You’d expect Marvel to be running out of steam by now, but this latest offering confounds expectations. Captain America: Civil War brandishes the series’ signature eye-popping visual spectacle in a package that skimps on neither heart nor wit. This is the best MCU film since the original Iron-Man.

The screenwriters have managed to succeed in two key areas that have been eroding the franchise. One: the stakes are raised by intelligently dealing with the consequences of super-powered beings imploding, exploding and generally wreaking havoc upon civilian infrastructure. Two: the overabundance of ‘enhanced individuals’ is deftly juggled in a script where no character feels shoehorned (..mostly). But while the procession of superhero cameos entertains, the biggest star continues to be the inimitable Robert Downey Jnr as Iron-Man. In fact, he has the most acting to do here in spite of the title of the movie—yet more evidence that Downey is the bedrock upon which a cinematic empire has been built.

Ultimately the most impressive feat of this 13^th MCU title is that it has left me wanting more. I enjoy spending time with this eclectic band of characters and I look forward to seeing where Marvel chooses to go next.