Film: The Avengers

After five movies across four years have established the characters it seems redundant to say hype for 'The Avengers' has been high; thankfully the film doesn't disappoint. 

The film is definitely not one for newcomers to the Marvel franchise, right from the off you're expected to have at least a familiarity with the characters. Loki, the villain from Thor played by Tom Hiddleston, after getting a nifty power boost has decided he wants to rule the human race using a powerful alien army. It's up to the Earth's mightiest heroes, Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) to team up and defeat Loki to save the world from destruction. While the storyline may sound pretty generic, it's kept fresh with a perfect balance of witty dialogue and action.

I'd say the biggest problem Joss Whedon had to face was how to balance the four main characters without sidelining any of them. I'd say for the most part he is successful but they are moments when it feels a little more like Iron Man and friends; particularly in the way his love interest is featured where as the others are lucky to get a mention. Robert Downey Jr. is as brilliant as ever as Iron Man, it truly feeling like the role he was born to play. However all the stars are wonderful with their characters each getting something to do.  'Captain America' was my least favourite of the Marvel films so making me like him was a challenge. They achieve this well by giving him a fish out of water story, using him well for comic effect while still keeping him true to character. The portrayal of Hulk is also the best yet, with Mark Ruffalo giving Banner a quite, nervous edge and Hulk being a powerful that is brilliantly used for humour on many occasions. Chris Hemsworth continues on from his terrific performance in Thor, although he has grown into a far more mature character. Fans hoping for a superhero smack down also won't be disappointed, as every fan should know these guys really can't get together without kicking the crap out of each other.

The supporting cast are also incredibly well used. Scarlett Johansson is excellent as Black Widow stealing every scene she's in, she continues the Whedon tradition of pretty little girls kicking ass. Whereas in 'Iron Man 2' there was little else to her, this film adds to her character making her far more sympathetic. Her friendship with Hawkeye is also used to great effect later on. Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury also gets a lot more to do this time around than stand around and talk about the Avengers Initiative, getting directly involved in the action scenes and being eye and ears for the team. 

While newcomers will find the characters engaging, the dialogue funny and the action thrilling it's likely they will be greatly confused by what's going. Definitely one for the fans, who will definitely love it.