Avengers: Endgame is the most devastating Avengers film and that’s not because it’s the last. Many of Endgame’s events come right out of the blue to shock you and then leave you mourning. I’ll say no further on that to avoid spoilers which for a film like Endgame can be so deviously tempting but will ruin the blockbuster experience. Like the other Avengers films, Endgame is cinematically entertaining, has remarkably choreographed action and has basic a storyline.
Avengers: Infinity War concluded with Thanos (Josh Brolin) eliminating half of existence by using the six Infinity Stones he was ultimately able to retrieve. Endgame starts only a few weeks after this horrific event (Referred to as The Snap) and follows all the heroes that are still standing as they desperately attempt to reverse the casualties.
Marvel super heroes have a history of working independently and the beauty of The Avengers series is that it poses the question of how they’ll work together. While the first film certainly had its fine bits of hostility, they all consider each other family by the time Endgame starts. They’ve all come so far from where they started and Endgame in particular takes the time to put that on full display. Endgame also had a farewell air to it. I could really feel this was the last one.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Ironman and Chris Evans Captain America have always been the most alike and while I always felt The Avengers had no specific leader, the two of them seemed to have the most comfortable presence. Their lives are a labyrinth of formality. In Endgame, they seem to be physically winding up in order to settle down again. In the earlier movies, you could always tell with them that one mission was just another step to the next. You do not get that sense in Endgame. At one point Ironman says, “I know I said no more surprises but I was really hoping to pull off one last one.” To me, this indicated he somehow knows it’s all over and what he does in Endgame is all that he has left to offer. Chris Evans performance is an explosion of acknowledgment as he’ll say what everyone else is thinking, giving everyone relief that they’re all on the same page.
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor has always been my least favorite Avenger but to his credit, he was able to portray how The Snap has physically and emotionally affected him. Thanos destruction makes it impossible to pretend anyone’s ok and making it by Endgame, Thor is human enough to swallow his pride but maintain his humor.
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has finally abled himself to balance his two identities and Thanos evil really played a role in this. Ruffalo’s always portrayed Hulk with such empathetic tenderness. He has had such guilt regarding who he becomes but Thanos opens his eyes to who the real monster is. By now, he seems to have completely accepted himself and embrace the love his family gives him.
Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye has always been my favorite Avenger. He’s so confident, strong and gorgeous but also lovable, vulnerable and kind. His family was one of Thanos victims so naturally he has the most to lose if he can’t find a way to reverse what’s happened. Given what a family man he is, he’s always been the Avenger who wants peace even though he initially doesn’t try to make it happen. He’s the hero who understands that love is a power and not a weakness. I have always respected Renner for portraying him like that as opposed to all that cliche macho nonsense. He has always been the heart of the Avengers and he is the heart of Endgame.
Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow was born to be a hero and like Hawkeye, unapologetically over shows her desire of making the world a happier place. Tragedy has a history of wounding her but the tragedy Thanos has afflicted upon her seemed to make her stronger almost immediately. Perhaps this is because she realizes there’s no time to wait. If the Avengers are going to fix the problem, they’re going to do it now. Black Widow has always masked herself with such determination. She finally takes that mask off and shares it with her family to demonstrate how important it is to take immediate action.
Given that Endgame is 181 minutes, I see no excuse as to why Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel didn’t have enough screen time. I get that she’s a newbie but for goodness sakes, Endgame is the final Avengers film. Give her a bigger platform. I was mesmerized by Captain Marvel. I sincerely hope she’ll get more films of this genre. She’s treated as a newbie but she firmly holds her ground and shows what she has to offer to the best of her ability. She deserves much credit. Black Panther has started something giant and she’s following in their footsteps. You see her following those footsteps in Endgame but she doesn't walk far enough to fully get her point across. Another film about her should be just the remedy.
Alan Silvestri’s score and Trent Opaloch’s cinematography gives Endgame the drama an epic finale ought to have. Endgame is a door being slammed shut. Silvestri and Opaloch’s work gives Endgame a sharp edge to lock it without a key.
Overall, Endgame will make some audiences feel closure and others outraged. The Avengers have had such ginormous audiences. Therefore it’s only right and makes sense that not everyone will have the same reaction. Sometimes, I enjoy going to films with huge audiences. You have that feeling that we are all witnessing something important together. Endgame was definitely one of those films.