Cert 12A 181mins Stars 5

It’s 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 all 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 eleven years of consistently high-calibre storytelling to deliver the blockbuster of the decade.

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

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

The surviving Avengers who also include as 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, Thanos.

However what keeps the result always in doubt is Josh Brolin’s compellingly meaty and intelligent turn as the supremely 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’s adds a welcome extra dimension to the male-dominated 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 will have fans cheering at the desperate heroism on show, and move them to tears as various plot-lines develop.

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

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