Satisfying conclusion to a fun franchise ride.

Rating: 8/10 (28 April 2019)

There have been few movie events as big as the 22nd instalment into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the title suggests, this three-hour epic is the culmination of a 12-year series that has become the benchmark for blockbuster movie-making. Since Iron Man screened in 2008 I've been there every step of the way, which makes it virtually impossible to view, or review, Endgame with any sort of objectivity. Staying spoiler-free means there's little I can talk about in the way of plot specifics, although suffice to say there are twists and turns all the way throughout this sweeping finale as it strives to deliver satisfying conclusions and/or defining moments for the vast array of beloved characters. Justifiably, there's no attempt here to bring in new fans or to create a film that can stand on its own; it's a cathartic, somewhat nostalgic experience that relies on the emotional investment built up over 21 movies. This franchise has arguably become a tad unwieldly, with the team-up adventures in particular having to squeeze in an increasing amount of heroes; however, Endgame whittles it mostly back to the original Avenger crew, which is both wise and fitting. It's glorious to watch Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk and Hawkeye teaming up for their biggest battle yet, with the MCU's big bad Thanos just a click away from causing Earth even more grief than before. Despite the end-of-world stakes the humour is amped up to surprisingly high levels, the quips and one-avengers endliners coming thick and fast in amongst ambitious long-form gags that reference previous entries whilst also subverting convention and audience expectation. The quantity of action sequences is relatively low with a distinct lack of memorable set pieces to inspire awe, but the climactic showdown is a fist-pumping crowd pleaser that throws everything except the kitchen sink at the screen. The finale also boasts one of the MCU's greatest moments, a simple but hugely effective surprise that sends shivers down the spine. It's by no means a perfect film - even the lightest of retrospective discussion unearths the abundance of plot holes - and it'll likely diminish in favour once far enough removed from the current zeitgeist surrounding it. But it doesn't matter. This is a cinematic experience for the now. It's meant to be consumed with the hype still swirling around it. The numerous flaws may be ripe for criticising down the track, at present they're merely blips in a gratifying conclusion of the 22-film 'Infinity Saga'. The MCU isn't finished, not by a long shot, and I can't wait to see where the next 22 MCU outings take us, but Avengers: Endgame is the end of an era, and boy has it been one hell of a fun ride!