watch the film, enjoy the action, be blown away by the effects, and see if you recognise any of your own flaws in these incredible characters.
Martin Cole was a staff writer at The Good Book Company for many years working on Discover and Engage. He now works for a children's charity. Martin is married to Kirsty and has two children. He is a passionate lifelong supporter of Chesterfield FC.
