Wednesday 24 April 2019

Movie Review: Avenger's Endgame



Hard to think that it's been 11 years since Iron Man (2008). After 21 movies in the Marvel cinematic universe franchise, we are at the Endgame now. Don't worry, the film is such an epic masterpiece that it's hard to spoil it for you. It's a culmination of more than a decade's worth of storytelling work from various directors and actors combined. What an ambitious, emotional, thrilling, incredible roller-coaster ride!


As truth to be told, Endgame becomes more complex as it goes along. The pacing feels tighter compared with Infinity War. The film rightly focus and delves deep into previous film's feeling of emotional loss and helplessness, exploring it in finer details through our original 6's (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye (now Ronin)) emotional arcs and deep insecurities since the start of The Avengers Initiative, how each character comes to terms with their losses and achieves closure. In revisit some of the familiar scenes of this spectacular franchise, this created a huge emotional resonance in the hearts of audience.


Despite the somberness of the situation presented in Endgame, it still managed to imbue suitable amount of comedy elements at the right moment. It does feel lighter and more joyous as expected from a Marvel film despite the aftermath of The Decimation by Thanos' snap. Endgame's greatest accomplishment is that it manages to confidently ties up 11 years of storytelling buildup, by giving specific payoffs that many Marvel fans craved for such a long time.


Moreover, Endgame features several impressive climactic set pieces that will ultimately applauded by fans of the franchise (of which I dare not spoil), providing a unique momentum and gravitas that further propels it to greater heights after the emotional, character driven moments in the first act. Throughout Infinity War and Endgame, the tears that came out of our eyes (even a little) showed how deeply you've connected with the characters all these years. This is a film that rewards your knowledge of the franchise.


Most certainly, Endgame will be judged by many due to its rather familiar and arguable plot device and concepts to carry its narrative forward. But I believe it's a minor common issue for all the science fantasy films that come before it. It will gradually work much better after repeated viewings that the narrative is well thought and deserved.


With so much anticipation and worldwide excitement from all fans and casual moviegoers alike, it's a remarkable feat that the Russo brothers managed to pull it off successfully and exceeded all expectations. This is truly a climactic conclusion to the franchise, which marks the end of The Infinity Saga. It's everything you've ever dreamed of...and more. A satisfying, well-deserved ending indeed. It's a wonderful gift to those invested 11 years of their life in this remarkable franchise. GO WATCH IT ASAP!


Rating: 10/10


Note: There are no mid or after-credit scenes, so you may leave as the credit roll.

Rating comparisons with other Marvel Cinematic Universe films:
Iron Man
2008
8/10
The Incredible Hulk
2008
7/10
Iron Man 2
2010
7/10
Thor
2011
7/10
Captain America: The First Avenger
2011
8/10
The Avengers
2012
9/10
Iron Man 3
2013
8.5/10
Thor: The Dark World
2013
8/10
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2014
8.5/10
Guardians of the Galaxy
2014
7.5/10
Avengers: Age of Ultron
2015
8/10
Ant-Man
2015
7.5/10
Captain America: Civil War
2016
7.5/10
Doctor Strange
2016
8/10
Guardians of the Galaxy 2
2017
7/10
Spider-Man: Homecoming
2017
7/10
Thor: Ragnarok
2017
7/10
Black Panther
2018
7.5/10
Avengers: Infinity War
2018
9.5/10
Ant-Man and the Wasp
2018
7/10
Captain Marvel
2019
8/10
Avengers: Endgame
2019
10/10