Endgame Endgame User Review Thread (TAG SPOILERS)

[MovieSlave]

Also, after watching IW, there were 3 things that I hoped would happen (and all 3 happened, so that made me happy).

Spoiler

IW's ending gave me such a Leftovers vibe, that I was hoping EG would follow through on a couple of narrative elements:

1) That time would pass since the snap. So, not only was it 3 weeks later at the outset, but then it goes to 5 years later. I was like, "Yes!" when I saw that on screen. I really wanted there to be stakes to the snap. Fixing it all a couple of weeks later doesn't give it the impact a time jump would have. And then we get to see how it affected the world. The stuff with Scott Lang walking around confused, seeing the kid ride by on the bike, the kid looks back after Scott asked him what was going on, the kid just has this look on his face and then keeps going, Scott going to the memorial looking for his daughter's name, then seeing his daughter who aged... all really well done and helped further ground the consequences of the snap, which was important to me since this was something that was brewing for years. I'm glad they went more grounded for this part of the movie rather than for humor. Paul Rudd was great here.

2) That the time travel (which I expected would be part of the story) didn't undo everything, that people would still be left with the trauma of what happened. And I'm glad they didn't take the easy way out. Those who remained, even after everyone came back, they still will still remember the 5 years, those who were brought back, they will have to adjust to a world and loved one's who had to move on. So I am glad they didn't just take the easy way out here. Once I saw that Tony had a daughter, I figured/hoped that this would further put this idea into play. I do wish, though, that we got to see more of the world's reaction to everyone coming back. If you show us the world in disarray, then show us some bits of the world rejoicing/in shock as people come back. It is, after all, the point of why the Avengers did all that they did. It's a gripe I have with a lot of movies that forget to show the result of the success.

3) Going with The Leftover's vibe, I was hoping Clint's whole family would be gone, not just some of them, but all of them. It would both show what he's gone through, but also more of the consequences that those who weren't even in IW were affected around the world as it happened. That they started with this scene was great, imo.

Just some hopes I had going into the movie that they did follow through on.

That opening scene had a lot of people at my showing gasp. I can't wait to hear the reactions tonight for my second viewing.

 

[Iceman]

Yeah, I very much don't like Infinity War. And to stress, it doesn't mean its a bad movie. Just not a movie for me. Which isn't surprising, since I haven't been super excited by Phase 2 and 3 movies, in general.

But yes, I will likely sound like I hate Endgame, but I actually liked it, and in general more positive than negative about it.

Oh right, thanks for the explanation.

I love both but I also have a ton of nitpicks with both. My favourite films like LotR seem to pick up the most nitpicks from me.

 

[Iceman]

Also, after watching IW, there were 3 things that I hoped would happen (and all 3 happened, so that made me happy).

Spoiler

IW's ending gave me such a Leftovers vibe, that I was hoping EG would follow through on a couple of narrative elements:

1) That time would pass since the snap. So, not only was it 3 weeks later at the outset, but then it goes to 5 years later. I was like, "Yes!" when I saw that on screen. I really wanted there to be stakes to the snap. Fixing it all a couple of weeks later doesn't give it the impact a time jump would have. And then we get to see how it affected the world. The stuff with Scott Lang walking around confused, seeing the kid ride by on the bike, the kid looks back after Scott asked him what was going on, the kid just has this look on his face and then keeps going, Scott going to the memorial looking for his daughter's name, then seeing his daughter who aged... all really well done and helped further ground the consequences of the snap, which was important to me since this was something that was brewing for years. I'm glad they went more grounded for this part of the movie rather than for humor. Paul Rudd was great here.

2) That the time travel (which I expected would be part of the story) didn't undo everything, that people would still be left with the trauma of what happened. And I'm glad they didn't take the easy way out. Those who remained, even after everyone came back, they still will remember the 5 years; those who were brought back, they will have to adjust to a world and loved one's who had to move on. So I am glad they didn't just take the easy way out here. Once I saw that Tony had a daughter, I figured/hoped that this would further put this idea into play. I do wish, though, that we got to see more of the world's reaction to everyone coming back. If you show us the world in disarray, then show us some bits of the world rejoicing/in shock as people come back. It is, after all, the point of why the Avengers did all that they did. It's a gripe I have with a lot of movies that forget to show the result of the success.

