A tribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2019)

As "Avengers: Endgame" comes to a close, so does 10 years of marvelous movie-telling. To criticize it would be objective, and as it cumulate 21 movies before it, being unemotionally objective brings it no fairness.
*** Beware, SPOILERS ahead ***
Throughout the runtime of the movie, not only do the Avengers travel thru time, but so do we. To relive our childhood sensations when we were first introduced to these characters is a scripting masterpiece. Though the heroes were on an explicit mission to retrieve the Infinity stones before Thanos, the scriptwriters and directors successfully accomplished theirs by sending us back with the heroes to witness them one last time, to finally bid them farewell.
STORY/PLOT: Rumors always had it that time travel must be part of the equation to undo the Snap. Nonetheless, the various theories were off point. The evolution of the script was beautifully crafted: they lost, they wanted to revert things, but they failed again. They tried to move on, but were they able to? None of them was able to, "not us". As we see the heroes on their respective journey, each had an encounter that was heartbreaking: Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) looking at Peggy after so many years, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) talking to his father again, the Ancient One talking about Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) finding purpose for his Hulk transformation, and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) finally paying her debt to Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). These events truly sum up the relationships and sacrifices our heroes went thru, and recapitulate their separate stories across the decade. And as these conclude, they funnel into one last battle, together, for an overdue reward we longed for.
CHARACTERS: At this point after 21 movies, the actors "are" the characters.
Tony Stark/Iron Man has finally fulfilled his legacy. His conclusion deserves the utmost respect and no denying I heard people sob in the theater. You can rest now Mr. Stark, your watch has ended.
Steve Rogers/Captain America has finally yielded MjÃ¶lnir and unlocked his ultimate power, finally becoming worthy. The most satisfying scene was seeing him finally finding happiness. He has persistently put everyone first and now, 80+ years later, he got the dance he so longed for.
Thor's depiction in this movie was conflicting. Though he remained lovable, we are not accustomed to him with such a physique. I do not deny I hoped that somewhere in the plot, he would be the ultimate version of himself as Tony, Steve, Natasha, and Clint were.
Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow: Her love for Clint was sufficiently seen with their encounter. Her demise was aching, but heroic nonetheless. A true personification of friendship, affection, and sacrifice.
Bruce Banner/Hulk: Since "Thor: Ragnarok", I have disliked the evolution of the Hulk. Though his depiction in Avengers 1 and 2 was that of a Professor, a man of Science, his character's development to an unconfident, "cool", and bossed around person is unsatisfying. Following Nat's death however, we slightly see a glimpse of the anger that once composed and fueled him.
Clint Barton/Hawkeye is the human of the team. His drive was true and the pain hope adds to impossible situations was beautifully depicted in his journey.
The role of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) in this movie was acceptable. She did not seem overpowered and her distinction from the rest of team was correctly depicted. Nonetheless, as we look to the future, she brings no nostalgia to our original six.
CONCLUSION:
In my review of "Avengers: Infinity War" almost exactly one year ago, I concluded stating: "in Avengers 4, the Avengers must go back to their phase 1 roots and....Assemble." As I contemplate the events of "Endgame", this small sentence, though simple, plain and not explicitly revealing, was a prophecy. The Avengers went back - literally -, each found their roots (Tony his father, Steve Peggy, Natasha Clint), and after this was achieved, Assembled.
*** END of SPOILERS ***
As the credits rolled, emotionally and spiritually, we bow down in respect to such a finale. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye: thank you for that decade of Marvel.