In Pursuit Of Thanos - Avengers: Endgame

Synopsis

After altering the universe with the help of the Infinity Stones, Thanos disappears to a place where even the Avengers and their surviving allies can't find him. That doesn't mean that they don't pursue in Avengers: Endgame. They get some help when Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) saves Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) from certain death as he and Nebula (Karen Gillan) try to get back to earth. The Captain knows her way around the universe, and leads the Avengers to Thanos (Josh Brolin). In this confrontation, though, they learn that Thanos has destroyed the stones. After that revelation, the Avengers return to their business of addressing threats, though in a more subdued manner. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) leaves the group to be a part of the new Asgard he has established in Norway.

As time passes, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) emerges from the quantum realm. He makes his way to Avengers headquarters because he's experienced time travel there, but doesn't understand the science. Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) relate the experiences Scott has shared to Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), who has found the middle ground between the Hulk and the man he had been without the effects of gamma radiation. While he doesn't fully understand this area of science, Banner and the others take their findings to Tony, who has retired from the public eye, married Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and started a family. They're hoping that, with Tony's help, they have a way of restoring the universe to the time before he changed it. Tony eventually finds a solution that will help the heroes beat Thanos to the Infinity Stones. He creates a time machine to work with the creations of Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). The heroes, including Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Cliff Barton (Jeremy Renner), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) assemble for this mission.

Evaluation

I won't say exactly what happens, but I will say that the title Avengers: Endgame lives up to its name. A bevy of Marvel's heroes find a way to make one more stand against Thanos. Brothers Joe and Anthony Russo, who also directed Avengers: Infinity War, tie together the key elements of the first twenty-one Marvel Cinematic Universe entries to create an epic and moving film that has surprises that viewers might never imagine. Besides the actors, the Russos work once again with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who have fashioned the most dramatic entry of the series. The emotions run full circle, from hope to disillusionment to hope again. All of the heroes deal with personal issues, but they never forget the good they've done - and aspire to do again.

Nearly every player in the series has some involvement here, if only for a moment. Downey shows a different side of Tony, the hero who takes a step back from his endeavors after Thanos deals a second blow to him and his adversaries. The once-brash Tony returns to the Avengers only after his analysis shows a potential solution to the huge loss everyone has come to know. Johansson, as Natasha, takes the lead in Avengers operations, ensuring she and the others can face any potential foe. it is she who ultimately brings Hawkeye back into the fold. Ruffalo has the most comic performance among the title characters as Hulk, who has come to a new understanding about his nature. At one point, he even poses for a picture with a young admirer looking for a photo opportunity with the accommodating Banner. Hemswoth and Renner, on the other hand, show a darker side of their characters, as Thor retreats into drink, and Hawkeye, violence. Evans, as Captain America, remains loyal to Natasha and fighting for what's right. Rudd, as Lang/Ant-Man, is the most prominent non-lead role. He brings despair as he learns what has happened, but the wisdom to know what to do with Pym's work. The movie is filled with cameos, including Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce in a performance that is said to be his last as an actor. It is definitely the last appearance for Stan Lee, who appears as a motorist. The customary post-credits scene features Spider-Man (Tom Holland).

Conclusion

Avengers: Endgame is different from the other MCU entries because it shows the characters in their most vulnerable moments of the series. Yet, this vulnerability reminds them of the things that matter the most. That includes the desire by each of them to give of themselves to address the biggest threats that come their way. Thanos has provided the Avengers with their biggest physical and intellectual challenges they have had to face. They remember that, no matter the outcome, they are at their best when they work together.

On a scale of zero to four stars, I give Avengers: Endgame four stars. A memorable fight.