3) Going with The Leftover's vibe, I was hoping Clint's whole family would be gone, not just some of them, but all of them. It would both show what he's gone through, but also more of the consequences that those who weren't even in IW were affected around the world as it happened. That they started with this scene was great, imo.

Just some hopes I had going into the movie that they did follow through on.

Totally agreed with everything in this post and I didn’t even know how much I wanted all the stuff you mention.

 

[FTCBIRDMAN]

And again, I only said that because I made a comment what I was hoping to see to other members who think the same as I did, and unfortunately people like yourself can't live up to your own rules and claim it's a good thing I am not a script writer or that my expectations were stupid. Go back and read the threat, I was attacked first and I retaliated, so again, who is the one that is unaware that others won't hold the same opinion as them? Maybe you are all butt hurt because deep down, you know I am right about this movie. It's all flash and no substance.

I haven't even seen it so I sincerely doubt I am ******** as you say. But I'm glad you are here to tell me what I should think before I do see it. Thank you so much

 

[Napoli]

just got back from seeing it and WOW!!!! is all i can say. It was amazing!!!!

 

[Frodo]

And to stress, it doesn't mean its a bad movie. Just not a movie for me.

This is very much how I approach films, but alot of times, fans don't get that distinction. Instead, they take it personally if someone didn't like or dislike a film as much as they did.

I try to say , "Film X isn't my jam" . It doesn't mean the film is a bad movie but that, it wasn't my taste, it didn't resonate for me, or as they used to say "I'm just not feeling it".

In the end how we all reacted to EG or any film is subjective ,as much as alot fans may not be able to except that.

Now me, I enjoyed EG overall though there are things that didn't click with me throughout the film and I wouldn't put it in as my own favorite MCU films. Its a matter of taste.

 

[Zorro]

Once in theatres is enough for me as well but I'll be watching all it all the time when I digitally but it or on Disney +

I love it and deep down, I know I really do! It being a well made film and how it's structured means nothing me but it is a fantastic comic book MOVIE that I'll enjoy forever

 

[TheDreamMaster]

I can’t give it a 5, because it isn’t a perfect film to me, but it is the highest 4 I can give it. The movie was great. I read spoilers beforehand, so I had some preset notions going in, and it blew them away. It has been an amazing ride, and I think this too might be my jumping off point. I’ll still see what the next phase looks like and see what appeals to me, but I’m fine with bookending the MCU here for now.

 

[Napoli]

only thing i didnt like was...

Spoiler

Cap passing the Captain America torch to Falcon. I would have liked it better if Bucky became the new Captain America like in the comics

 

[marty mcfly]

I try to say , "Film X isn't my jam" . It doesn't mean the film is a bad movie but that, it wasn't my taste, it didn't resonate for me, or as they used to say "I'm just not feeling it".

Yes but there's a distinction here that I think most(ish) people on threads like these don't share with you...

You said, "Film X isn't my jam" whereas the majority of posts that get confrontational start with, "this movie was bad" and continue from there. At least that's been my experience. I have no problem when people say, "I just didn't like it, it's not for me." Fair enough. But some people say things like, "this was a slap in the face of Marvel fans. They should have done X,Y and Z and it might have been good!"

 

[FTCBIRDMAN]

Yes but there's a distinction here that I think most(ish) people on threads like these don't share with you...

You said, "Film X isn't my jam" whereas the majority of posts that get confrontational start with, "this movie was bad" and continue from there. At least that's been my experience. I have no problem when people say, "I just didn't like it, it's not for me." Fair enough. But some people say things like, "this was a slap in the face of Marvel fans. They should have done X,Y and Z and it might have been good!"

Or if they say you're a sheep or an idiot if you like a certain movie that they do not. As if their opinion matters more than yours.

 

[heatvision38]

Like I kept on saying, this movie was no love letter to the fans who have been with it since the beginning. It was a big FU. From crapping on all of our favorite original characters

Spoiler

(Hulk didn't even get his revenge with Thanos, which is some serious BS!)

to disrespecting the fans who were loyally waiting till the end credit scenes to only reward that loyalty by not having any. The movie did only two things right in my opinion, one

Spoiler

Steve finally picks up Milnoir, which I was wanting to see since AOU, and him passing his torch to Sam, which I also been wanting since the character was introduced in Winter Soldier.

