April 26th, 2019 will go down as one of the most shocking, surprising and clandestinely Marvel film ever to come out. Endgame concludes a twenty two movie arch and eleven year duration to bring you a major roller coaster ride of emotions that any Marvel/superhero fan will talk and theorize for many years to come. Tony Stark and the rest of the Avengers left over must piece their lives together in the aftermath of Thanos snap (The Decimation) with very little, yet tiny hope of a normal life. As the Universe lies in ruins, the Avengers must assemble once more, with new faces, in order to reserve what Thanos has done to restore order in said Universe. Throughout the film itself, audiences don't know what is coming next and what the future will hold once the credits start running. Since its release, lots of fans have theorized different outcomes, "what if" scenarios and accounts "next villains" for the future. Ever since the Fox and Disney merger, there are lots of talks with the X-men, Fantastic Four and other Marvel properties being crossed into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Only time will tell; however, you won't have to wait long. Disney and Marvel will be coming to Hall H of Comic Con to discuss the next phase and other projects coming to the MCU. Endgame may be “be all end all” of the old guard; however, isn't the end of the New Guard of characters. Since this film is three (3) hours long and it has been out for two (2) months now, we will be touching on a few key elements of this film. We won't be providing any spoilers, just in case someone has been hiding under a rock for the last two (2) months. The Avengers have come face to face with the arduous villain ever put to film. The audience is brought into a roll coaster ride of emotion which may or may not feature a time heist of some sort. During this review, we will touch on key elements of the story, the MCU Trinity story arch's and how this film Villain differs than other MCU Villains. We will also touch on the future of the MCU going into phase four and our predictions on the next MCU/Avenger's baddy. We will provide a poll on what MCU Villain that you think will over throw Thanos as the top baddy of the MCU. We set the stage early on in this film of the aftermath of the Snap (decimation) and where our heroes are at now. While watching all these characters for over ten (10) years, you feel more for them now than ever before. For the first time in the MCU history, the greatest villain the Avengers had ever faced, obliterated the Avengers. Now only the Avengers were effected; however, the whole world and universe was turned to ashes once the dead was done. The first ten-fifteen minutes of this long epic sets the stage for what is to follow. While the Infinity War film features Thanos as the protagonist (in his whole right), this film paints him as an antagonist for sure what he did. As for the characters themselves, it seems like if Infinity War was all about Thanos, this film is more about Tony Stark and how he recovers from what happened. Tony is really the only Avenger, within the first act, whom has a positive life and the life he really wanted since his last solo outing (Iron Man 3). While all the other Avengers are having hardship getting used to life while in the post snap years, Tony isn't sure what to feel, so he just hides it. Aftermath of The Snap: Not only did the Snap (decimation) affect the human population, but it damaged the infrastructure of the world as we know it. Animals, plants and all living things, outside of humans, ever effected from this event. To the Avengers, they didn't just fail the world, they have failed the whole universe. From the far reaches of Space to the small Atoms of the Earth, half of all living things cease to exist. We first step foot inside the New York City as it has fallen in disrepair. This really mimic's how the Avengers really feel, more so Steve Rodgers. Steve tries to coop with what had happen, feeling depressed and looking for some closure; however, he doesn't know how. Ultimately, the audience feels the same way as Steve in that all audience members are wondering how and what they will do in order to undo what Thanos did. Steve and other coop in their own different way, for example, Steve uses several different support groups to help, not just him, but others in this post-apocalyptic setting. We than get a look at Tony and Nebula just drifting in space without fuel, food and water with all hope being lost. As soon as Tony drifts off into sleep, foreshadowing, they are brought back to Earth on a first class trip to the Avengers facility. Tony and Nebula are welcomed back with the rest of their loved ones, not knowing who was left. Both are shocked on what happened on Earth as Steve sees the first sign of hope of getting revenge and putting this to rest. In a sense, all hope was lost until Tony showed back up. This gave the rest of the Avengers the pause to do more and hunt down Thanos to undo his actions. Sailing on a Stark Wave Later on in this adventure, Steve gets visited by Paul Rudds Ant Man back from the dead!? Thinking that he was gone, he informs them that there is a way to undo everything. Both Steve (Evans) and Romanoff (Johansson) are at their endpoints and can't handle this life anymore, but their will power forces them to go on. Seeming like Romanoff has moved on; however, Steve hasn't. Once Scott (Rudd) arrives to be alive, both of their demeanor's change and willingly wants to take a stand to undo Thanos' action. This is a key moment in time that sparks hope in the eyes of the Avengers since before the Snap a half a decade ago. This gives the audience a glimmer of hope and wonder how they will be doing this feet. Steve, Lang and Romanoff all praise this "Time Heist"; however, they