*Spoilers will be discussed*
Keep going only if you watched the movie (or read spoilers by accident)
“You mention the movie, I recall less breakdowns and more heartbreaks.” This is how I summed up my experience with Avengers: Infinity War last year. After the thoroughly anticipated sequel, Avengers: Endgame, I’m still uncertain about my deepest feelings towards it. Truth is, there are high temptations for me to rewatch the film at least twice, especially with everything that has been going on. You mention the movie? I ought to recall a potential breakthrough... and a state of “being broke”, eventually.
Around this time last year, Infinity War promos with their engaging scenes and spine-chilling music kept me tossing and turning for a while, pondering how a massive assembly of superheroes would work out when facing Thanos (Josh Brolin). In the case of Endgame, I entered the theatre with the same detachment I’ve had for the past few weeks. “Nothing can prepare you for the end.” The phrase got stuck into my head, preventing me from imagining jaw-dropping scenarios (a hero revealing themselves as a villain undercover) and atrocities of all kind. I decided to trust the directors, Anthony and Joe Russo, and go with the flow. Whatever it took. As I’m writing this, I’m thinking to myself that perhaps I should have been more mentally engaged and spiritually set to accept anything as it is.
Recapping the plots of the two movies, I’ve noticed their common pattern, featuring a similar set of journeys, wrapped up by the final inevitable battle. However, if Infinity War was anyone’s go-to event for a noteworthy experience, Endgame is the pinnacle dedicated to ultimate fans, given that it’s composed out of numerous callbacks referencing older Marvel films. Admittedly, the Marvel Studios’ entire story has been ingeniously built up, characters have received indisputable developments... and yet, there are a few confusing moments which lead to a bunch of speculations. The curtain still ended up falling abruptly and now the audience, engulfed in contradictory emotions, tries to lift it up just enough as to throw in concerned questions, from “What is the future of (insert character name)?” to “Was Fortnite’s incessant popularity in 2023 supposed to be the biggest tear-jerking element?”
Here’s another “if... then” observation. If Infinity War seemed to be a mere emotional teaser, then Endgame is one glorious show displaying sentimental issues rather than a series of physical confrontations. Each remaining Avenger is subjected to a battle of heart and mind, unwilling to figure out whether it’s best for them to move on or get their act together for an upcoming second chance. What does the new opportunity involve? Time traveling (indeed, here we go again). After discovering that Thanos destroyed the 6 Infinity Stones, the Avengers are required to go into the past, collect the stones from different periods of time, build their own Infinity Gauntlet and perform the overwhelming resurrection. It has never been easy to meddle with the complex concept of time traveling, but one standard so-called fact has been established somehow: once someone messes up with their past, their future is also altered. Interestingly enough, this doesn’t apply to Endgame’s plot. The movie states that, as soon as the past is changed, an alternate timeline branches off from that defining moment. In simpler terms, one’s second version is created and their current present and future are by no means affected. They can even come across their younger self and fight them as if they are an ordinary opponent. Other time travel stories declared that an encounter with your past self would bring about imminent doom. It’s obvious that the Russo brothers wished to avoid further complications, although their solution with alternate universes has proven to be more questioning. But no one can be sure, maybe these were the intentions all along. All jokes aside, should we even trust a time travel movie which claims that time travel movies are not to be trusted?
As in the case of previous reviews, only main parts of the story are going to be discussed a bit, while talking about the evolution of some characters (from least to most relevant – from a personal outlook).
