3. The Avengers
Anyone sceptical about Disneys recent acquisition of Lucasfilm and the green-lighting of Star Wars Episode VII need only look at The Avengers (or Marvels Avengers Assemble here in the UK) to set your mind at ease. Disney took a series full of average films based around Marvels lesser known heroes, threw in the right director and created pure fanboy gold. Joss Whedons super hero team up is the antithesis to Nolans Batman. Whereas Bruce Wayne was in a gritty, realistic Gotham, Whedon brings together a genius, a god, a frozen super soldier and a big green meanie without even questioning the ridiculousness. Its very tongue in cheek, never far from the next joke and is fun entertainment, although thats all it is; the film does admittedly suffer from a slow, eventful opening that weakens on rewatch. The Hulk proves to be the films (and the teams) secret weapon. After two poor attempts to cash in on Marvels angry scientist in the naughties, Whedon dispenses with all the inner turmoil of the character, instead letting the Hulk smash. The decision to get rid of the characters defining characteristic (dont make me angry) may have seemed like sacrilege, but instead gives the film its unique edge. It was the playful nature and reverence to the characters that made The Avengers such a hit; it is now the third highest grossing film of all time.