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It's been awhile since I did a review, but it was... inevitable... that I review "Endgame". I will keep it spoiler-free because it's the right thing to do. The good news is that the previews throw out some red herrings, so if you can avoid spoilers, you will be thoroughly surprised and entertained. The bad news is that spoilers abound, so if you use the Internet regularly, you need to see the film before they snake their way into your life. People will be talking about this film fast and furious, and no, Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) does not fly into Thanos' butt to kill him.
Nearly a year after the cataclysmic and abrupt ending to "Infinity War", audiences have been salivating and theorizing in anticipation of the epic finale to the ten year and multi-billion dollar Marvel Comic Extended Universe. It's not the actual finale, but it marks the end to phase three. For those unfamiliar, phase one introduced our core heroes (Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America) and ended with 2012's "Avengers". Phase two was the core sequels, introduction to the "Guardians of the Galaxy," the Avengers sequel, "Age of Ultron" and "Ant-Man". Phase three expanded the universe with Dr. Strange, Black Panther, Spider-Man, and Captain Marvel. The culmination of Phase Three is "Endgame" and now this summer's "Spider-Man: Far From Home" will technically wrap up Phase three, but more likely will jump start Phase four ("Black Widow," "The Eternals," "Dr. Strange 2," "Black Panther 2," "Guardians of the Galaxy 3"). Are you all caught up now?
Thanos (voiced brilliantly by Josh Brolin), who is perhaps the greatest antagonist of the 21st Century (not living in the White House), has decimated the universe with the devastating snap of his fingers. Our surviving Avengers are aimless, searching for purpose and direction now that half of the human population has suddenly vanished. Their only hope is to seek out the infinity stones and hope that they can turn back time to bring their friends back and stop Thanos.
Time travel. Why did it have to be time travel? I'm glad you asked. Ever since we were introduced to the infinity stones in an agonizing fashion over nearly twenty films, we have been slowly meant to believe that there is a cosmic force more powerful than any fathomable law of physics or science. The stones collectively showed their true potential during "Infinity War" and so they are the most valuable treasure in history. They do a nice job of explaining the Marvel version of time travel theory, which is far different than that of "Back to the Future" or "Hot Tub Time Machine." Anyhow, the only way to undo the "snappening" is to go back and change history.
It's no coincidence that the survivors of the snap happen to be our original heroes; Captain, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow. This film is their swan song as they make way for the new generation of heroes who we have come to respect and love.
Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) has been the face of the Avengers since day one. His films have literally created everything that followed in both tone and credibility. Marvel could have easily gone the direction of DC and been a scattershot of single films, but the vision, the exceptional casting, and most importantly, the stamina to get to the endgame is nothing short of remarkable. Iron Man was the one who showed the most character growth from start to finish, and his portrayal and performance in his final appearance (his salary is untenable. He's made over $200 million as the character with salaries and back end cuts rising with each film). Downey's portrayal of Tony Stark is effortless as usual, and drives the essence of the entire franchise. His final film is subtle, but full of emotional baggage, and inner-struggles (par for the course with Tony).
If Iron Man is the face of the franchise, Captain America (Chris Evans) is the heart. His moral compass is always true, and it's his unwavering courage, loyalty, and spirit of fight that has made him so endearing over the years. Evolving from a boy scout to a jaded, scorned warrior, and back to somewhere in between. It's Captain's journey that is the most heartbreaking in the end, and to be candid, Captain America is the strongest character developed from start to finish in "Endgame" and it's a fitting ending to his legacy.
Thor is my favorite Avenger, and admittedly, his role in "Endgame" was disappointing to say the least. After his rip-roaring showing of might as the God of Thunder at the end of "Infinity War" he descends into more comic relief and less godliness than is necessary. It's probably the most glaring mistake by the writers and directors, but hey, you can't expect perfection.
Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) joins the team (obviously) to help balance the scales of power in the revenge plot against the Mad Titan, and we are treated to a glorious three hours of ebbs and flows of action, emotion, and ultimately, a finale fitting of "Return of the King" or "Return of the Jedi" status.
The final battle sequence will go down in history as one of the more epic battles in cinematic history, and makes the whole buildup worthwhile. The whole twenty-two film, ten-year journey.
After a year of speculation, anticipation, theories, set photo leaks, scrutinized interviews, and attempts to figure out what finally happened after Thanos' snap, we have closure. Maybe now we can all rest now. Until July's "Spider-Man: Far From Home." "Avengers: Endgame" is tremendous, and checks all of the boxes of what makes a cinematic titan. Personally, a little disappointed, but critically, I was blown away in every way imaginable. 9/10.