Captain Marvel
The post-credits scene of Infinity War introduced the mysterious figure called Captain Marvel / Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) – and it wasn’t even a proper introduction, in fact, the fans only had a glimpse of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) trying to contact her. The addition intrigued individuals from all over the world, many embarked on analyses on how helpful the female hero could be. My expectations shrank considerably after the solo, eponymous movie released in March, offering insight into Captain Marvel’s origins. I was hoping MCU wouldn’t create a blunt production concerning feminism, but unfortunately that’s exactly what happened. In following interviews, Brie Larson has even declared multiple times that Captain Marvel is the strongest hero and has contributed enormously regarding female empowerment. Any feminist films made from this point on (including Captain Marvel, naturally) would be by far too late to earn any significant recognition. However, if movie directors / screenwriters still seek to bring more women to the top, they should at least consider more creative approaches or make the audience truly feel that a certain female character has rightfully earned their high position. Undeniably, Carol Danvers possesses incredible traits, allowing her to effortlessly travel in space and face collosal obstacles. Her background story, however, only reveals that she’s miraculously survived the explosion of an experimental jet engine, absorbing all of its energy. In the whole Marvel context, I would appreciate the old-school heroes a lot more, people who dearly hold onto their innermost desires, who have worked tremendously to get where they are, through education, determination and persistent work.
In the emotional environment provided by Endgame, a detached hero with a clearer perspective was most likely needed. Carol demonstrates she has already taken on this role, firing statements as if there’s no room for hesitation: So let’s get him [Thanos] and use them [the Infinity Stones] to bring everyone back. Her straightforward suggestion that she’s superior to others comes off as a depiction of an irritating personality, lacking any possible connection with fellow Avengers:
“Bruce Banner: If we do this, how do we know it’s going to end any differently than it did before?
Carol Danvers: Because before you didn’t have me.”
James Rhodes’ (Don Cheadle) remark could summarize many individuals’ attitude towards Captain Marvel (Hey, new girl, everybody in this room is about that superhero life. And if you don’t mind my asking, where the hell have you been all this time?), while Carol’s uninspired reply (There are a lot of other planets in the universe and unfortunately, they didn’t have you guys.) seems to prepare her unexpected departure from the spotlight, sustained by the explanation that other galaxies, colonies have undergone substantial damage (also add her new typical tomboy haircut into the mix). Her return during the final battle is made for the sake of gathering all the heroes in one place... and that may as well be her entire contribution to the Marvel franchise. Endgame would have been pretty much the same with or without her... therefore, why bother instigate hype within the audience for nothing? In a way, I can’t help but be thankful that she wasn’t the one to “save the day”, otherwise the Avengers’ purposes would have been ironically turned to dust.
Black Widow
As a follow-up of Captain Marvel, Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is one of the female characters who actually deserved more praise throughout her bumpy, distressing journey. A Black Widow film is indeed set to be released in 2020, but that still doesn’t make it up to Natasha’s death in Endgame and her underrated input into the MCU. Despite originally being a Russian spy and assassin, Black Widow wins an honorable place among genius scientists, individuals put through lab experiments and literal gods. Her memorable confidence and impressive combat skills turn heads, make hearts skip a beat and encourage others to gain a better understanding of her thoughts and feelings. Natasha is not someone you can easily mess up with, thus her overflowing insecurity in Endgame yields worrying glances among the viewers. She does shed tears, she does feel remorse, but her vulnerability is what propels her to the grim sacrifice on Vormir, the remote planet where the Soul Stone is located. The scene is similar to Gamora’s (Zoe Saldana) death in Infinity War, only this time people witness Natasha and Clint / Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) fighting their way towards the edge of the cliff.
Besides the main physical brawl, each of the two close friends undertake mental disputes, searching for as many reasons why they should give up their life and not being able to apply any form of self-forgiveness. I’ve never become attached to Natasha, but her last valiant act earned her immense respect from me and other fans. Many can only hope that her movie will reach an illustrious peak.
