So here it is, finally….
The conclusion to one of filmdom’s most successful superhero series ever.
But is it really the end?
There really isn’t a blatant sign to that effect in “AVENGERS: ENDGAME”—not to mention that this is Disney movie making and marketing at its best.
Reviewing this juggernaut of a superhero movie isn’t exactly the easiest task for a critic.
Especially if one wants to honor co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s request of not spoiling the comings and goings in this “unprecedented narrative mosaic spanning eleven years and eleven franchises.”
So I won’t do it here except to tell you, it works!
“ENDGAME” is the epic showdown in Marvel’s cinematic universe and delivers on just about all fronts.
You will recall that after the devastating events of “INFINITY WAR” the universe laid in ruins. But now with the help of the remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more to undo intergalactic titan Thano’s (Josh Brolin) devious actions and finally restore order to the universe.
“We are the Avengers—not Preventers!”
So welcome to the Avengers time machine as we reconnect to Marvel’s long list of participants who have shaped its heritage.
Looking at my watch during the screening, it took nearly an hour and fifteen minutes to reacquaint us with the series’ backstory. That said, it sure helped to put all the past elements back into place.
From there on the movie really begins to build towards its rousing—or perhaps better said, somber conclusion.
“We won. We did it. We’re going to be OK.”
I will throw in just one spoiler though…
As we are accustomed to by now most, practically all previous Marvel superhero adventures have treated us to either a mid-credits or post-credit teaser scene of what could be in the offing in future installments. Well there is no such past-credits scene in “ENDGAME”!
So no payoff for all the sitting and waiting through the end-credits.
Now about this (possibly) domestic record breaking opening weekend box office…
Only the films running time of 182 minutes could stand in the way.
Add trailers, screen ads and lesser seating availability due to luxury recliners—plus cleanup between showings—and you can see some of the scheduling problems being experienced by exhibitors with this film.
But don’t give up!
Most of the larger theater complexes have scheduled between 20 and 30+ performances per day this weekend. And while many of the prime time showings may already be sold out, there should remain plenty of seats for so-called off-hour performances.
Will “AVENGERS: ENDGAME” break the opening weekend box office ceiling?
It only needs to beat “STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” which in 2015 opened to $248 million and “AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR” which currently tops it all when it opened to $258 million in 2018.
The bottom line:
THE MARVEL UNIVERSE IS STILL IN MOTION (Spinoffs anyone?…….)
So live a little this weekend—and get a lot.
Your hosts are Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Bradley Cooper, Michael Douglas, Josh Brolin, Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow and many, many more.
“AVENGERS: ENDGAME” grading a B+
