Director(s): Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Tony Stark/Iron Man: Robert Downey Jr.
Steve Rogers/Captain America: Chris Evans
Thor: Chris Hemsworth
Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow: Scarlett Johansson
Clint Barton/Hawkeye: Jeremy Renner
Bruce Banner/Hulk: Mark Ruffalo
James Rhodes/War Machine: Don Cheadle
Scott Lang/Ant-Man: Paul Rudd
Rocket Raccoon: Bradley Cooper
Nebula: Karen Gillan
Thanos: Josh Brolin
Gamora: Zoe Saldana
Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel: Brie Larson
Pepper Potts: Gwyneth Paltrow
Avengers: Endgame, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, was (until mere hours before its release) Marvel’s closest guarded secret in studio history. The title of the movie wasn’t even revealed until the debut of its first teaser trailer, and it immediately set the internet ablaze. So much secrecy and mysticism surrounding the project filed rabid fan theories and debates, and kept us writhing in anticipation. It most certainly did not let us down.
Picking up immediately before the snap, or what is referred to as The Decimation, Endgame shows us how Thanos’ initial success impacts the family of Clint Barton. This scene, much like the opening of Infinity War, slammed down on the audience of my first screening like a ton of bricks. We knew instantly that they would not be pulling any punches, and it perfectly set the tone for the incredible stakes of the film.
The performances of the core cast truly made the sublime scripting sore to new heights, with exceptional weight being carried by Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark and Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. These two have been the backbone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the beginning, and this film truly gave them both a perfect chance to shine as dramatic actors. Another incredible performance came from Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, who struggled with severe anxiety and depression following the events of Infinity War. The best part of Thor’s dramatic arc being that they did not sacrifice his pension for incredible humor that has been building since Thor: Ragnarok for his narrative on mental health.
Two more standouts, as per usual, were Josh Brolin as the menacing Thanos and Tom Holland’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Brolin commands ever scene he graces as Thanos, and further cemented himself as the greatest villain in MCU history, and one of the best in the history of cinema. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man is one of the most endearing performances I have ever seen. Even if he is only in the final act of the film, the young actor is the living embodiment of his character and consistently draws the eye- as well as the heart.
Enough about performances, though. Purely visually, Endgame was absolutely gorgeous. The colors, the lighting, the insane CGI used to create Thanos… It was superb in design.
My only true gripe was the slightly confusing mechanic of their “time travel”. I think in their quest to explain it using the science of their universe, they simply confused themselves and subsequently confused us. Even then, I think upon another viewing I would find more understanding in their science.
Rating: 9.5/10
Gigas Reviews 