Hulk
If there is one person whose path hasn’t been quite properly tackled with, that will have to be the Hulk / Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), a mastermind confined in the body of a monster. Or could it be the other way around? In previous films, the human-Hulk transition was executed with difficulty, while in Infinity War Bruce continuosly failed to get in touch with “the green guy”. Is there a conclusive version of him? Unfortunately, yes, his brain and brawn conjoin... and form the mediocre Professor Hulk (that being said with a lot of sorrow for him). Smashing is a major flop and experiments are carried on with reservation, in a childish manner. Surely, Bruce claims his mixture of qualities is something he should be taking pride in. After all, he can finally be content with himself, have people ask for selfies with him... for crying out loud, the audience can even catch him dabbing. But this particular comfort he’s resigned to is far from bringing out the best in him... All heroes are placed in temporary unfavorable positions, however Bruce may have been offered the most silent, unfair treatment. *pathetic dab and a sad yeehaw*
Thor
Highlighting depression, alcoholism and avoidance of situations too painful to deal with is a bold direction to head onto, and yet the Russo brothers did it. Without hesitation, the most drastic lifestyle change belongs to Thor (Chris Hemsworth), who gradually tumbles down to a horrible alcoholic state. The most suitable way to approach him is through sympathy, a careful consideration that he cannot restore to life either his family, friends or the people of his kingdom, Asgard (for almost all of them were dead before Thanos’ snap). Thor runs away from his conflicting thoughts and settles for a life devoid of any intense emotion. His traumatic experiences are maturely being handled once he travels back into the past and has a heartfelt discussion with Frigga, his mother. Guilt and self-hate? Cured. Ardour for adventure? Acknowledged. Mjolnir, the hammer? Back in business. It is quite refreshing to behold the mighty god retreating from a destiny fueled by foolish prophecies and creating the outlandish Asguardians of the Galaxy. Supposedly, he will venture at full speed ahead and with full trust in his potential.
Captain America
Even those who are not specifically interested in Captain America / Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) can agree he embraces life admirably, as an authentic patriotic soldier, inclined to assist those in need and pass on worthy emotional boosters. On a more or less serious note, he is actually the old guy (*wink wink*) with values correctly established in his subconscious. He is the one worthy enough to wield Thor’s hammer with the ease of a god. In modern times, modern environments, Steve is never held back by festering doubts... except when the image of his dearly beloved Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) crosses his mind. Fans altogether endured Cap’s pain when he found out the love of his life grew old while he was stuck in the ice for almost 70 years. An unforgettable haunting vision in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) brings forward a young Peggy inviting a confused Steve to dance and optimistically telling him the following: The war is over, Steve. We can go home. Imagine it. Rather troubling words, even for someone as stout-hearted as Captain America.
In the final moments of Endgame, Steve is tasked with returning the Infinity Stones to their normal locations, but his 5-second journey in time comes with a twist. He returns to his present timeline as an old man, after traveling somewhere in the 1940s and starting a fulfilled life with Peggy by his side (yes, imagine it, alright). The closing shot of the movie offers a beautiful and consoling scene with Steve and Peggy sharing the promised dance – a well-deserved round of applause, if I may say so. However, inevitably, everyone began to wonder if the existence of two Captains was even plausible. With the movie’s time travel theory, it might be. For now, I want my sentimental side to take over the logical one and rejoice at two souls brought together.
Iron Man
Someone had to retreat from the story the dreadful way. It was either Captain America or Iron Man. Ironically, before Infinity War, I kept imagining what it would be like to have one of them killed by Thanos or sacrificing for the greater good. The absence of such deaths in last year’s film somehow discouraged me to consider this possibility again... but here we are, mourning the incredible Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and sharing I love you 3000 posts, in reference to his daughter’s declaration.
Regardless of what I’m going to write, my boundless appreciation for Iron Man will never be transmitted as it should. His ingenuity and flair for technology, the foundations of the Stark Industries, tempted many to search for rational explanations. His sarcastic wit left many others speechless. Iron Man was the one who led me to create Iron(y) Gal, my ideal persona. Despite all this, Tony didn’t always have the privilege to be surrounded by waves of compliments. Plenty didn’t restrain from pointing out that he was self-absorbed and distant, with hurtful and mocking remarks up in his sleeve. Denying such impressions would be immature, for Iron Man was indeed caught amid a storm of hype at the beginning of the Marvel franchise. Learning some harsh realities and having Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) as his moral compass turned him into an even more aware individual. By the time Iron Man 3 (2013) came out, Tony had already fought against menacing aliens, in the close ranges of space (and what a down-to-earth person he became). The alien intrusion (and, simultaneously, Thanos’ upcoming arrival) unearthed (mental note: enough with the Earth puns) Stark’s insecurities and looming anxiety. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tony has his own burdening vision with all of his friends dead before his eyes: And I’m the man who killed the Avengers. (…) I wasn’t tricked, I was shown. Wasn’t a nightmare, it was my legacy. The end of the path I started us on. Fear got the best of him and he did end up witnessing a milder version of his illusion in Infinity War, with heroes turning to dust and finishing off with Spider-Man’s (Tom Holland) heartbreaking vanishing act. In an attempt to escape the past, Iron Man starts a family with Pepper and becomes the father of Morgan Stark, a sweet girl attracted by Tony’s tech world.