Spoiler

Upon reflection, this is where I think they could have swapped Hulk and Thor. Let Thor be the one to do the snap so that he can atone for not going for the head, thus leaving Hulk free to get some revenge on Thanos for the humiliating defeat in IW. Boom, both characters are served justice. Thor could still be involved in the climax, but would be severely limited now do the damage done from the gauntlet, and this could still be a reason that Steve gets to use Mjolnir since Thor can't use both arms. Personally, this is where I think shoehorning Captain Marvel into the movie hurts it (as opposed to giving her an actual role like they did with, say, Dr. Strange in IW)-- she gets some key moments that could have easily gone to Thor or Hulk.

 

[C. Lee]

only thing i didnt like was...

Spoiler

Cap passing the Captain America torch to Falcon. I would have liked it better if Bucky became the new Captain America like in the comics

Spoiler

You did know that Falcon became Captain America in the comics didn't you? Falcon (comics) - Wikipedia

 

[heatvision38]

The first hour of the movie is probably gonna drag in the future. But those lost two are just so good. My Amy Pond has come so far.

She's been great in this role, imo. Her and Gamora are two of the best characters in the MCU.

 

[Prettyricky]

I feel like alot of these characters have come along way this past 10 years. I hope the next batch of avengers can keep it going strong

 

[HBarnill]

Saw this from the Awards Watch forums and... it’s kinda hard to argue it:

Spoiler

It's funny how I'm about to criticize Endgame for a bunch of the things I praised Infinity War on. Where that film's fan servicing and tonal mismatch felt playful and satisfying, here - considering the obvious goal of having to stick the landing and provide an emotionally resonant finale to the entire saga - it feels counterproductive and grating. The quips feel forced, the stakes feel surprisingly hollow. Endgame misses two key elements that were paramount to Infinity War's success (in my book): a clearly defined antagonistic force and the different dynamics that came to fruition when you placed these Marvel characters face to face with one another.

The physical threat of Thanos loomed large over Infinity War and grounded the film's emotional core. Since Endgame deals with time travel and essentially getting back the stones, it becomes a big trip down memory lane. Here's that scene from the movie you liked from a different perspective! It's fun and all, but in what needs to be a climatic finale, it plays like a big Marvel ********** with zero stakes. Infinity War was a movie that stood on its own two feet, whereas Endgame is a big 3-hour long remix. There is no real sense of danger. Emotional beats are trampled by misplaced comedy. The Infinity Stones are recovered so easily in this film it's borderline comical. There is a lot of show, don't tell in Endgame: characters tell us "we only get one shot, no do-overs"...until something happens and they get a do-over because of plot. The Avengers tell each other how near impossible this is going to be, how there's a big chance they don't make it out of this. But when push comes to shove, their mission plays so breezily. There's literally a scene where The Ancient One tells Banner there is no way she is ever giving him the Time Stone, for she is its guardian. She ends up delivering it to him five minutes later. I hope Tilda cashed that paycheck and traveled somewhere nice.

Infinity War had a ton of fun playing with the Marvel sandbox - think about Tony and Strange going after each other, Thor and The Guardians of the Galaxy working together. In a series that is all about its characters, these sort of relationships were where the MCU's strenghts were really at. This is mostly missing from Endgame. Remember the scene in the film's trailer with Thor saying "I like her!" to Captain Marvel? Well, the film does absolutely nothing with it. Marvel doesn't play off of Thor, or anyone else for that matter. For most of Endgame, these characters feel like they're on their own, despite working together. In fact, it's so ironic how they built up Captain Marvel as a character in the last year only to barely use her at all in this - she's Captain Ex Machina in this one, a super hero with barely 10 minutes of screentime, but who will definitely show up at the most opportune moments to save our heroes out of the mazes the writers set up for them. Did Brie Larson's schedule not clear up? Because I was under the assumption that she would've played a key role in this one, instead of being a convenient "get out of jail" free card.

