Avengers: Endgame (2019) Spoiler Free Review
The Thanos (Josh Brolin) snap wiped out fifty percent of the population. Our surviving heroes must embark on a mission to put things right. But can they even undo the disaster the Mad Titan caused?
It's hard to believe we've only waited a year for the follow up to Infinity War... and Endgame does not disappoint!
Though, throughout Infinity War, we're genuinely hopeful as the audience that the Avengers (and friends) can beat Thanos. There's an overarching positivity and it makes the film an easy, lighthearted watch - something so enjoyable that you wouldn't mind a repeat viewing. Endgame on the other hand, is bleak - at least for the first act. It makes for a considerably heavier film and it's not quite what you've come to expect from the MCU. There's always going to be adversity, but their task in Endgame seems impossible to pull off! That, combined with the three-hour run time, shows the latest installment is a completely different beast.
That isn't to say the film is weaker than Infinity War, rather, it's a natural progression of the story. The bleak tone of the film reflects how all our surviving Avengers, and the audience are feeling - like something is missing. It's a feeling that's hard to shake, especially when you consider characters like Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) had stand-out moments in Infinity War. Their presence is sorely missed in this installment.
The dusting may have wiped out many beloved characters but this gives others the chance to shine in Endgame. Scott Lang/Ant Man (Paul Rudd) has many memorable scenes and shows himself to be one of the more relatable members of the group. It's clear that Paul Rudd has inherited the everyman role we saw with Peter Parker in Infinity War. Fortunately, it really pays off.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is shown in a way you'd never expect - in continuation to the comedic tone set by Ragnarok, the character boldly styles a new look. It's not done for a single cheap gag, though the gag is good, it's carried out through the entirety of the film and it really works for the character. Chris Hemsworth continues to let his comedic talent burst out on-screen and shows he will trust the writers with anything they throw at him... anything.
Endgame isn't an easy journey for these characters and we do lose people on the way. As much as we'd love to see these characters (and actors) come back, to give their deaths any emotional weight, it would be more effective if they weren't to return later down the line.
Celebrating the past ten years of the MCU, we're reminded of previous moments from the franchise, we're given glimpses of characters we've lost, we're transported back to the highs and lows of our heroes' journeys. It's a touching tribute that will be difficult to replicate with the same impact, ten years down the line. Stories are wrapped up, journeys are brought to an end and we finally have answers of which actors are staying with the franchise!
The film isn't without it's fair share of flaws but everything can be forgiven for the satisfying conclusion we're rewarded with. We've waited a year to see how Infinity War would be resolved and the pay-off is definitely worth it. With laugh out loud moments, touching tributes, sad farewells and glimmers of hope for the future, Endgame is undeniably great! It's a much heavier watch, but it is called 'Endgame' after all...
Rating: 4/5
Dir: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Prd: Kevin Feige
Scr: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Rudd, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson, Josh Brolin, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner
Country: United States
Year: 2019
Running time: 181 minutes
Catch Avengers: Endgame in cinemas now.