Photo: Film Frame. Marvel Studios 2019
Title: ‘Avengers: Endgame’
Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (‘Avengers: Infinity War, ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, with Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan and Josh Brolin
Securing the survival of the known universe is a crucial driving force in many of the leading superhero properties that have engaged audiences’ interest. Marvel Studios has continuously engaged audiences’ intrigue over the fate of humanity across the galaxy through its diverse characters and their intricate relationships and motivations, and the fact that its stories effortlessly portray society as it is in real life. The studio is sentimentally concluding the story for many of its epic and signature storylines from the three phases of its Infinity Saga in the upcoming action adventure film, ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ which Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is set to release in theaters on Friday.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ picks up with the Avengers having been soundly defeated by Thanos, who, after collecting the six Infinity Stones, imposed his twisted will on all of humanity, and randomly wiped out half of the world’s population, including many of the Avengers. In the aftermath of the destruction, the remaining Avengers are faced with their biggest challenge yet: finding the resolve within themselves to defeat Thanos once and for all.
Emmy Award-winning brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, rightfully returned to direct their fourth Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film and second ‘Avengers’ movie in the franchise. The duo has proven their understanding of creating deeply layered characters who thrive on their versatile emotions, which is set against breathtaking action sequences and locations. Notably, they smartly chose to continue the franchise’s vital message that women can be just as successful and important to saving the world as their male counterparts, with characters such as Black Widow, Captain Marvel and Nebula paving the way for diversity in leadership.
While Tony and Steve lead their fellow Avengers and the rest of humanity to try to contend with the effects of Thanos successfully wiping out half of the universe after obtaining all six Infinity Stones in last year’s massive hit, ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ they also continue to thrive on the playful banter that has long helped make the MCU so successful. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is the perfect ode to the meaningful relationships that have thrived on both sentimentality and humor between not only the original six Avengers who appeared in the first collective film in 2012, but also the supporting characters who have proved their worth to the team along the way since then. The epic conclusion allows the Avengers and their supporters to not just try to reverse Thanos’ ever-lasting effect on the universe, but also reflect on who they really are and have accomplished.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ follows the title characters working together to accomplish what may be their last major assignment together, but also stunningly allows them to find empowerment within themselves, and the choices they have made. The story is a sentimental journey into the past, as the protagonists reflect on the situations they have found themselves in together since 2008’s original ‘Iron Man,’ and appreciate what they have gained throughout their time together. While their overall shared goal is to find a way to reverse the damage Thanos has brought upon the universe, the conclusion to the Infinity Saga powerfully stands out from its predecessors, as the story isn’t just about the Avengers defeating their enemy. The story emphasizes the importance of people appreciating who they truly are, no matter how much it may highlight their differences.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ is the rare sentimental superhero movie that isn’t afraid to engaged audiences’ interest over the fate of both their favorite characters, but also all of humanity. It’s a stunningly memorable culmination of all 22 entries in the MCU that thrives on embracing the nostalgia that even the most seemingly strong title superheroes have for not only each other, but the entire universe. The epic finale of the Infinity Saga proves that Marvel Studios has been committed to not only continuing to evolve the characters they’ve already introduced in the MCU, but also new heroes, as part of their expanded level of representation. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ has set a high bar for future films in the MCU to try to conquer.
Technical: A+
Acting: A
Story: A
Overall: A