Of course, he never lets go of those who disappeared. He’s the one providing the key to time expeditions in the quantum realm. When he hesitates to put everything into action out of fear of losing Morgan, Pepper pushes him one last time to do what’s right (Would you be able to rest?). During the giddy-making excursion, Tony meets his father, Howard Stark, and subtly thanks him for everything he’s done as a parental figure, directly or not. Looking back, this encounter could have predicted Iron Man’s death... but who would have thought that would be the symbolic “last goodbye”, anyway?
The ending is purposefully created so as not to expect the major role played by Tony. Each hero (and I literally mean it) gets to bust a move or be thrown by the malicious Thanos across the battlefield. The mad titan also exposes his capability to manipulate both the minds of the Avengers and the viewers.
For a split second, the audience may consider a different story in which the heroes didn’t mess around with time and didn’t ponder their losses up to the point where they sought revenge:
“Thanos: I thought that by eliminating half of life, the other half would thrive, but you have shown me... that’s impossible. As long as there are those that remember what was, there will always be those that are unable to accept what can be. They will resist.”
But there’s no time to examine various alternatives because, before anyone knows it, Tony swiftly transfers the Infinity Stones to his gauntlet when attacking Thanos and ends the genocidal mumble jumble with the glorious And I am Iron Man and the famous snap, eliminating the villainous side.
Isn’t that the mission? Isn’t that the “why we fight”? So we can end the fight, so we get to go home! This past angry outburst of Tony may echo in some people’s minds while they watch him being greatly hurt by the Infinity Stones’ power surge, deadly for mortals. The following seconds were unbearable for me and I could tell everyone was distressed, given the silent theatre. Peter and Tony reversed the roles from Infinity War, but Spider-Man was still the one delivering the soul-crushing stumble of words (We won, Mr Stark. We won, Mr Stark. We won, you did it, sir, you did it.), finishing off his “goodbye call” with the same tearful I’m sorry. The last person approaching Tony was Pepper who bravely put on a reassuring smile and answered her own question from earlier in the movie (Would you be able to rest?): Tony, look at me. We’re gonna be okay. You can rest now. Right after Iron Man’s arc reactor shut off, I immediately burst into tears. I could barely hold back gasps of insufferable pain when at his funeral, the Avengers and the viewers were shown his arc reactor once again, with the message Proof that Tony Stark has a heart. It was the absolute reminder of his growing selflessness and willingness to portray love in countless distinct ways. It was a reminder for people to look beyond someone’s firsthand appearance and search for their inner heroes. It was a reminder for Iron(y) Gal to help me keep believing in myself.
Needless to say, Avengers: Endgame is the standing ovation for the spectacular progress of the MCU. Rookie fans would better hop on and catch up with the Avengers’ struggles, dreams, powers and accomplishments. Although other productions are on their way, it candidly feels as if an era has reached its culmination, that we have truly been given the “once-in-a-generation event”. Those who are still saddened by the upsetting aftermath, consolation is to be found in emerging memes and vines. A marathon of more light-hearted Marvel movies could also be handy. There’s Ant-Man, Thor: Ragnarok... Oh, wait, Loki is dead (or is he?). Never mind that, we have Black Panther... No, hold on, Erik Killmonger is also dead. No worries, there’s a lot to choose from, grab your cheeseburgers and doughnuts, we’ll snap out of it.
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