Blockbuster of the decade really is sight for Thor eyes

CHRIS HUNNEYSETT

AVENGERS: ENDGAME (12A) Running time: 181 minutes ★★★★★

IT is game over for Marvel’s competition as their latest superhero spectacular smashes into cinemas like the Hulk on steroids, and is the thunderous triumph we’ve been hoping for.

With a multitude of famous faces battling to save the universe through extraordinary action sequences powered by eye-popping CGI, it builds on 11 years of consistently highcalibre storytelling to deliver the blockbuster of the decade.

Robert Downey Jnr, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth return as surviving Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, with Marvel milking their charisma and combustible chemistry for all their scenestealing worth in this ridiculously entertaining popcorn adventure.

This follows on from last year’s extraordinary Avengers: Infinity War, where half the world’s population and many of our favourite heroes died.

The surviving Avengers who also include Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, are consumed by grief and anger, yet resolve to avenge their fallen brethren by defeating the intergalactic warlord, the mad titan Thanos.

ALL-POWERFUL

However what keeps the result always in doubt is Josh Brolin’s compellingly meaty and intelligent turn as the confident and all-powerful villain.

Of course this time the Avengers have a last-minute substitute arrive in the form of Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, and her awesome cosmic ability and mischievous smirk firms up everyone’s resolve.

She adds a welcome extra dimension to the maledominated camaraderie and helps address the significant gender imbalance by being at least as powerful of any of the men, and for being far from content at taking orders.

With a three-hour runtime full of shocks, stuns and surprises, this hugely-emotional finale had the hardcore fans laughing and cheering at the heroism on show, and moved some to tears.

This easily matches The Lord Of The Rings: The Return of the King, for magnificent scope and that epic equalled the all-time best Oscar haul with 11 wins.

Though I don’t believe this will sweep the board at the Academy Awards, it is clear Marvel have a best picture Oscar in their sights as their endgame, and I am not betting against them getting it.