So I saw Endgame today and boy was it a rollercoaster of emotions. I'm usually cynical towards films that try to cram in as many characters as possible just for the sake of fan-service, and while Endgame was fan-service, it wasn't used in a tacky way. It was more like the Russo brothers rewarding the fans for staying with the MCU for 10 years.
Overall ThoughtsI found the first part of the movie a bit rushed. It started off a bit slow with Tony and Nebula and then suddenly they all went to track down Thanos and killed him. Then we have a time jump, so that threw me off a bit. But after that, I thought the pacing was great. While I found the time travelling stuff interesting, my inner physics nerd is screaming the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and how time travel is impossible regardless of all the quantum talk. I also think they kinda overhyped Captain Marvel's role. I remember hearing them talk about how strong she'll be and all but she was barely there in the movie. However, I did enjoy the movie. The action, the script- everything was great. (And this is coming from a cynical, picky film critic lol)
Saddest MomentsOf course when Natasha and Tony died. When Clint and Natasha were getting the soul stone, I kinda figured that Natasha would sacrifice herself. It would've been weird if Clint died instead, considering how he was barely there at Infinity War so Endgame was giving Clint the opportunity to step up. I also kinda expected Tony to die. The MCU started with Tony in 2008 so it would work out nicely if the MCU would end with Tony. Plus, Peter Parker died in Tony's arms so it would make sense if Tony died in Peter's arms (although technically Pepper as well). These scenes were quite sad but I found it amusing hearing everyone around me sniffling in the cinema. (Although low-key, I kinda expected more people to die but then again, Game of Thrones has desensitised me lol)
Unexpected MomentsWhen Steve was able to wield Mjolnir. Thor always talked about how only those who are worthy can wield Mjolnir, and I remember back in Age of Ultron (I think) Steve tried to pick up Mjolnir but was unsuccessful. I was surprised but thought it was a great homage to that. I am still trying to figure out why Steve was able to use it so I'll let that sit for a bit and over-analyse lol. But the way Steve used Mjolnir was pretty cool and it was funny seeing Thor and Steve swap weapons mid-battle.
I was also surprised to see Clint take on the persona of Ronin, or at least allude to Ronin (whenever I hear Ronin, I can't help but think of FFXV). I think the bow-katana combination was also great. I kinda felt that Clint was always pushed aside, like how in the first Avengers movie we barely saw him since he was been brainwashed by Loki, which was why Endgame was a great time for him to shine. On another note, I love his new aesthetic (the tattoos, the hair, weapons).
Favourite ScenesDefinitely the main battle scene. I loved the part when the camera showed how this was a large-scale battle. And I definitely loved how the gauntlet was passed to various characters so each of them got the spotlight. I also loved the final scene where Steve finally reunites with Peggy. All of my friends didn't like that scene but I viewed that as Steve finally feeling at home at long last. I've always felt bad for Steve because he's always felt like a fish out of water, being thrown into the modern world and can never seem to move on from WW2 and Peggy. And he's always loved Peggy after 70+ years so it was nice to see him finally reunite with her.
Overall, it was a great film. Honestly, what do you expect from a Marvel movie. I'm amazed that the movie managed to deal with so many characters and use their unique traits. I think most of that is because they spent so much time and effort building the MCU and now the time has come for all of the characters to finally meet and work together. I am excited to hear more news about the Black Widow movie and I'd like to see a Hawkeye film (I think it would be great to see him take on the Ronin persona again).
If anyone sees the movie and does not cry I will not believe you.
I did get sad but I didn't cry lol