I will attempt to keep this spoiler free, but it’s been out for 3 weeks, so if you’re yet to see Avengers: Endgame, maybe you should correct that…

Eleven years ago, almost to the day, Iron Man was released to theatres all around the world.  Who knew then, that 22 movies later, what we now know as the MCU, would culminate with the most grandiose superhero movie of all time.

Avengers: Endgame is spectacular in so many ways.  From the pacing, to the use of one of the largest ensemble casts in movie history, to the overall look of the film.  Writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have delivered a script that makes use of all of our beloved heroes, while calling back to many of the previous MCU films in moments of fan service that serve the story and ultimately give us the perfect send off to the MCU as we know it.

A great script is only part of the battle, and without the direction of the Russo Brothers, maybe Endgame would be a different film entirely.  Having previously been at the helm of Captain America: The Winter Soldier (arguably one of the best entries in the MCU), Captain America: Civil War (where they practiced for Infinity War and Endgame with a larger cast of heroes) and of course last years Avengers: Infinity War, The Russo’s knew exactly how to tackle such a grand scale.  They clearly understand not only the original source material, but the connection that fans have built with these heroes, and they honour that connection, even as they give some of our favourites their final farewells.

Sure there are some plot holes here and there, but why would you want to over analyse a movie that features time travel, a super soldier, aliens, a god, intergalactic space travel, magic and a big green man among other things.  Just sit back, and enjoy the ride.  Suspend your disbelief and let yourself forget the real world for the three hour duration.  Marvel (excuse the pun) at the sheer spectacle of seeing larger than life comic book characters brought to life on the big screen.

And there is more to it than meets the eye.  At its core, Endgame is about relationships and family.  Some of the best moments, without going in to too much detail (because spoilers), involve parents with their children or that closing dance scene…

If you have followed the MCU since its beginnings, there will be moments in Endgame that will have you cheering with excitement and moments that will break your heart, but it’s all part of the plan to further develop the cinematic universe.

The cast is huge, and everybody gets their moment.  Chris Hemsworth delivers laughs with a different take on Thor this time around.  Likewise for Mark Ruffalos portrayal of this current evolution for Hulk, while Downey Jnr and Chris Evans are reliable as ever in their roles. There are certain characters I would have liked to have played a bigger role, but it wasn’t necessary here, they will get their turn…

Where Marvel takes the MCU from here is up in the air right now.  Spider-Man: Far From Home arrives in cinemas on the 4th of July, and it will serve as somewhat of an epilogue to Endgame.  Short of a few titles (mostly sequels to established properties) being announced, Marvel is keeping details of phase 4 close to their chests.  With Disney’s purchase of Fox now complete, the opportunity exists for Fantastic 4 and X-Men characters to enter the MCU.  When or if that happens is anyone’s guess, but one things for certain, and that is that I will be there to watch!

9.5/10

Review by Shayne McGowan