Avengers: Endgame (Movie Review)

Rating:

The 2-8-0: Though not a perfect film, #AvengersEndgame gives the proper ending fans deserve. It’s a farewell that hits all the right notes. As tradition already, the film balances well the drama, laughs, and tears, while always being overindulgent with our thirst-seeking, action-obsessed, action sequences. This one is not to be missed.

The Gist: Ant-Man returns from the Quantum Realm having defied the rules of time and space. When the Avengers find out, they reassemble knowing this might be their final journey to save human civilization.

What Works: “Avengers: Endgame” is the most dramatic and clever film of the franchise. The puzzle to figure out how to bring back the dead Avengers is enthralling and will make you ask repeatedly how they’re gonna pull it off. But perhaps the highlight of the whole movie is the planet-sized, last-stand, battle sequence vs. Thanos… you have to see it to believe it. It’s full-fledged galactical. But it is here that the film provides the best moments for several characters, in particular, Captain America and Iron Man. The writers made sure they got the full hero treatment. They’re almost standing-ovation moments which ultimately make the experience a euphoric one.

What Doesn’t Work: About 4 key characters were noticeably underdeveloped which deserved more screen time. It was noticeable towards the end where I didn’t care much for some key character entrances. But, I also have to understand that cramming the inordinate amount of characters from 22 films into only 3 hours is an onerous task. Sometimes, I feel Marvel writers go a bit too long with some jokes. You tolerate them because you know our time with these characters is borrowed… you want to indulge every minute before it’s poof!

Pay or Nay: Pay. You sit down feeling you’re a part of something special. It’s such a communal experience, something not replicated at home. You have to go to see this film twice. It’s an epic ending to the greatest franchise of our generation. I see you Star Wars. Go with your kids, go with your friends, go with your parents and grandparents. It’s an exhilarating experience to be a part of these cultural moments, so enjoy them when they’re here. By the way, there are no end credits so don’t stick around for it.