Superior and satisfying

Rating: 8/10 (8 May 2019)

Superior and satisfying closing chapter (almost) of MCU Phase 3. There are several significant parent-child moments (some where only one party recognises the other), some touching reconciliations for the greater good, some beautiful sacrifices for friends and many more surprisingly poignant elements that had me a little damp around the eyes. Chris Hemsworth is hilarious again as Thor, Robert Downey Jr shows yet again why he deserves his top billing status, and Chris Evans puts in a solid performance as America's finest. It's brilliant how the Russo brothers direct the ensemble piece with such a huge cast to bring together. It is really hard to make the audience care so deeply about so many, but if you've stuck with the MCU since Iron Man 1 you will feel every defeat and every victory of each character. Thanos remains a really interesting and 'principled' villain, and it takes every bit of strength and ingenuity to combat him. The fight scenes are nothing special, really - more of the same, but thankfully there aren't too many of these and the real quality of the film comes through the story-telling, characterisation, humour and interpersonal 'moments'. Excellent.