The Avengers (2012)

Joss Whedon knows a thing or two about ensemble pieces, being the creative genius behind TV's Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel and the criminally short-lived Firefly. His big-screen career has never really taken off, but if there was ever a time to take flight, helming the Marvel mash-up Avengers Assemble is an excellent place to start. Not only does he have to make room for four of the world's biggest superheroes, but Jackson's Nick Fury, Johansson's Black Widow, Renner's Hawkeye and Hiddleston's big evil Loki are also after a piece of the action.

Everyone gets the spoils, but Ruffalo's Hulk takes the lead in the movie. Joss is wise to keep him under wraps for the first hour. This gives Ruffalo a chance to add weight, charm and subtlety to the role of Bruce Banner. When the big man takescharge, the results are electrifying, with Whedon achieving something no other director has managed before. Who knew The Hulk could laugh? Robert Downey Jr. snags most of the memorable lines, and Chris Evans gets plenty of screen time (his second take on Captain America is even more charming than the first), with Joss homing in on Cap's struggle to fit into modern-day America. Chris Hemsworth's Thor is still arrogant (and likeable). Even Hawkeye and the Black Widow are given a chance to shine, with unexpected plot twists providing plenty of ammunition for them both.

It does get talky at times (especially at the start of the second act), and the plot is certainly nothing to write home about, but Joss injects the movie with so much passion, wit and creativity that there is no chance of you feeling disjointed. The interplay is joy from start to finish, with Whedon finding the right balance between bruised egos and backward bonding. The final act – which provided the trailer with much of its material – is an absolute riot from start to finish. Joss has always been a talented writer; with Avengers Assemble, he proves he can handle Bruckheimer-sized action sequences, too. Josh keeps character to the fore and cruises to a rousing finale decked out with big laughs, pulse-pounding action and lots of things for The Hulk to smash up.

With so many memorable moments to choose from, The Avengers gets everything right, blessed with humour, heart and style to spare. The Dark Knight and The Amazing Spiderman have much to live up to this summer. This is because Joss Whedon has crafted one of the most innovative superhero movies ever.