2. The Avengers - The Avengers Assemble
Joss Whedons blockbuster juggernaut was a deserved critical success thanks primarily to the fact that it managed to strike such a great balance between spectacle and story in order to produce a film that arguably managed to exceed expectation. None of us were really too sure how he was going to work all the characters in and how the story would develop, but Whedon managed it perfectly. The final showdown on New Yorks streets between The Avengers and the Chitauri fleet led by Loki is one of the most spectacular and jaw-dropping special effects sequences of the year. Its hard to pick out one specific moment with so many to choose from, Hulk.smash and Im always angry spring immediately to mind. However I think Ill have to go for that shot weve all come to know from its extensive use in the films promotion campaign as the Avengers assemble on the New York streets. Finally unified and a team, the camera zooms around them as they stand ready to take on whatever is thrown at them next. Its an iconic moment and a brief moment of respite in amidst the chaos and destruction of the finale.