I think Endgame begins on a very strong, dour note (which teases a much, much more interesting movie) and then is terrified to pursue anything that might alienate its target audience. All the different strands that Endgame builds up and feel that may lead to a juicy story - Cap's support group, Thor's PTSD, Black Widow's lack of purpose, Tony's unraveling and "rebirth" of sorts - are immediately dropped the second Scott Lang/Ant-Man enter the picture and the need for a "Back to the Future - Marvel Edition" come in. The more I think about it, the more I feel the bulk of the film's emotional wallop is in its first act. Which is just lazy writing, to be honest. And I haven't seen anyone commenting on this yet, but it's almost shocking how much of a short shrift The Hulk gets. Absolutely every single one of his arc developments in previous films are solved basically off-screen. Infinity War made a whole big deal about Banner not being able to transform into The Hulk anymore, you'd think this would have its payoff during Endgame. But this ends up being addressed via exposition. Remember when Bruce and Nat were supposed to be a thing? Because this film sure doesn't. It's not mentioned in any way, shape or form. No closure at all. It's a big problem with Banner/Hulk, but it sort of happens with most of the characters of this film. Their arcs don't feel organic anymore, they're not where they're supposed to be considering the MCU's chain of events. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers end their beef because Tony "doesn't want to hold grudges anymore". This might feel cute on paper, but holds absolutely no weight. It all feels haphazardly written so they can go on with the show. Plot trumps character in Endgame.

What Marvel is really interested in with Endgame is patting itself on the back for what they've accomplished over the last 11 years. And, honestly, kudos to them. But in the end, this is the cinematic equivalent of a star player coasting by its past achievements while basically phoning it in during the home stretch. And that's not to say that the film doesn't have its charms - like I said, it is fun to watch, the actors get some of their best material to work with here (RDJ and Evans are especially great), for a 3-hour movie, it goes by rather breezily. But in the immortal words of St. Patty, I just thought there'd be more.

Other quick thoughts:
- Thanos, who was Infinity War's MVP, gets maybe 15 minutes of screentime here and becomes a painfully dull, generic villain. It's baffling how so much of Endgame relies on self-sabotage.
- I have so. many. questions. about the whole time travel thing. The more I think about it, the less sense all of this makes.
- For all this talk of Endgame being Marvel's funniest film, I thought a lot of the jokes fell flat. Fat Thor was funny for a while, but then it felt like the film didn't know what to do with him anymore. His scene with Rene Russo was all kinds of clunky.
- I can't WAIT for people to start dragging this film for how it treats its female characters. itswhatshedeserves.gif
- Still on that note: since Valkyrie wasn't snapped, why wasn't she a part of the bulk of the film? God, there were so many missed opportunities here.
- Still on that note: that gratuitous scene with all the female Marvel characters in the final battle? Felt like the Russos throwing us a bone when they could've given us an entire piece of steak. You keep it, I'm not going to give you any points for that one
- About that final battle: what sort of Ready Player One realness? I wish I could be even remotely excited about that CGI blur I just watched.
- There is not a single scene as rousing as Thor entering Wakanda on this one. Cap wielding Mjolnir is cool, I guess, if a tad predictable.
- Either Don Cheadle was awful in this, or he just got the worst lines in the movie. Could be both, actually.
- Ok, the fate of Tony and Steve. Put me in the camp of people who also believe they should've switched roles in this. It would make much more sense for both their arcs if Cap was the one who died and Tony was the one who retired with his family. I remember after watching Infinity War that I was pretty sure where Endgame was heading, and that was with Stark's demise. But the way it played out here, it felt inorganic. And, come to think of it, kind of sadistic and cheap giving him a daughter and building up his father persona just to make him die. Cap staying in the past with Peggy is SO out of character. Dramatically, here's how I (humbly) propose this movie should've played out: Tony and Captain would, reluctantly, have been forced to work together to save the people from the Snap. Instead of making amends before their mission started, they'd gradually regain their trust in one another and the movie would end with Steve sacrificing himself for Tony (and The Avengers by proxy) and giving him the opportunity of resting alongside Pepper and his daughter. It would be an opportunity to solve both these character's arcs from Civil War during the climax and give them a proper send-off. Tony Stark's entire journey has been one of the arrogant, self-centered playboy who learns to love people other than himself. And Steve Rogers/Captain America fits better as the Messianic figure. A missed opportunity, I guess. Another thing that bothers me about all this is that I never, ever bought this entire Steve-Peggy Carter relationship. Every time they brought it up during these films, it felt incredibly shoehorned for me. And now I'm supposed to believe this is the relationship that's been most important throughout this series? Give me a break.
- All in all, this reminded be so much of The Dark Knight Rises - the finale to a saga where the beats play well, the directors craft some crowdpleasing moments, the experience is satisfying. But when you judge the movie with a bit more discernment, peel back all the layers, it gradually unravels like a house of cards. I'm very interested to see how this movie's reception will change in the long run. I'd wager that a lot of people who gave this good marks will reevaluate their opinion once the sugar high runs off.

