Release date: 25^th April 2019

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner

Runtime: 182 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

Watched in: 2D

Rating: 4/5 stars

Avengers: Endgame is what the previous 21 films have been leading up to and makes an epic conclusion to ‘Phase 3’ of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The fact they’ve managed to sustain such a long series of films is in itself a great achievement. It was so ambitious, but they did it. They created a massive number of much-loved characters and amassed a massive fan base.

Infinity War was brilliant, and I was hoping the sequel would live up to expectations. Without spoiling the film, I can say it went beyond what I expected. I couldn’t fathom how they’d solve the dilemma of the snap. Endgame took me on a journey of laughs and tears. There were plenty of twists that kept me hooked. The final battle was very well choreographed and full of suspense.

It is a very long film, clocking in at 3 hours, but it didn’t drag too much. With so many characters, and many of them not returning due to the end of actors’ contracts, there was a lot to fit in. The film focuses on a few of the characters, with many of the others getting smaller parts, almost cameos for some of them to be honest. That just goes to show the scale of what Marvel has achieved that they couldn’t spotlight all the amazing characters in one film.

I think it’s those who have seen most of, if not all, the previous films who will understand and love this film the most. There are so many references to previous films. Plus if you already know and love the characters, you’re so much more invested in the story and the fates of all your favourite characters. The ending of the film is emotional as it says goodbye to some characters who have been part of our lives for so long.

With so many characters, they couldn’t all have a main role, but I was disappointed to see Scarlet Witch have only a small part in the film. It was a missed opportunity to explore the emotional impact the events of Infinity War had on her. She’s a really compelling character and I’ve liked to have seen more of her. There were so many options open for them, they couldn’t do everything or explore every character in depth, so I can see why she didn’t end up with a bigger role though.

I’m looking forward to Phase 4, but also feel a sense of trepidation. How could they possibly soar even higher? How can what they do next possibly be as good as the extended infinity plot line that’s formed the last phases? Especially with some of the most loved characters no longer featuring. I hope the future MCU films continue to be amazing, but I can’t help but feel like it won’t quite be the same.