'Avengers: Endgame' provides closure to an eminently satisfying degree

Amidst all the whams, bams, explosions and crashes, the film's silences are significant emotional tools

So is the much-anticipated, highly hyped and madly overbooked Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame worth its three-hour run? One word: Absolutely. The 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the fourth helmed by the Russo brothers, Joe and Anthony, this is the best possible conclusion a studio, and the directors and actors in the franchise, could have wanted  — or achieved.

Three hours allow the directors to take their time to tell the story they want. And a good thing, too, since the movie is supposed to close the loop on multiple storylines and characters. Providing closure to a franchise of this scale is tricky, but the Russo brothers have proven they can handle scale and the challenges it brings. This time, too, they do not disappoint. 

The centrepiece of superhero films is, of course, the action and here Endgame hits bull’s eye. Previous MCU films have proven that the action and special effects in the franchise are superior and the same standards are maintained. In fact, with the stakes higher than ever before, the action is also a notch higher. While action sequences are interspersed throughout the film, the last 40-odd minutes are superb, leaving audiences alternately gasping and cheering.

For a superhero film, Endgame, like its predecessor, Infinity War, is unusually high on dialogue and emotional interaction. The film largely focuses on the “original six” from 2012’s The Avengers. Of course, there are some new cast members in the mix, but some of the best moments come during the interactions between the six who fought the Battle of New York in 2012. These interactions skilfully foreshadow the fate of some of the characters. There are also some surprises when it comes to how this bunch of superheroes has evolved. In that sense, the character arcs are as delightful to watch as they were in the 2016 Civil War.

Rarely in an action-oriented superhero flick does one notice the acting, but Endgame contains distinct moments that showcase the brilliance of the actors. Both in dialogue delivery as well as in body language, the actors establish their state of mind in classically rigorous style. Don’t’ forget we are looking at Earth’s mightiest heroes at their lowest in the aftermath of the Infinity War.

As with Infinity War, this film too travels places, so to speak, and the screenplay does well in terms of maintaining continuity. Viewers are not left confused about what is happening on any occasion. This is also where the directors have managed to provide a bunch of throwbacks and references to previous films in the franchise and “easter eggs” (hidden references to the source material or indications of what future films may have in store) for fans to spot. 

Amidst all the whams, bams, explosions and crashes, the film’s silences are significant. Endgame makes highly effective use of silence as a powerful tool to convey the tension of a situation or emotions running high. In these scenes, silence truly does speak louder than words.

The film does have moments when it hits a snag or two, but the last half hour more than makes up for them. Also, those viewers who are not equally invested in all characters may find some bits a drag. But then you win some, you lose some. Also, in order to give each of the many characters at least some screen time — in dialogue or action — three hours seems almost necessary.

Endgame is filled with memorable moments, tons of fan service and bittersweet interactions between iconic characters. It is long, but it is not tedious. It is a visual spectacle, but it is not overwhelming. And, it is absolutely worth the time.