‘Avengers: Endgame’: Movie Review

To say that ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is simply another movie would be a gross understatement, and a disservice to the legions of fans and the incredible work done by Marvel Studios over ten years and twenty-one movies before this. To be sure, this is a cinematic event on a grand scale unlike any other in the past, and probably in the immediate future – and pretty much everyone has been waiting for this with baited breath. And Joe and Anthony Russo have pulled it off in grand fashion – not only does the movie deliver in terms of thrills, action visuals and all of the glitz, it is a complete package that does not skimp on humour, emotions, or genuinely heartfelt moments that will leave a smile on your face and a lump in your throat – and that is what makes this one such a fitting conclusion to this arc of the MCEU.

To say anything on the plot, other than that the movie picks up 22 days or so after Thanos snapped his finger and destroyed half of all living creatures, and the survivors are left to figure out what to do, would be risking giving away some spoilers. But, as a warning, without any details, I would say this – one of the big positives (and potential challenges for casual viewers) is that this movie really emphasizes on Marvel Studios’ idea that all the movies in the MCEU are part of a shared cinematic universe, and clever nods, callbacks and references to events and characters in the previous movies play a pretty crucial role here. So, you’d better be aware of the events of the previous movies – else you’ll be lost to what is happening here.

It is to Marvel’s credit that their casting decisions were always on point – I have said previously that the casting is such that it is hard to imagine anyone else in these roles. And here, more than ever, the decisions really pay off. This movie focuses on the characters, each with their unique personalities, and their relationships that have evolved over the course of so many movies, and charts out satisfying conclusions to their arcs. Full credit to the writing, which is consistent with the characters, - it’s not hard to believe where they are in their lives, and their journey till the end seems just about right. And the actors bring their A-game here. Without exception, everyone is absolutely perfect here – it is clear to see the actors’ love for their characters, and their investment really pays off.

The writing is nothing short of exceptional. Full marks to the makers for a restrained approach which isn’t just about a bunch of people fighting each other in a CGI mashup – for the most part, the movie is an adventure with people in difficult situations, which they need to use their wits to get out of. The dialogues are crackling with humour and the chemistry the characters share with each other, and there are so many fan-service moments in the movie, it is hard not to cheer them. This is a comic book movie at its best – poignant and measured while at the same time exhilarating, amazing and unabashedly about its heroes.

Of course, though close, the movie isn’t perfect. The movie is 181 minutes long, which may irritate some audience members – that being said, there is never a dull moment and the makers justify the length. There is a lot to cover here, and pretty much every scene is crammed with details that take the plot along. And while it is mostly about the characters, the third act is very effects heavy and kind of a CGI slugfest. But again, works as an integral part of the movie – and the audience at the screening I attended were clapping, whistling, hooting and screaming all around. If you needed any indication of the feedback on the movie, this is it.

I, for one, found it a bittersweet moment when the credits rolled – I didn’t realize these movies really had me so emotionally invested. I cannot emphasize this enough – this is perhaps the only conclusion (out of the 14 million possible outcomes 😉) that would have worked for something like this, and is the perfect goodbye to these characters. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is a cinematic experience like none other – you cannot miss this!