2) The Avengers
“Superheroes in New York? Gimme a break!” sneers Stan Lee near the end of Marvel’s biggest cinematic achievement to date. It’s a tongue-in-cheek cameo from the man who made it all possible, but it also underlines the extraordinary success of Marvel’s cinematic universe. With a huge array of egos to build a story around, an all-star cast all fighting for equal screentime, and a huge expectation for the film to blow all others like it out of the water, The Avengers had a lot riding against it.
Still, it achieved both critical and commercial acclaim, and rightfully so. It’s a film that mixes awesome special effects with a highly engaging cast of characters and creates something that will be remembered for years to come. If the term ‘crowd-pleaser’ had to be defined by one movie, The Avengers would surely be the main candidate.
So, what makes it such a great first date movie? Well, there’s plenty of eye candy for everyone to enjoy (Nick Fury’s eyepatch sure does bring out his sexy, mysterious side), and the whole film is centred on chaotic, over-the-top fun. Really, it’s impossible not to enjoy something from this movie.
With two Marvel films being released every year now, it’s also the perfect jumping on point for somebody unfamiliar with the universe (if such a person still exists). A great first date and the potential for plenty more superhero-filled ones to come? That’s why The Avengers should be required viewing in the early stages of any relationship.