Endgame (2019) is Marvel's ultimate celebration and the culmination of 11 years of universe building. I don't think Endgame is better than Infinity War (2018), but I enjoy it just as much.
Callbacks and Fan Service
Going back in time is not only a part of the story and a way to complete character arcs. The time-travel allows us to see Marvel's Greatest Hits. We journey back to Asgard, revisit the Battle of New York, witness SHIELD in its glory days, and receive so many great jokes about the history of the franchise. Thor jokes about the Aether and how it's really "more of an angry sludge." Scott Lang, Tony Stark, and Steve Rogers have an argument about "America's ass." Nebula and Rhodie joke about how big of an idiot Peter Quill is during an amazing callback to the opening sequence of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). If you are not a huge Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, I would understand your complaints about this film, but I wouldn't care. Marvel Studios made this for the fans and filled it with as much justified fan service as they could.
The final act of the film is for the fans entirely.
First, we get to see Thor, Steve, and Tony face off against the O.P. somehow stronger without the gauntlet Thanos. While it is annoying that Thanos is so much stronger in Endgame, it is still amazing to watch the fight. Thor dual-wielding Mjolnir and Stormbreaker is amazing. Then, Steve shows off that he is worthy by picking up the hammer.
The final battle on the grounds of the Avenger's compound is amazing. It is every character together for probably the only time in the near future. I wish that scene would never end. It is an opportunity to celebrate all the awesomeness of the MCU. We see T'Challa, Peter Parker, and Carol Danvers try to keep the gauntlet away from Thanos. Then, we watch Wanda nearly kill Thanos. Thanos then immediately proceeds to show what a wimp he is. He has no problem being a tough guy until he is outmatched. He is the ultimate frontrunner.
Finally, we have Tony's funeral and Steve and Peggy's dance. This ending allows us to say goodbye but not too quickly. It doesn't cut off. It shows us all the things we still have to look forward to. Then, we are given that dance to walk us out of our seats.
The Beautiful and Perfect Endings
Natasha, Tony, and Steve receive perfect endings to their journeys. Each is set up from a line from the first Avengers (2012) movie: "I've got red in my ledger, I'd like to wipe it out," "You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you" and "the man out of time."
Natasha finally gets to wipe out all the red in her ledger. She sacrifices herself for the universe. Also, remember when I was all upset about the Thanos claiming to love Gamora? This is what love looks like. Clint and Natasha attempt to sacrifice themselves for the other person to live. That's love. Not that yeating business Thanos was up to.
Tony finally has to lay down on the wire and let the other guy (in this case, the universe) walkover. He makes the sacrifice to save the world. His journey began from such a self-serving place that it only makes sense that his journey ends with selflessness. He could never rest until the universe was safe. His death was inevitable. It was the only justifiable way to end the journey.
Steve's journey has the happiest of endings. His whole life was an act of selflessness and he finally got to have the life he always wanted. He moves on and lives a happy family life that Tony and Nat will never get to. It is the best way of honoring them. He goes back in time to finally get his dance with Peggy. It is the single most beautiful moment in the MCU.
The Perfect Continuations
I love Thor's journey in Endgame. His last journey ended in failure, but I don't think that is the only reason for his depression. He has lost a lot of family and friends. Revenge burns out. When his revenge is burnt-out, he has to deal with the inevitability of his loss. After a lifetime of being parented by the MCU's number awful father, Odin, Thor turns to his mother for nurturing guidance. She tells him that he failed but that it is not final. She also reminds him that he doesn't have to be what that dirtbag Odin has always tried to make him. Thor gets to continue his journey of self-realization.
Bruce Banner becomes one with the Hulk. I wish we could have seen more of this process but, hey, at least we got him dabbing. Bruce has a callback to the first Avengers film too. The following is a dialogue between Tony and Bruce in the Avengers.
"Hey, I've read all about your accident. That much Gamma exposure should have killed you."
"So you're saying that the Hulk, the other guy, saved my life? That's nice. It's a nice sentiment. Save it for what?"
"I guess we'll find out."
"You may not enjoy that."
"You just might."
In Endgame, Bruce says, "But the radiation's mostly gamma. It's like I was made for this." Snapping his fingers to bring everyone back is the reason why the Hulk saved Bruce's life. I think it is a good turn around for Bruce and the Hulk to come together and finally serve a purpose together.
How can I even end this post? It's the end and it makes me sad. I don't know if I'll ever feel the same way at a Marvel movie. "Part of the journey is the end."
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