Avengers: Endgame – Film Review
After eleven years of build-up and anticipation all around the world, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame is finally here to wrap up this chapter of the beloved Marvel Cinematic Universe.
I vividly remember at the age of eight, coming home from school one day and my older brother was telling me about a film that he wanted to show to me. He told me it was a superhero movie titled Iron Man and I was intrigued as I had never heard of the character before. At that time in 2008, he had seen it already but did not mind seeing it again, so he showed it to me. I still recall the first time I saw that film with my brother and having an absolute blast watching a film on a superhero that I had yet to discover.
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame (2019)
After falling in love with that film, months later, Marvel released yet another picture, this one centered all around the big green giant The Incredible Hulk. After watching it, I knew right then and there that I was a massive fan of the Marvel characters and the movies based on them. I played the Nintendo DS movie tie-in game for it, and I was always looking forward to seeing the newest adventure on the big screen.
Ever since 2008, I have been on this journey with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it has been the time of my life. But, with recent years, I have looked at the films in this universe with a critical viewpoint and I still love almost all of them, even though I do acknowledge the problems with a few of them. But after watching the immensely shocking Avengers: Infinity War last year, my interest was extremely high, and I was genuinely curious as to what directors Anthony and Joe Russo would be able to do with the next installment.
Now, I can finally say that I have seen my most anticipated movie of all time – Avengers: Endgame.
After the mad titan Thanos (Josh Brolin) obtained all six Infinity Stones to power-up the Infinity Gauntlet and used it to wipe out half of all life in the universe, the remaining Avengers must band together to stand against Thanos one last time.
Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Avengers: Endgame (2019)
From the opening frames of Endgame, it is apparent that this film was directed with a lot of care from the Russo brothers. Previously, they helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and the aforementioned Infinity War. This is the final film for this chapter in the MCU and it is clear that the Russo brothers deeply care about crafting a special experience for long time fans.
This is, without a doubt, the most emotional installment in this franchise by far, as well. It may even be the most emotional superhero blockbuster of all time. One of the greatest strengths here, is the focus on the characters and how Thanos’ decimation from Infinity War has impacted them, and the world around them. These are superheroes that are always managing to save the day even in the most dire of circumstances. But, for the first time ever, they lost. Because they failed to stop Thanos, half of the world is now gone, and they feel responsible and they too lost friends and loved ones. Endgame depicts our heroes as people just like us and that was pleasantly surprising.
It also boasts an extremely talented cast list who all bring their best to the roles. Robert Downey Jr. has always been the true standout as Tony Stark / Iron Man, but it is in this film where he truly delivers his best performance as the billionaire playboy philanthropist. What the film does with his character took me by complete surprise and his arc is incredible.
Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Being a gigantic cinematic event within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is going to be a plethora of chaos and action, and it delivers on all levels. Viewers who have not been on this journey since the beginning, and are only there to watch exciting action sequences may leave Endgame disappointed, as it focuses primarily on the human side of the heroes. The action sequences, while not as plentiful as previous entries, is truly stunning. The entire third act will leave everybody breathless.
Additionally, there is not a single dull moment to be found here. When it was announced that the official running time would be three hours and one minute, some people were understandably unsure of how the pacing would be. But, thankfully, I can say that this entire film is filled to the brim with sequences that are exciting, emotional, and shocking from the beginning all the way to the end. In an interview, the Russo brothers stated that there is no good time to go to the bathroom in Endgame, and I agree completely.
This era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes to an emotionally exciting, shocking, and nail-biting end with Avengers: Endgame.
Overall Grade: A+
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Running Time: 181 minutes