Review (Spoiler-Free): Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame (2019) - Spoiler-Free

This is it - the culmination of 11 years and 22 films - a wholly unprecedented achievement in cinema history of a story-line that began more than a decade ago and has since weaved its way through various franchises, characters and plot threads, all under the banner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is the end of the Infinity Saga. And, in that, Endgame is a resounding success.

As most of you know, this is absolutely a film to go into blind - there are many twists and turns that are obviously left unspoiled that will have you clinging to your seat and cheering out in the theatre (perhaps to almost-deafening levels by the true die-hards, as we evidently experienced last night). What makes this film truly special is that, unlike most of the MCU's previous films that always seem to be setting up the next film/character, Endgame is a love letter and a proper conclusion to all that has come before. Not only does this film end the narrative story of the infinity stones, but it also ties together character stories and plot threads that started so long ago. As well, there are plenty of callbacks, references, and in-jokes all stemming from previous films. Endgame is, with a doubt, a film for those who have been with the MCU since its conception and know it and love it.

This film is very much  tonally in-line with the Russo's previous MCU films; it has the same level of humour that you either love or hate (I still find that it sometimes cuts into the gravitas of scenes) mixed in with the bombastic action set pieces. The action scenes are both intimate and large-scale throughout the film and there are many particular moments that fans will likely lose their minds for. Endgame more than any other gives true time and import to the character moments, which raises the stakes and salience of the film, as well as adding to the finality of this era of the MCU. It is a bittersweet note that the first saga of the MCU should end on such a strong note, but it is a note that I know fans and movie-goers alike will be able to enjoy and cherish for a long, long time to come. Now, excuse me while I leave here to try to sneak into a second, third and fourth viewing of Endgame.

'Nuff said.

PS: I will write a more spoilery review/analysis of the film in the next week or so once everyone and their grandma's have seen the spectacular Avengers: Endgame.