A Splendid Clunky Eton Mess By The End Of It All

Rating: 8/10 (24 April 2019)

There is a lot to pack into this movie, even at its 3 hour runtime there is never a dull moment. The first 20 minutes establishes the fallout from the previous film and is handled with an ease of pace and elegance of nuance which lets you know the tale ahead is in good hands.
Establishment phase over and the rollercoaster begins weaving the characters with their egos/fears/hopes/failures/talents into a tapestry which feels familiar and yet unknown. We explore elements of each of our heroes we have seen them display before, but in a light which is full of contrasting tones bursting with risk and daring. Never short on comedy, this usually comes after a harsher more tragic aspect of the tale keeping the audience walking the tightrope of every word or gesture on screen at any moment having a greater meaning.
As the ride picks up momentum and specific undertakings for our heroes begin to take form there are many gags for followers of a specific genre of story and storytelling, as well as a serious and emotional tango, which keeps us guessing at the outcome of several high risk games.
Composition, special effects, score and set design are all of excellent quality and variety therein. Each provide that candyfloss rush which sweetens the story and how it is acted out.
There is a bitter edge to this funfare though, an edge which adds poignance appropriately.
I'm sure any fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will have a marvelous time watching this excellent conclusion to phase 3 of the MCU and what it holds as the franchise continues forward.