Review: Avengers: Endgame

Marvel's sprawling Infinity saga comes to a fitting end with an epic, exciting, and emotional finale that delivers everything loyal fans could have hoped for and more.

I'm still reeling from the unbelievable experience that this movie was. After the incredible highs of last year's "Infinity War" I truly had no idea where they were going to go next. I can say without a doubt that Marvel has absolutely nailed it. This will be a short review since it's damn near impossible to describe the awesomeness of this film without spoilers. It seriously must be experienced first-hand. If you haven't seen it yet, get your butt to the theater ASAP!

"Endgame" picks up three weeks after the devastating events of "Infinity War," with the surviving Avengers in the midst of the fallout from Thanos' snap. Our beloved heroes not only have to deal with the aftermath of having half the universe's population wiped out, but must also come up with a way to reverse the cataclysm, no matter what the cost.

If I tried to tell you what happens in this movie, you probably wouldn't believe me. Marvel somehow is able to top themselves again with a film that is as emotionally impactful as it is thrilling. "Endgame" is an ending not only to the Infinity saga, but to the past 10+ years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that all begin with 2008's "Iron-Man." What makes it stand out is that it's a satisfying ending that wraps up numerous dangling story threads while also leaving room for the future.

The film is full of surprises and Easter eggs with some moments that feel like outright fan-service. There was lots of applauding at certain times in my theater. However, not once do any of these moments feel too cheesy or unbelievable. They feel earned. Marvel has done such a great job of building up these characters and relationships over the years, and "Endgame" pushes them harder and farther than ever before.

What I really love about this movie is the same thing I loved about "Infinity War," in that the writers and directors aren't afraid to go to dark places and have lasting consequences. Our heroes start off in a pretty bleak place and go to some desperate lengths to try and fix things. Every actor showed up for work and gave it their all. The original six Avengers are appropriately the stand-outs, but Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. give career-best performances as Captain America and Iron-man. This movie is an emotional roller-coaster and if you don't tear up at least once, you must be a sociopath.

While not as action-packed as "Infinity War," the movie still delivers on the spectacle the MCU is known for. With twists and turns you don't see coming, you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. The movie has a three hour run-time but doesn't feel like it at all and you'll be yearning for a second viewing the second it's over. I have to admit that there wasn't too much to complain about. The first act is a little slow and there is one character choice that I'm still not entirely sold on, but other than that I am completely satisfied.

"Endgame" is the culmination of years of hard work from dozens of actors, multiple directors and hundreds of others. The MCU is a theatrical spectacle that had never been attempted before and has become a success that no other franchise will be able to match. You truly must go witness this phenomenal ending for yourself. I cannot stress that enough. Do your best to avoid spoilers and if you have seen it, don't be a jerk and spoil it for others.

While not every Marvel film strikes the right chord with me, and my heart truly belongs to DC, I'm so grateful to have been a part of this journey since day one. I can't say anymore about "Endgame" without entering spoiler territory so I'll just reiterate that it's a fitting end to the past years of the MCU and I am so excited for where they go next. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll outright cheer. It's everything I look for in a movie and more. Thank you Avengers.

Final Thoughts: Exciting, earnest and emotionally impactful, "Avengers: Endgame" is a fitting finale to this chapter of the MCU that is sure to thrill and satisfy fans of all kinds.

Overall Grade: A+

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