Here it is, folks. Eleven years and twenty-two films have led us all, as moviegoers and as fans of Marvel Comics, to this moment. And let it be said here and now. What Marvel Studios have done is nothing short of incredible. The history of cinema has known no world like the MCU, and Avengers: Endgame marks a cathartic conclusion to much of that story. While not the best that Marvel has to offer, Endgame improves where Infinity War falters and manages to deliver a fantastically fun story full of homages, fan service, killer action sequences, and much more.
Thanos has won. He defeated the Avengers, fractured and scrambling as they were to meet the threat of the mad Titan. The opening sequence of Endgame, given the conclusion to Infinity War, comes as a big shock. The question looms over the entire first act: do our heroes move on? And if so, how? Enter Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and a little deus ex machina. The team’s only hope lies in a “time heist”. In many ways, Scott Lang’s return from the quantum realm ushers in a return to comic-book form that many of the characters carry in Endgame. I mean simply that this film feels more like a comic book than perhaps any entry thus far. The stakes are quite literally galactic, the heroes are OP, the fights are extraordinary, and time travel, with all its wonky consequences, is a significant factor.
What proceeds is a traditional three act structure whose underlying literary principles are resolution and closure. Writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely excel on nearly all counts. The two somehow juggle a massive ensemble cast with keen attention paid to all major characters. They manage to incorporate witty humor, eclectic dialogue, and a flourish of narrative style throughout. Particularly notable are the exchanges between Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), and between Clint (Jeremy Renner) and Natasha (Scarlett Johansson). Iron Man and Cap take the time to air their grievances with one another—especially the former—and still get the job done when it needs to get done. The chemistry between Hawkeye and Black Widow shows emotional richness every time they are on screen together.
Props also to Josh Brolin, whose voice acting and motion capture work are both just so impressive. Thanos intimidates in such a cruel and demonstrative manner yet again. His adopted children, Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Nebula (Karen Gillan), play key roles in the story and both actresses deliver. In fact, Gillan’s performance (along with her character’s story) certainly stands out among the cast and deserves much praise. The work she does with vocal tone, facial gestures, and active motion—especially with all the makeup/CGI—is phenomenal.
What can be said about Alan Silvestri that has not already been said? His score is quite simply masterful. Every piece of music adds power and drama to the scene at play. I highly recommend you check out this review, where Stanis lays out the skill of Silvestri’s artwork remarkably cogently.
The “time heist” element of Endgame gives the Russo brothers. an unique opportunity to explore the history of the MCU through a charming series of callbacks, cameos, and conversations. It takes the viewer on a wonderful, joyous, and commemorative journey, and in no way detracts from the plot. This narrative ploy makes for an adventure that gives time to each of the Avengers and reminds fans just how far we have come. This leads me to what it perhaps the film’s greatest strength: the pacing. Not once was I bored while watching Endgame. Thanks in large part to the filmmakers’ prudent decision to separate the Avengers into smaller teams during the time heist. We neither spend too long with any particular character or scene nor does the film rush through its work.
MILD SPOILERS. Do not continue reading if you have not seen the movie.
How this movie treats Thor (Chris Hemsworth) bothers me a bit. I recognize and affirm that the MCU has taken his character in a new, generally comic, direction since the release of Ragnarok. That film is goofy and campy. On the other hand, Endgame makes a mockery of a man whose nobility and determination used to define him. Especially given his sense of purpose in Infinity War, I feel a cognitive dissonance in character development. I grant that my reception of Thor in Endgame is heavily colored by the theater’s audience. Thor wallows in a pit of despair and depression after having failed multiple times, but many of the viewers around me simply laughed at his physical appearance (and not just initially). Although… I have a sneaking suspicion that I will grow to appreciate his arc more deeply after a second viewing, especially because I do love his conversation with his mother, Frigga (Rene Russo). It is a sweet and touching exchange.
On a related note, I like Professor Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). I appreciate that this movie takes many of our characters on new paths, in order that they may remember their duty as Avengers. That being said, I was rather disappointed that Hulk did not face Thanos one-on-one. Given the opening of Infinity War and the arc that he takes, I expected him to have a chance to redeem himself, especially after he has the building fall down on him. It’s as if the movie sets up a return to the incredible, world-destructive Hulk we know he can be. But again, I am ready to reassess this opinion in the future.
My last criticism: Endgame does to Infinity War what the Star Wars prequels do to the original trilogy, albeit on a much smaller scale. They take the fantastic and warp it into science-fiction. This is especially true of the infinity gauntlet and time travel. In Infinity War, the gauntlet—like Thor’s axe—has to be built on a forge wielding the force of a star. But in Endgame, Stark (genius that is), presses a few buttons and suddenly our heroes have a functioning Iron Man infinity gauntlet. I know it is a small thing, but I do wish the movie had spent more time with this challenge just as its predecessor does.
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To end on a high note, however, I would like to express how beautifully moving, awesome, and satisfying the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame is, especially with regard to the stories of Tony and Cap. The writers and directors send these characters off right. God bless you, Russo Brothers. Thanks for finally letting us hear Cap say: “Avengers, assemble!” and thank you for gifting us with so many fond memories: Cap standing up to Thanos’ army alone, Tony’s callback to where it all began, Spider-Man’s return, the tease of the A-Force, to name just a few. In the end, the triumph of good over evil reminds those of us who believe in such things that “we’re going to be okay.” Rating: 9/10
DK's Musings 
Very nice review. It’s a cogent analysis of the various film elements (plot, acting and actors, music, and movement), and a nice emphasis on character development. I particularly appreciate your discussion of the poignant moments: Tony and Cap, Thor and his mother (I would add the exchange between Tony and his father) I also agree with your criticism of Thor’s character arc – at best, a disappointment. Lastly, I apprecriate your final point that End Game is a story, and one very long in the making, where “good does triumph over evil.” In this day and age of the anti-hero, there are still many of us to apprecriate the real thing!
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