Before we go on to dissect the film that is being touted by many as the “most awaited film” since the turn of the century, it is important to reaffirm the significance of global blockbusters being released in the country, given that Bollywood has been resoundingly bid adieu and Lollywood is still, in most cases, learning the basics of 21st-century filmmaking.
Of course, we shall, unfortunately, get plenty more opportunities to revisit our industry’s shortcomings in the near future. Right now, for all the film aficionados in the country, it’s time to sit and marvel.
Avengers: Endgame is a masterfully woven closure, scribed as the fitting final chapter of 11 years and 21 movies, all of which culminated in a blockbuster that even those who’ve never read a comic in their lives wouldn’t miss at any cost.
A little over a decade ago, it was perhaps unfathomable that a comic book series could be so seamlessly converted into a series of interconnected films. And then Marvel Cinematic Universe went on to become the single biggest franchise in all of cinema.
All this happened with each installment coming and adding to the overall story – of the heroes that are cherished the world over, and of the franchise itself. With entire films dedicated to histories of superheroes and how they became what they eventually did, the franchise generated unparalleled interest among people that was hitherto unimaginable. It is that imagining of the unimaginable on which the Marvel Cinematic Universe is founded.
The film spans over 3 hours, which for the slightly older movie buffs among us South Asians would be your average flick. It does so purposefully, which is why despite being the longest superhero film in history, time will exhibit all kinds of superpowers when you’re watching Endgame. Among these powers, indeed is time travel, as the screenplay perfectly drops in tempo to take you back on a nostalgic journey, which after all was not only inevitable when you’re putting an end to 11 years’ worth of cinematic magic, but also served as the glue that bound it all together.
For any film, it is important the get off the blocks quick – even more so in this day and age. But that was always going to be a challenge here, given how the previous installment ended. Endgame takes that challenge in its stride, and in fact manages to use to its strength, given the cast reduction necessitated by Infinity War’s ending.
Where Marvel films habitually work towards setting the foundation early with regards to the coming events, Endgame is multidirectional in the way it simultaneously treats the storyline of the film itself and indeed the franchise as a whole.
Endgame is everything a Marvel movie can be – and then some. It has all the quintessential ingredients of humour, action and emotion that are the signature of Marvel.
The diehard Marvel fan would have lots to cherish in the finale, with those having consumed the comics in for a special treat. Those who are seated at the back of this particular bandwagon, too, would have lots to rejoice about – although it is advised to watch it with a Marvel buff, to add another dimension to your own experience.
Yes, the diehard comic fan is as likely to venerate the finale as they are likely to get into the nitty-gritties. Which one sits alongside you at the screening is your roll of the dice.
For those who have absolutely no idea what the fuss is all about, watch Avengers: Endgame for the special effects and the CGI. Your collective minds shall be blown.