We’ve reached it. As essential series finale for the movie series that is The Avengers. I’m going to assume everyone reading this has seen Avengers: Infinity War.
I have never been more excited for a movie, To even get close you’d have to go back to Jurassic Park over a quarter of a century ago. In this case not only is it such a mammoth event but I’d spend the dozens of hours rewatching the entire MCU and writing the reviews for you fans so I was very, very invested in this. I’m in Japan this week but found a nice theater in Tokyo where I could watch it in Dolby. I realized the time difference actually means I got to watch it before the vast majority of people in America!
It was worth it. The movie almost feels like it has chapters. The first one shows the surviving members of humanity coping with the apocalyptic events of the last film. Reminded me of The Omega Man and other such dystopian flicks. The second chapter shows certain characters realizing that there’s hope for bringing back their loved ones and the figuring out the steps; it makes for a nice, character-driven drama. Then we have the actual attempts to solve the problem, which hilariously brings back memories of Back to the Future Part II while still providing thrills. Then we have the battles. First one features the OG of the MCU – Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America – joining forces. Then there is the most EPIC battle you’ll ever see, bringing ALL the characters in the film together. Then the epilogue.
The unifying element to all of these segments in the film – they are riveting!
That’s really all I can say without giving out spoilers but given that this film essentially brings the first era of the MCU to a close I want to give my thoughts on the endings for various characters.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Iron Man – The ultimate heroic self-sacrifice and such a fitting end to that magnificent character.
Thor – Will apparently hang out with the Guardians of the Galaxy for the time being but will he make cameos in their movies? Or will they even have more movies? I don’t know if people will feel the same way about them without Gamora. Interested to find out.
Captain America – His ending up with Peggy in the past was perhaps inevitable but whatever happened with her niece Sharon? That felt like a dropped MCU plot. Also, I’m not sure I liked that he just abandoned Bucky in the present day. Maybe Bucky can go back to Wakanda but I would have wanted to at least see that. Falcon becoming Captain America is appropriate I suppose; I wonder if he’ll come back.
Black Widow – The “other” heroic self-sacrifice of the film and it was beautifully done. I’ve read that long-rumored Black Widow solo film is in the works though; will it be a prequel? I’d be interested to see that. With a new actress maybe, showing Natasha as an adolescent? I know Scarlett Johansson’s contract is up just like those of the other original Avengers.
Hawkeye – Considering the character wanted to go home to his family as far back as Age of Ultron it’s perfectly appropriate that he gets to do that here. I don’t think the character is interesting enough for further adventures anyway.
Hulk – Seems like he just looks like the Hulk while acting like Banner at all times so probably nothing further can be done.
I suppose it goes without saying that Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel will continue to get their own movies, while Spider-Man already has one coming out this July!
What’s going to happen with Scarlet Witch? I really want to know. It’s interesting that I’ve never cared for her famous big sisters but Elizabeth Olsen is one of my biggest celebrity crushes. More importantly, I think the character still has a lot of potential.
I’m also wondering about War Machine, although I don’t particularly care in his case.
My big complaint about this movie is that every single MCU hero was included except for Vision. Paul Bettany had been part of the films since the very first one and he at least deserved a flashback instead of just an oblique mention by Wanda about how she lost everything. That’s my only major issue though.
*SPOILERS OVER*
The movie is supposed to be the end of the line for The Avengers but I love how it was done and I look forward to the upcoming individual hero movies, as well as learning whether or not there will be more teaming up. I know you’ll do a great job Marvel; you’re batting a thousand!
Game: Oh my God. I’m glad this is the last one because it’s a doozy. SEVEN Oscar winners (Brie Larson, Tilda Swinton, Natalie Portman, Marisa Tomei, Michael Douglas, William Hurt, Gwyneth Paltrow), ELEVEN nominees (Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Angela Basset, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bradley Cooper, Robert Redford, Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson)
Up Next: All done. What a ride!
Bottom Line: Marvel you did it. Great movies from beginning to end.
%
Recent Comments