Avengers: Endgame Review
Special to RyanJayReviews.com, by associate film critic Matt McCoy:
Avengers: Endgame is more about trust than anything else. Not only is the storyline built on the characters’ conviction for a better world, but as a viewer, you need to have confidence in the storytellers’ end goal. The Russo brothers (co-directors Anthony & Joe) have proven time and again they can manage a large, talented ensemble (ie: Captain America: Civil War, Arrested Development, Community). It’s certainly no easy fete, especially when one piles up 20 blockbusters and 10 franchises over 10 years.
While the film starts slow and somber in a world of despair, we’re able to see a side of our favorite heroes that we’ve never seen before; some of it sad, some of it annoying, some of it hilarious – all of it captivating.
As the story unfolds, we’re familiarized with the new circumstances of the world’s mightiest heroes and reminded of those that are missed. By the halfway point, the audience is riddled with subtle, colorful and fat surprises that set the scene for the remainder of the film. Even though the main characters are superhuman, the journey for redemption exposes the true nature of what it is to be simply human, by highlighting family, love, and moments we wish we could get back. The Marvel Cinematic Universe effectively proves that they can achieve what all storytellers seek to accomplish – a true emotional connection with the characters.
While the preceding movies felt like an ellipses, the third act of Endgame makes it clear that this is the exclamation point. Each character gets a cathartic moment, leaving the audience with laughter, sadness and joy all bundled into one swift punch.
There may be a few yawns throughout the movie, due to its 3 hour runtime, somewhat convoluted storyline, and peculiar character choices; however, we must respect what the MCU has accomplished in wrapping up this ambitious universe in an emotionally action-packed bow. Avengers: Endgame might not be the movie that we always wanted… but it’s the one we all deserve. In the end, you will want to go back in time and watch it all over again.
