The Marvel comic-book caper that delivers.

Rating: Null/10 (7 May 2012)

Nick Fury of the organisation S.H.I.E.L.D., recruits Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk, Thor and a few others to form a team that must stop Thor's brother Loki from enslaving the world.
Marvel's The Avengers (in the UK named Avengers Assemble possibly not to be confused with John Steed and Emma Peel, who knows why?) is a surprisingly satisfying superhero film.
While the previously named characters film outings almost shamefully set this one up writer and director Joss Whedon manages to pull the styles of the other directors together in this feature ensemble. While its not essential to see the other films it's does help to fill in some gaps.
The music score isn't particularly memberable but heightens the on screen action accordingly. Where as spider-man reeked of quick cuts and a cgi replacement, Whedon and team manages to keep Avengers comic book action integrated, accessible and visually coherent.
Notably Mark Ruffalo replaces Edward Norton as Hulk/Banner and sits quite nicely with top cast that includes Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson. A few sub- character also return.
The story isn't overly complicated and sticks to a bumper issue Marvel edition. The film doesn't try to overly deepen the characters and stays close to the comic book spirit and roots.
Packed with one liners, top effects and great comic book characters The Avengers ticks all the boxes that arguably some of the stand alone prelude films didn't manage to do.