“Avengers: Endgame” has officially beaten “Titanic,” becoming the second-highest-grossing film of all time, trailing behind James Cameron’s “Avatar.” The movie has made over $2.189 billion so far, reaching the $2 billion mark just 11 days after its release. Opening weekend was chaos. Showtimes everywhere were selling out. Through all the madness, “Endgame” has exceeded expectations for Marvel fans and casual moviegoers alike.
For any Avengers follower, this movie is a must-see. Last year, “Avenger’s: Infinity War” left enthusiasts sobbing and struggling to cope with what they’d watched. It was talked about for weeks, and Thanos became a meme. Anticipation for “Endgame” made sense, but it became a worldwide phenomenon. Even those with little knowledge of the Avengers felt the need to partake in the experience. Being a superhero lover or Marvel fan is not necessary because “Avengers: Endgame” is a well-made movie with a good story, stunning special effects and characters that are impossible not to root for.
Unlike “Infinity War,” Marvel’s newest hit starts off on a calm note. A decent portion of the three-hour length movie is spent setting up the lives of the characters. Another large chunk is used to reunite the heroes and develop a plan to undo the damage Thanos created. This is no mindless action movie, which is evident in the attention to detail that was put into its emotional aspects. The long timeframe extended the importance of the mission and made each character’s own story more distinctive. Despite there being so many characters, nearly all of them were able to stand out on their own. Stringing out the film was the right call.
“Endgame” begins by showing Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, during the moments of his family’s sudden disappearance. This is fitting, considering his absence in the previous movie. Taking place five years after the events of “Infinity War,” the lasting heroes are not over the loss of their friends and loved ones.
Upon killing Thanos, the Avengers learn that the Infinity Stones have been destroyed. All hope is gone until Ant-Man appears with a theory of time travel.
At first, Tony Stark, otherwise known as Iron Man, refuses to examine the possibilities. Fortunately, Bruce Banner, in his new, human-like Hulk form, agrees to create a time-traveling portal. With Stark’s help later on, the Avengers are able to go back in time and capture the stones before Thanos does. It’s a lot of fun seeing the heroes revisit their past story moments.
Things go awry when Thanos from the past realizes what’s happening. Past Nebula, loyal to him at the time, decides to do whatever she can to impress her adopted father. By capturing the present Nebula and trading places, past Thanos and his army are able to infiltrate present day and commence all-out war.
During battle, the hard work and sacrifices made to bring back the banished half of humanity pays off. It’s a glorious sight when the fallen heroes make their miraculous return. Black Panther, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Winter Soldier, Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Star-Lord, Groot, Drax and Mantis, Nick Furry and Maria Hill all join the fight.
While the ending isn’t a “happy” one, it is satisfying. Clearly, some time was taken to get it right.
With its witty script, this movie is full of laughs and fun. It also contains a lot of moments that make it special. The characters are heroic, but they are also genuine and real. Regardless of belonging to a Marvel franchise, it deserves much of its hype. “Avengers: Endgame” is a treat for all — even those who care less for crime-fighters with super powers.
By Vanessa Donadio, Staff Writer
donadivj16@bonaventure.edu
