Avengers: Endgame Review – A Cinematic Achievement

A Spoiler-Free review of Avengers: Endgame

After 11 years and 22 movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga has finally reached its finale. Avengers: Endgame is a beautiful culmination of everything that has made this series so memorable and impactful amongst fans. Those that have stuck around since 2008’s Iron Man will find many nods to the past while enjoying the fitting conclusion to this unprecedented franchise. However, movie-goers and fans who may have skipped a few films here and there are sure to feel the impact of this installment just the same.

A Well-Deserved Finale

From Iron Man to Infinity War, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has created a truly unique movie-going experience. Now, the Russo Brothers (The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War) are tasked with bringing this massive universe together around a fitting end. Luckily, the directing pair made this look easy, thanks to contributions from Jon Favreau, James Gunn, and, of course, Stan Lee. There are so many nods to the franchise’s past both big and small, so it feels like a well-deserved payoff in this finale. The attention to detail is incredible and contributes to an interconnected universe more than before. A few things may go unnoticed by casual fans or those that haven’t seen every single entry, however, there is still plenty for everybody to enjoy.

With a three-hour runtime, the directors were able to fill the timeslot with loads of content, so nothing feels rushed. Some scenes can last a bit longer and show more details without having the urge to be wrapped up quicker. It’s fleshed out and shows exactly what needs to be displayed for viewers to enjoy. Avengers: Endgame is given plenty of time to breath and to be enjoyed like a fine wine, much like it should. Prepare for the long haul because you definitely won’t want to get up and leave for a bathroom or snack break.

High-Quality Performances

Even though this may be brushed aside as a comic-book movie, that doesn’t mean the actors don’t give it their all. Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Karen Gillian (Nebula), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) definitely steal the show in terms of performances. These three deliver some of their best works in the franchise that fans are sure to love. In addition to these three, the remaining cast has memorable moments that are sure to leave an impression on viewers. All of the characters in this movie contribute to the narrative at hand and never does it feel out-of-place or wonky. There are plenty of comedic moments too, yet they aren’t shoe-horned in and are much more natural.

Endgame is focused more around the plot rather than intense battle sequences, so if you’re looking for something similar to Infinity War, think twice. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing, though. Infinity War is centered around just that, a “war” while Endgame is about plotting the “endgame” to what’s next. What is here is a fantastic treat for fans of the series and introduces some intriguing aspects to the universe. Seeing all these heroes struggle with defeat and learn to live up to the name of the Avengers adds more depth and personability to them rather than just being superheroes. This film truly brings these characters to life and has the audience rooting for them every step of the way.

A Cinematic Achievement

What’s truly special about this is how it positions itself as an ending and succeeds in doing so. Just attempting to wrap up major plot points and creating callbacks without feeling like fan-service appears almost impossible. Everything shown in the movie is a fitting final ride for the Avengers as we know them. Major moments and big decisions are much more impactful than in the previous team-up simply because the original six have been around for so long. Seeing each of these six’s story arcs start to wrap up truly marks the end of an era.

No other series has done what Marvel created as masterfully and well-crafted. This is a cinematic achievement that won’t be felt in the same way for quite some time. Avengers: Endgame can be attributed to a season finale, one that’s 22 episodes in the making. Helping add on to the impact of the film is Alan Silvestri’s composition. His score is emotionally driven and creates an all-encompassing atmosphere which culminates into a full experience.

Marvel Studios crafted an intricate universe leading up to this final entry in the Infinity Saga. With years of different movies spanning nearly two dozen entries, Avengers: Endgame is the cherry on top of it all. Fortunately, the numerous amounts of callbacks and nods to the series’ past doesn’t feel like fan service nor does it become too engulfed in the over-arching world. It feels genuine and as if we’ve been a part of it all, which we very much have. This is an entry focused on wrapping things up and not so much setting up the future, so don’t expect the traditional post-credits scene or hints at Phase Four. It’s a fantastic entry in the franchise and no doubt joins the ranks of The Dark Knight, Logan, and Spider-Man 2 as one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.