May 4, 2012 is the date that has been circled on every Marvel fanboy and girl's calendar: It is the day that The Avengers finally assembled. Since that juggernaut that is Joss Whedon’s film is likely to dominate the box office, there are very few other options for filmgoers this first weekend of May. In a smart move of counter programming, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel goes after more mature audiences while Kate Hudson’s A Little Bit of Heaven is out there for those who are craving a little more romance.

The Avengers: Whedon has crafted a masterwork. Capitalizing on the momentum set forth by Marvel Studios’ Iron Man, Iron Man 2, two Hulk films, Captain America and Thor, Whedon’s film achieves success on every level. As we state in our The Avengers review, this is a movie for all audiences, not simply those enamored by superheroes.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) reunites with Judi Dench and brings along Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson in a labor of love about a group of older Brits who head to India to stay at the titular hotel. Check out our The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel review for more on this delightful flick.

A Little Bit of Heaven: Kate Hudson returns to cinema as a single woman who discovers she has a life-threatening illness. She finds romance in the most unlikely of places: Her doctor! Gael Garcia Bernal plays the love interest and the film is sure to attract legions who desire more from their weekend movie than explosions and Marvel mastery.