An article in the WSJ by Austin Grossman (author of the novel “Soon I Will Be Invincible”):

Marvel’s ‘Avengers’: Can the Superhero Film Be Saved?

But there is a central truth about superhero films, that Whedon obviously gets. It’s not about banter or bigger explosions or CGI or moral clarity. Superheroes aren’t better or purer than other people, they are interesting because they’re f—ed up. Maybe it’s your body or your mind or your family situation- it’s probably all three. You get to a certain moment and your body starts doing amazing, terrifying things. To the point where your can fly or turn invisible or are unreasonably good at violent behavior. You’re not exactly normal; but it’s not exactly a normal world is it?

The true potential of the superhero film is seldom seen - a chance to bring a depth and detail an actor creates, to a very strange and compelling character. Most of the time it’s the opposite - they decide the word “superhero” means flattening and simplifying the story and personality to the point of deadness (in this matter Zak Penn has much to answer for - the second “Hulk” film, “X-Men 2″ and 3, “Elektra” - although his seldom-seen “Incident at Loch Ness” is evidence of talent).

An Avengers movie in the vein of "Soon I Will Be Invincible" would be awesome.

Saw The Losers today. In a word, NOM. Seriously, all I can say is "what ita said."

The Losers bombed, which I expected given how few people were in the theatre on Friday night. Alas.

Last night I finally finished watching this random movie I caught half of months ago: Mystery Date. Nineties flick starring Ethan Hawk and Teri Polo and also featuring Oscar winner Fisher Stevens and B.D. Wong. With special appearance by GWAR. And the awesome line "Ben! Jerry! Why don't you go get some ice cream?" Anyone else seen it? It's fun.

With special appearance by GWAR.

Every appearance by GWAR is special.

Did the movie have any connection with the board game "Mystery Date"?

I didn't notice how many people were in the theatre at our 9:40 showing, but inbetween deciding to go to the movie and deciding when to go to the movie the 8:00 showing sold out, so I was optimistic. But it looks like it only just beat Kick Ass.

I'm sad, but not surprised. I wonder if people are deciding that they'll go see The A Team instead. I'd be surprised if that's as much fun, but I'll go look at that too. I just won't be as opening night about it.

I read people complaining that the marketing stuff for The Losers sucked. Because I was such a fan of the three male leads, I was totally biased. Objectively, was it bad? I know Idris and JDM have not had to carry a big movie, but Chris Evans doesn't pull? Zoe Saldana?

I thought the marketing was great. I know I'm JDM biased, but the movie looked fun and smart, with lots of blowing up stuff and snarky dialogue. What's not to like?

It better still be in a theater next weekend, or I will CRY.

Did the movie have any connection with the board game "Mystery Date"?

Don't think so. It's one of those mistaken-identity comedies.

But it looks like it only just beat Kick Ass.

Yeah, that one didn't really do as well as I expected it to. I just read the comic yesterday, and I was surprised at how faithful the movie actually was. Lots of scenes and lines taken directly from the book. Some minor changes here and there, and a couple major changes, but in general, I liked what the movie did more.

I read people complaining that the marketing stuff for The Losers sucked. Because I was such a fan of the three male leads, I was totally biased. Objectively, was it bad? I know Idris and JDM have not had to carry a big movie, but Chris Evans doesn't pull? Zoe Saldana?

That's weird. The trailers were great. I don't know what was so bad about the marketing.

Before The Losers, we saw a trailer for Takers, which also stars Idris Elba and Zoe Saldana. It looked like it could be a secret Losers spin-off. Where Idris gets to keep his accent. (Dude! Smash is in it!)

Before The Losers, we saw a trailer for Takers, which also stars Idris Elba

That's even weirder. I just saw an Idris Elba appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show and he didn't mention The Losers. He didn't mention Takers either.

Weird promotion.

We were kinda late into the movie (thank you, assigned seating) so I don't know what all the trailers were, but we did get Iron Man 2 (always a pleasure) and The Expendables which I now guess I'm seeing because the trailer was chock-a-block full of Statham (I really hate Stallone and most of the other old school stars other than Lundgren). I also read people saying it was the same movie as The Losers, but I don't remember actual plot from the trailer. Hrrm.

It didn't really tell what it's about, but it made it look fun. Isn't that really the deal with trailers? Of course, I was also all "Wow, is that Idris Elba?" Who I may or may not have called "Stringer" the first time.

I have not seen any marketing for Kick-Ass or The Losers aside from print ads.