 

[Fist of Khonshu]

only thing i didnt like was...

Spoiler

Cap passing the Captain America torch to Falcon. I would have liked it better if Bucky became the new Captain America like in the comics

Same here. Even though

Spoiler

Sam was Cap in the comics too, it makes more sense for Bucky to take over in the MCU, as his physical abilities mirror Steve's and he knows how to use that shield. Steve's best friend really should be the heir.

And I like the Falcon, no need to ditch that getup. Switching to Cap shouldn't be a "promotion".

 

[JimThompson]

Saw this from the Awards Watch forums and... it’s kinda hard to argue it:

Yes...that sums up a lot of it well.

 

[Teelie]

I thought the movie was great. It was as close to perfection as you can make it, especially considering it is the sum of a previous 21 movies with different directors and stories that had to get tied into each other.

What happened in this movie is probably as best an ending as they could make. With 10 years of stories wrapping up, this lets them create another 10 years.

 

[samsnee]

Saw this from the Awards Watch forums and... it’s kinda hard to argue it:

Actually quite easy to. This movie wasn’t going to give us the beats as IW, nor should it have. The first movie was Thanos’ movie for sure. This one is meant to focus back on the original six, something we haven’t gotten since Ultron.

 

[dennis_3107]

Actually quite easy to. This movie wasn’t going to give us the beats as IW, nor should it have. The first movie was Thanos’ movie for sure. This one is meant to focus back on the original six, something we haven’t gotten since Ultron.

But all the other points are entirely valid.

There are no sense of urgency in the second hour of the movie. Things just happen, even the slightest failure is addressed easily and then there was no problem anymore.

Jokes are not well placed.

 

[Mr.T]

I have never given a movie a perfect score but this one gets it from me. 5/5, 10/10 whatever. Just amazed. Wow.
I’m a “grown ass man” and couldn’t hold my tears in.

 

[Leenie]

I can’t give it a 5, because it isn’t a perfect film to me, but it is the highest 4 I can give it. The movie was great. I read spoilers beforehand, so I had some preset notions going in, and it blew them away. It has been an amazing ride, and I think this too might be my jumping off point. I’ll still see what the next phase looks like and see what appeals to me, but I’m fine with bookending the MCU here for now.

Completely agreed about this being an official bookend for the MCU.

Spoiler

That said, though, I am now more interested in Black Panther 2 than I previously was. I really hope that we get some delving into with how the snap affected Wakanda. As far as we know, the royal bloodline was snapped ... So who was running things in Wakanda for five years?! That's fascinating to me, and I think it would be a missed opportunity if it were to be overlooked completely in the sequel.

I have never given a movie a perfect score but this one gets it from me. 5/5, 10/10 whatever. Just amazed. Wow.
I’m a “grown ass man” and couldn’t hold my tears in.

I'm a 32 year old lady ... And Endgame made me cry MULTIPLE times throughout the entire course of the movie. Not just with the more somber and bittersweet moments ... Some moments made me feel so much joy that they made me cry, too.

Just an amazing ride of a movie.

 

[samsnee]

But all the other points are entirely valid.

There are no sense of urgency in the second hour of the movie. Things just happen, even the slightest failure is addressed easily and then there was no problem anymore.

Jokes are not well placed.

Why would there be a sense of urgency? They didn’t know past Thanos was onto their scheme and it wasn’t like they were on a countdown that automatically would have brought them back to the present.

 

[Luigi]

Avengers: Endgame

They really pulled out all the stops and delivered a robust, thrilling and emotional conclusion.

10/10