I've rarely loved a film as much as I love Joss Whedon's Avengers. It misses out on too much of Hawkeye's backstory, but everything else is simply note perfect. From Mark Ruffalo's Banner/Hulk through to Downey's Stark/Iron Man it's true to the characters of the book, and manages what almost every other blockbuster this summer has failed to do: develop the characters and make them likeable! In many ways it's a difficult film to review, because so much of its likeability is the crackling dialogue and razor sharp performances. The conflict between Stark and Steve Rogers in particular is fascinating, with Whedon not just exploring their contradictory characters individually, but what that would lead to when put under pressure. And who thought Mark Ruffalo would be such a perfect replacement for Edward Norton? He and his CGI (this time sensational) alter ego come close to stealing the show, with witticisms Whedon majestically refuses to signpost. It's a long film, but hardly short on plot, although Whedon could at a push be chided for not explaining enough of the back story of Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner never looking better) or Scarlet Johannson's Black Widow, but a start *is* made, and hopefully they'll be given more room to breathe in the recently confirmed sequel. Fortunately Whedon remembers never to short change his geek or newbie audience alike of the humour such a serious and long film needs, be it the initial Thor/Cap/Iron Man battle, or Cap demonstrating just why he's the leader of men his reputation suggests. It's hugely entertaining from start to finish, the 3D is entirely appropriate and I can't wait for the next one. The Marvel movie you thought could never happen!