By Mark Saldana
Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars)
After eleven years and twenty-one movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe reaches a major turning point with Avengers: Endgame. Not only does the film serve as an end to the Thanos/Infinity Stones story arc, it also serves as a bridge to new adventures ahead. I won’t get into the exact how’s and why’s because it would be a major diservice to spoil such an amazing film that literally serves as an end of sorts. With Endgame, director Anthony and Joe Russo and writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeeley have created an amazing conclusion to an incredible and wonderful cinematic journey.
Following the shocking events of Avengers: Infinity War, the surviving Avengers work on their next move to reverse the ugly and frightening handiwork of the mad titan Thanos (Josh Brolin). Psychologically wounded, but not completely physically broken, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) must put their personal differences aside and work together. Though the team suffered heavy losses the first time, they are rejoined by Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and joined by new member Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). Defeating Thanos is no easy task, but the universe’s mighty heroes are willing to make one final stand.
Though I was mostly impressed with Avengers: Infinity War and what the filmmakers accomplish, it just doesn’t quite compare to what the filmmakers pull off with Endgame. The writers and directors take on a story of epic proportions and make it fly high successfully. Their character development, the drama, comedy, action beats, and the call-backs to multiple MCU films work even better than in the previous films.
The visual and sound effects and the CGI looks way better than in the previous movie. It doesn’t look as artificial, especially in the Earth scenes. It is truly a phenomenal cinematic experience on so many levels. I could go into all of the many cast members, but that feels like a waste of time at this point. Most fans know them and love them at this point and they all perform outstandingly.
Avengers: Endgame is as much a visual and auditory experience as it is a tremendous accomplishment in storytelling and filmmaking. My advice is not to sell one’s self short and see this movie in the best theater available. Day or night, this film is totally worth any price of admission.