tried to reach out to Tony, who doesn't want any part of this. Tony, on the other hand, is very animated that he has a family and doesn't want anything or anyone breaking that grateful mold. Once Tony finally sees what he has to do, he joins the rest of the Avengers as they plan to grab the Infinity Stones from different past events. Tony informs to Steve that this has to end no matter what it takes. Steve and Tony are back together leading the Avengers for the first time since Age of Ultron. As they prepare for this time heist, Tony feels like he has his doubts more than anything. He is doing this for his family and to undo what he lost. Peter’s death has been wearing him down since he lost him on Titan. He feels like it's his responsibility for Peter and everyone else life that was lost ever since the 1st Avengers film. Tony and Team are now ready to undo what Thanos has done and finally put peace back in the universe. This time heist is another key moment in this film that turns the tide in the Avengers favor than ever before. A snap back to Reality Fast forward throughout the time heist, Stark and the Avengers have a goal to keep while they fight to succeed in their plan, some things take sacrificing in order to complete your goal. As we saw in Infinity War the Soul stone needs a life for a life in order to regain the stone. The soul stone is another challenge that the Avengers have to face as an Ultimate test. Without this stone, they won't be able to complete their plan and Thanos will win again. Some sacrifice have to be made in order to complete the hardest of goals to complete. As we come back to the future with the Avengers, everything that happened during this "Time Heist" happened for a reason and a main goal. Tony has no time to waste or morn. He sees that this is completed and needs to finish what he had started. Tony completes his version of the Infinity Gauntlet. This changes the moment of the film and this is a success in the books for the Avengers; however, as soon as the Iron Gauntlet is completed, who will wear this. As other Avengers argue over who can handle the energy of the Iron Gauntlet, Professor Hulk interjects that it has to be him. Steve can't believe that just a few weeks ago, they had no hope to undo Thanos' snap. Now that they do, they quickly undo the snap and bring back everyone affected by Thanos' actions. Little do they know, a spy is living in wait! While the audience is embracing that Avenger's finally overcome their own actions and demons, all hope starts to crumble to pieces. We [The Audience] has a sudden wave of satisfaction that we see animals and plant life come back to life as well as Hawkeye's phone ring. This indicate to us that it was a success. Success is only for a short time while a familiar ship that Professor Hulk knows all too well. As the fight of their lives begins with a sneak attack on our heroes, Stark, Rodgers and Thor prepare for their rematch. The Fate of MCU Trinity As we embrace on this final showdown between the rest of the Avengers and Thanos, the MCU trinity is banded back together since Age of Ultron. This fight is eerily similar to the first in the 1st Avenger film. The Russo's are very brilliant to involve their first fight, against each other, but this time, team them up to on unstoppable force in Thanos. This fight is worth the wait and emotional ride that the Russo's put onto the audience themselves. They're a few moments in this fight, I.E like Thor charging up Ironman's suit for a charged up blast or when Captain America uses his shield as Mjolnir crashes down on it causing an echo shock that concuss Thanos, which causes nostalgia moments from the first Avengers. Remember, this film culminates all the MCU Film ever since the 1st Ironman, so there are plenty of great nostalgia moments outside of this fight. When it comes to the three faces that started it all, you look no further than Chris Evans as Steve Rodgers (Captain America), Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark (Ironman) and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. They are the official MCU Trinity when it comes to the MCU films. These three characters have been through a lot in the last ten plus years of films. A character's story arc tells us that there is an inner journey in said character that transforms him/her throughout a story itself in order to rest or feel complete. In a sense, this film really culminates not just the first three (3) phases of the MCU canon, but it really completes the MCU Trinity's story arc. Without spoiling anything about this film, I will say that all three of these characters settle their arc their own specific and satisfying way. For example, Tony Stark had created all this mess back in the first Avengers. Tony also help create Ultron, single handily broke up the Avengers, and had to watch his prodigy turn to dust in his arms. Like he said in Infinity War, he is cursed with these actions ever since Lori's invasion of New York six (6) years ago. This is more of a personal matter than anything else. He solely declines and jokingly doesn't put a single brain cell into their Time Heist idea, until he solidifies his actions to Pepper earlier on in the movie. As for Captain America, ever since he was frozen for over 70 years, he dreamt of having a better life as he never got one. Since his defrosted, Nick Furry and company plunged him right back into the action without justification. Even since then, slowly, he has been thinking about settling down and having a family of his own (Tony mention this in Age of Ultron) over time as we see him struggle to find himself in this new age world. Thor, on the other hand, wants plan old simple revenge. Ever since his brother, Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) invaded New York (The Avengers) he has a love/hate relationship with him. After Thanos brainwashed him into doing this act, Thor has held a grudge from then on. It all came down to blows when Thanos action him and his people looking for an Infinity stone (Space) while also "killing" his brother. This enraged him further and he set off for a new "Thanos" killing weapon and to finally get his revenge. At the end of the day, Thor never got his revenge and solely being responsible for Thanos' Decimation, Thanos on the other hand, doesn't have long to wait for Thor as he is the first Avenger (officially) to jump at the chance for one more shot at Thanos and redeem himself from Infinity War. As for Endgame, most people think this is just the title of the movie and it is what Doctor Strange told Tony back on Titan (Thanos' home world). In fact, if you really think about it, it really is the "endgame" of the MCU Trinity. Thor, Rodgers and Stark will need to focus and put their egos aside in order to defeat an untested, battle smart and champion of war, Thanos. After the events of Infinity War, Thanos has taken away Steve's hope, Thor's courage to be a great king and god to his people and Stark's life without rest (metaphorically). The Avenger's must undo what Thanos has done by "any means necessary" in order to regain that of which each member has lost. I am Inevitable Thanos most famous phrase that he spoke in this film. This has more of a demand since Ironman himself spoke a similar phrase, "I am Ironman", at the end of the film that started this all (Ironman). We have seen two (2) version of Thanos (Josh Brolin version) in the MCU and they are two (2) very different battle ridden characters. As we see in Infinity War, Thanos has already is past his prime and has conquered many planets and brought balance to the universe. Thanos, in Endgame, hasn't been battle tested the way he was in Infinity War. When the Avengers meet him (back in Infinity War), each member held their own until Thanos used the gauntlet. As each member falls, Thor takes aim and gains a direct him. While it takes Thor one (1) strike to almost defeat the most powerful villain in the MCU, it seems that Thor had issues fighting him by himself. It seems like Thanos [in Endgame] is even more powerful than ever and it really takes the MCU Trinity to overthrow Thanos and his quest of his destiny. Thanos as a character is the toughest villain that any/all Avenger has faced to date. Avengers Last Stand As we see the journey that all the remaining Avengers have taken to undo Thanos' action and morn whom they lost to overcome, their goal is nearly complete. With Infinity stones in hand, Stark and team create a gauntlet for themselves; however, their problems are more serve in this final act. After all the audience and characters when through from Act 1 and 2, that doesn't compare to what is in store for the rest of the Avengers in this act. Lasting over an hour, this whole last act is very historic, for not just the audience, but for the film makers as well. The Russo Brothers have a gigantic honor to finally wrapping up this last act as well as all MCU films that led to this. The Russo's did not disappoint at all. As we see the rest of the Avengers trapped in rubble [of Avengers HQ], we get a firsthand look at what is in store for them as they arise out from that rubble. Thanos has arrived to get what is rightfully his and wipe the slate clean and start anew. As the other Avengers, Hawkeye's and others {not including Stark, Rogers, and Thor] hide the gauntlet away from Thanos, Stark, Rogers and Thor must stop and defeat Thanos once and for all, together. This is the first time these three have fought Thanos on one front instead of many [which didn't work]. Stark, Rogers and Thor (welding Stormbreaker and Mjolnir) team up with similar double team moves they have used before to no effect. The beginning of this fight, feels so reminiscing of their triple threat fight from the first Avengers. These tactic don't work well, as Thanos make easy work of them individually. As Thor is getting the same treatment he gave Thanos in Infinity War (shoveling Stormbreaker in chest], a miracle happens. This miracle was attempted back in Avengers: Age of Ultron where Steve Rodgers attempts to pick up Thor's hammer Mjolnir. As we see the hammer rise up, smacking Thanos in the head, it rushes into Rodgers hand. As we see Thor smiling, he utters "I knew it" referencing when he tried to pick it up back in Age of Ultron. Thanos takes out Thor with one swift strike dispatching him very abruptly. The only thing that stands in Thanos' way now is Steve Rodgers. Rodgers take the fight to him. As soon as he starts to gain a comeback, Thanos, enraged, dispatches Mjolnir and quickly destroying his vibranium shield (Stark gave back to him). Steve staggers to his feet, devastated by his shield, stands tall by himself. Both Tony and Thor are both out of commission, the only person in Thanos' way is Steve Rodgers. Joining Thanos' on the battlefield is the rest of his army. A faint voice can be heard in Rodgers ear. "On Your Left!" This moment in the MCU history is the pinnacle of the films inside phases one to three. We get to finally see what the directors have planned from when these films (Infinity War and Endgame) were in pre-production. As Thor and Stark come to seeing these characters that have been dusted by Thanos and his destiny, really shows you [audience] that when the team, itself, assembles together, they can defeat the face(s) of evil. Without spoiling the ending of this film and the key moments for the Avengers, this films ending puts to "Rest" all major story arcs from Phase one to three. The ending they [Russo's] choose for this was very critical in a way that makes this seem like the final be all end all