Director: Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring: Everyone
Year: 2019
Spoiler Fever has been sweeping social media as Endgame releases across the world and audiences tune in, some of which can’t stop themselves from talking about what they just saw. I had the same problem walking out of the theatre, I had to remember to keep my voice down, that I wasn’t alone, that my desire to discuss what just happened wasn’t more important than the enjoyment of the people around me who were just walking in. So no spoilers here, I won’t give away who lives, who dies, who tells their story (excuse the Hamilton song break), but you should know that the more you read and wait the higher your chance of catching some clue as to what you don’t want to know, and the plot of this film won’t stay under wraps for long. Still, I’ll be vague where I can, but don’t read on if you’re gonna keep waiting to join the rest of America; at some point it’s going to be your fault that you didn’t rush out and see this film, because not only is it that hyped, but it’s also that good, a strong finish for part of a franchise that we’ve come to love, and an event like few we’ve ever seen.
Obviously Spoiler Alert if you haven’t yet seen Infinity War; Thanos won. He snapped his fingers and half the population of the galaxy disappeared, while the rest were left to pick up the pieces of their fractured lives. For the Avengers, their first reaction is vengeance, but then the truth settles in; half their team is gone, and they’re not coming back. Humanity attempts to move on, including our heroes, but it’s a difficult road for most, and they can’t help thinking that there has to be a way to reverse Thanos’ evil, to bring back what’s been lost. And the answer, oddly enough, might not be out of sight exactly, but rather too small to see. When Ant-Man returns from the quantum realm where he was left when the Pym’s were Snapped, he brings a theory with him, and a chance to undo the damage that has been done. Dr. Strange saw it, Iron Man fears it, Hulk might be able to make the possibility a reality, but even if this gamble works, the future will still hold an epic battle for the fate of the universe between good and evil, once and for all, as the end game begins in earnest.
I could list every MCU film in the series from start to finish, I’ve seen & reviewed them all, but you know this is #22, you know the timeline, and you’re ready to move on, so here’s my Infinity War review which links to the rest, except for Ant-Man and the Wasp and Captain Marvel, which came after, so there are those links, and let’s move on. The universe was born, has expanded, and now contracts back to its core, bringing together the original team and lighting the way for a new phase of films; smart move. They got as much out of this push as they could, including some really stellar features, now it’s time to shift focus a little, bring in some new blood, and see where this thing can go. I’ve enjoyed this franchise and this team far more than I originally thought I would, and I’ve adapted my opinions of comic book movies as well; who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks. But that’s the power of these films, and the quality, they deserve our respect, and this generation is wrapping up in a way that’s very satisfying, so good on them. I’m not gonna dive into the “fan boy” argument, that’s pretty toxic, but I will say this; without fans there aren’t films, so leaving lifelong followers happy is simply a good idea, and Endgame does just that, putting tiny bows on so many packages that there’s nothing much left to say other than “thank you”.
Now on to the movie, which may not be quite as good as Infinity War or Civil War, which, apart from Guardians of the Galaxy, might be my favorites, but it’s still wicked awesome, which is what you’re going in to see. The story is as realistic as it is fantastic, which is an extremely difficult balance to find, so hats off to the Russos, who knew what they were doing and brought a million different actors and plot twists together to do it. A few favorite pieces: an aging Iron Man, a grounded Captain America, a comical Thor, a race against time, some kick-ass music, and enough little treats for fans to appease our need to both get exactly what we want and to be pleasantly surprised. A few negatives; Nebula, who I’ve always disliked as a character, Hawkeye, who doesn’t have a very talented actor bringing him to life, a few deus ex machina moments that felt too easy, and a bit too heavy a use of recycled moments instead of original ideas. But still, quibbles really, when ultimately the sense I got in the theatre was one of smart closure and simple fun, for comic books fans, movie buffs, sci-fi nerds, and anyone looking for action done well.
My rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
