Crime fighting pays in 'Marvel's The Avengers'

It’s taken a long time — and a lot of money — to assemble “The Avengers.” Marvel Studios began developing the superhero superfilm seven years ago. A screenwriter began work in 2007. The stars who played the eponymous characters from “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Thor” and the two “Iron Man” films — as well as a new “Hulk” — were brought together for the first time. Their salaries and, more importantly, the special effects that turn movies into spectacles led to a reported $220 million budget.

The result? “The Avengers” is an engaging-enough film. But with that kind of treasure, talent and time, you’d expect more — a lot more than this completely conventional action flick delivers.