chapter for the old guard. They also pass the torch to the new guard to watch over the universe while the old guard "Move On". In Conclusion As the MCU closes out Phase three (3) with this film and Spider-man: Far From Home, most people are wondering what will happen next. Since the end of Endgame rose a lot of open-ended questions in regards to the new phase of the MCU universe. For example, what is next for Thor and the rest of the Avengers since the old guard has crumbled (just like the Avenger HQ). Recently, Kevin [Feige] came out in Hall H to discuss the next phase of the MCU during Comic Con. We now know that the next phase will start off with a Black Widow movie coming out next May (2020) and will end with Doctor Strange 2 (Multiverse of Madness) and Thor 4(Love and Thunder). We even got an announcement of a new Blade film; however, Kevin strongly didn't mention this film being canon inside the fourth phase. Outside of the future of the MCU, at the end of Endgame, the Avenger mantle and torch has been past to the likes of Peter Parker (Spiderman), Doctor Strange and others in order to protect the universe from mystic, mental and physical threat while the old guard fades away. As Thanos is in their rear view mirror, what will the next major villain that the Avengers will tackle and whom may be worse than Thanos? This has been in the Marvel Studios' pipeline ever since we see Thanos at the end of the first Avengers end credit scene. The Russo's informed the public that this would be the end of the Thanos and close the Infinity Saga and are looking for the next big baddy in the next few films. There have been talks from many different sources that Dr. Doom, Galactus and even Adam Warlock would be the next main villains or the MCU, but only time will tell. We can all speculate on who may be the next main villain for the Avengers; however, we will most likely see hints during the next few films of phase four (or Kevin Feige informs us prior). As we have a new phase outline, fans and audience members will speculate on whom will be their big baddy. While Far From Home (Spiderman) showed us a few hints on what Nick Fury and the rest of the Avengers will be planning, we do know that Marvel wants to take the next phase or two into space and will include lots more new characters (both good and bad). Since the merger of Fox with Disney, you will be sure that the Fantastic Four, The Mutants (X-Men) and Deadpool will factor into the Phase four films a beyond. Avengers: Endgame has been the biggest and baddest film Marvel has put together to date. From opening right up into the moments we left the Avengers after being defeated (in Infinity War) to the ending battle of keep away, this movie is way better than Infinity War by all means. Infinity War had some technical problems and continuity issues; however, Endgame snaps those away with the main story and plots for the characters. Granted, Infinity War sets up Endgame; however, the story of defeat is technical a better story than the war itself. If you compare Infinity War and Endgame its like comparing Episode four and five (A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back) of Star Wars to Episode six (Return of the Jedi), it is very similar. One way its similar is that when the Avenger are defeated (Infinity War) it feels like the end of Empire, where Luke and his team are defeated and sent running away. If you really think about this comparison, Endgame is a mixture of both episode five and six together. Stark and team were defeated and come back together to stop this threat by any means necessary. Endgame is almost as perfect as a Marvel film will get. We do have some nitpicking from this film. For instance, if you have an all-powerful superhero in Captain Marvel, then why not keep her for the whole movie or why don't they take care of Thanos before he becomes a real threat. One key factor that puts to bed how Captain Marvel being the strongest Avenger can be hurt by anyone of the Infinity Stones. Once Thanos punches her with the Power Stone, this shocked not only the Avengers, but the audience as well. Overall, this film is not 100% perfect and you will get those comic book fans not happy since it isn't straight from the comic; however, when it comes to source material, Avengers: Endgame has to be the closest Marvel has ever come. Going into this film, the stakes are high and the conclusion actually feel resonant of a film. This is an epic cultural event that transcends a traditional film critic to become a huge shared experience with all kind of fans (comic book/film) all around the world. One burning question still remains, as most (if not all) have seen this film (making it the most grossing film of all time), how do they possibility top this film a decade or more from now. IMDB Rating: 8.7 out of 10 stars (484,080 reviews) Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (Certificated Fresh) , 91% User Reviews (61,105 reviews) Total Worldwide Lifetime Gross (Since April 2019 release): $2,791,764,654 (Previous Avatar:$2,789,679,794) The Film Corner Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Stars IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1 Avengers: Endgame will be released of July 30th 2019 on Digital formats and on Blu-Ray on August 13th 2019. See trailer below (Spoiler alert: if you haven't seen Avengers Endgame, WE DON'T RECOMMEND YOU WATCH THE BELOW VIDEO!!!!) Who is your favorite singer? |
Brandon
Films have been in my blood coming into the new millennium. As a little kid, I was always fascinated about films and how they came to be. Inside the last decade, I turned my attention to reviewing these films, for the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Archives
March 2020
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