The Edition, in partnership with Schwack Cinema, brings readers a monthly review of movies on offer, serving as encouragement or warning (as the case may be), for moviegoers in Male' City, and movie-lovers, everywhere.
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
IMDB: 8.8/10
‘Avengers: Endgame’ is Anthony and Joe Russo’s direct sequel to their highly acclaimed ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, and the most cinematographically ambitious installation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) thus far.
It is important to mention that the ‘physical gymnastics’ involved in avoiding spoilers until you have seen the movie is part of the Endgame experience. Fortunately, this writer was able to view it with fresh eyes, blissfully unaware of the cinematic spectacle that was about to unfold.
With an ensemble cast overarching three phases of the MCU that have become synonymous with the roles that they reprise, the Russo brothers face a daunting and almost-impossible task of developing the well-beloved characters in a satisfying manner that seems like a natural progression of their story in a way that ties loose ends from the entire chronicle.
Be it graphical, animated or live-action, entire generations have grown up inspired by the feats of these beloved characters. For the younger viewership, these movies have moulded their life experiences, and as such, expectations are at an all time high.
So the sheer magnitude of the monumental task Marvel set for itself to accomplish with Endgame cannot be understated as this title can be considered the culmination to the very first entire arc of the MCU epic spanning 22 movies over 11 years. The waiting period, however, was much longer for comic book fans that have dreamt of seeing the cult-favourite comic book ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ storyline depicted on screen.
So did the long wait pay off? In short, a resounding YES.
The moment when Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury first appeared in the end credits scene, in what was originally thought to be a standalone ‘Iron Man’ movie released in 2008, to welcome Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark to a “bigger Universe”, was when the MCU’s saga big-banged its way into existence, with all of its foreshadowings alluding to the coming of the nihilistic intergalactic warlord from Titan that is Thanos.
Infinity War brought the fearsome monster to the forefront of the big screen, concluding in his absolute victory over Earth’s mightiest heroes, the Avengers, and saw the comic book lore’s iconic snap of the Infinity Gauntlet wiping out ‘half the lives of the Universe’.
Therefore, this movie has an all-encompassing sense of desperation, as the Avengers are more humanised than they have ever been depicted before. The movie picks up during the aftermath of the carnage Thanos has unleashed; a direct result of their failure to stop the mighty foe.
Endgame did not play it safe and was unafraid to make interesting and bold choices within its three-hour runtime. Choices including how certain characters respond to the gravity of the situation that Infinity War left them in, and the overall plot direction may subvert fans’ speculations.
There are so many layers to enjoy with this movie - especially if you have been along for the ride since the very beginning. With easter eggs, references and nods to earlier installations sprinkled throughout, this movie rewards MCU veterans for their loyal viewership over the years.
With awe-inspiring visuals, goosebumps-inducing scenes, light moments sliced in between the heavy dialogue, all accentuated by the perfect score (that also has call backs to previous themes) by Alan Silvestri, Marvel truly set a masterclass on providing a conclusion that fulfils as well as sways from fans’ ecstatic expectations in a manner that is pleasing while opening the doors to future installations.
Far too soon, the movie was over, an accomplishment in of itself as the lengthy 3 hours and 2 minute runtime was hardly felt; more so a testament of Endgame’s enjoyability.
All in all, pulling off a concluding sequel that satisfies today’s fans is almost as improbable as Dr Strange’s ominous foreshadowing of the Avengers’ chances against Thanos: 1 in 14,000,606.
However, Endgame, in this writer’s opinion, provided a climax that is guaranteed to satiate even the most cynical of Marvelheads.
So, for those still unable to or wary of seeing the movie, I urge you to ASSEMBLE at your nearest movie theatre, for you would be amiss to deprive yourself from viewing one of - if not the - biggest cinematic spectacle of the year.
Sign In
