Avengers Endgame
Every few weeks I’ll select various books, movies or shows that I’d like to discuss and recommend. For this post, I’ve chosen to talk about Avengers Endgame. The culmination of over a decade of connected story lines and cinematic world-building.
Avengers Endgame will likely be the talk for storytellers and movie makers for years to come. Not only did Avengers Endgame wrap up a story arc that began over a decade earlier but it provided closure for many characters that had been on their journey since the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Never before has a studio attempted to bring so many movies into one connected storyline while maintaining their own individuality. Although some movies were better received than others, each one was a piece of the puzzle that made Endgame a movie event of the ages.
What I enjoyed most about Endgame was the central characters and their own personal struggles. Each hero dealt with failure and managed to move forward despite those losses. Captain America continued to be the moral center of the group, helping others as he held to his faith for a better tomorrow.
Iron Man nearly died in space and upon his return gave up on being part of the team. However, when he returned to the fold, it is clear that he became a true hero who cannot refuse the call to save lives. By the end, Tony Stark showed how far he had come from the self-centered playboy to a hero willing to do what it takes to save the day.
What I did not like in the movie was the downfall of Thor and the appearance of Captain Marvel. Thor became a parody for manic depression and self-destructive tendencies. For someone raised as a warrior king for over a thousand years, I would’ve expected him able to handle the loss with more dignity. He provided many funny moments and was still the warrior we all know and love by the end.
I would have preferred to leave Captain Marvel out of this movie so she could be part of the new MCU. Adding her at the last minute didn't give her the spotlight that would have warranted her power level. She could have ushered in the new movies and stories instead of being tacked on at the beginning and end of this one.
Granted, I still loved how Captain Marvel came in at the end to destroy Thanos' ship but I kept thinking the Hulk would have been better suited for that display of destruction since he didn't get to show off any of his power throughout the movie. Regardless, I enjoyed Endgame as a whole and expect to watch it many times to appreciate all the subtle nods to the fans.
Avengers Endgame was directed by the Russo Brothers. The music was by Alan Silvestri. The Screenwriting and Story was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. These people created a truly amazing cinematic world and I applaud their efforts. May each of us find a way to share the stories, ideas and characters that inspire us, with our friends, our family and the world.