Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame – The world continues to turn after Thanos has wiped out half of life on Earth (as well as in the rest of the universe) but for many, moving on has become impossible. The remaining Avengers seek a way to reverse the ‘snap’ but when they discover that the infinity stones have been destroyed, all seems lost. Can a surprise returnee hold the key to saving the dead or will the scheme prove too risky for those who still have plenty to lose?

Avengers Endgame (2019) – Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59301815

Rating: 12

Running Length: 181 mins

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson

Genre: Comic Book, Action

REVIEW – AVENGERS: ENDGAME

All the way back in 2008, Marvel brought out ‘Iron Man’, their first in an ambitious franchise known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (or MCU for short). With such a concept the promise was an unbelievable amount of quality movies that would bring many of Marvel’s lesser known/less popular characters into the public psyche. So, 11 years and 22 films later this extraordinarily interwoven plot has resulted in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, the second part of last year’s ‘Avenger’s Infinity War’ and the final movie of the MCU (well, the finale of this phase at least). Since Thanos snapped his fingers and wiped out half of the universe’s population, without prejudice (other than himself of course!), the internet and Marvel fandom has been abuzz with theories of what could happen in ‘Endgame’.

With so many movies leading up to it, with their own self-contained stories as well as the long thread of continuity and relevance to other movies throughout, ‘Endgame’ had to show deference to what came before. While it would be tempting to jump straight into the action, the deliberate subdued atmosphere and slow-burn that permeates most of the first 40 minutes gives weight to the loss everyone has endured. The Avengers may be superheroes but they feel grief as much as anyone else, perhaps more so when the guilt of failure looms over their heads.

Unfortunately while the adults in the audience may appreciate this slower pace, the lack of action may prove to be a little dull for kids. But patience is a virtue and the anticipated action parts do not disappoint! As usual there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and exciting scenes and, despite having such a large ensemble cast (even if it has been unceremoniously cut down by Thanos), enough time is given to all of the characters so that no-one feels left out.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ is a wonderfully realised ending to a huge build-up that could easily have gone for superficial flashiness but instead respects the journey that these characters we have grown to know and love have taken, giving them the emotional resolutions that they deserve. We recommend watching ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ before ‘Endgame’ in order to remember the more pertinent details but also to enjoy a more action-packed overall experience for a truly stupendous touchstone in modern entertainment.

CONTENT – IS ‘AVENGERS: ENDGAME’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

A character spends time with his family, however one of his children disappears as soon as he looks away. As he takes a few steps to look for her, he realises he is alone. Due to the audience knowing the events that happened in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, this could be a little upsetting.

Some dialogue explains how a normally ‘good’ character has been going around killing large groups of criminals and leaving gory scenes in their wake. One of the Avengers makes it clear that they are uncomfortable going after this person due to not wanting to see the bloody aftermaths. A scene begins part way through one of these rampages; dead bodies lie around but nothing especially graphic is shown. They are confronted by the leader of the attacked gang and after a brief exchange, the attacker uses a blade to slash the leader’s throat. He gurgles a little and holds his hand to his neck. Some blood is shown but he is still able to speak, before the blade as it is stabbed downwards, below the camera.

There is plenty of bad language throughout the movie but no more than is usual for an MCU movie. However, in one short scene, an adult and a young child under 5 repeatedly say ‘sh*t’.

One character uses hand gestures to imply that one plan could be to go back in time and strangle Thanos as a baby. This is immediately shut down with one character saying ‘That’s horrifying’.

Some characters see loved ones that they have lost and have touching moments with them again. These scenes are a little sad but not overly emotional.

Due to the high stakes of the story, tragedies happen and sacrifices are made. These moments could be upsetting, especially when characters mourn their lost loved ones.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT – IS ‘AVENGERS: ENDGAME’ FOR KIDS?

An excellent end to not only the current phase of the MCU but all the previous phases as well. ‘Avengers: Endgame’ knows exactly how to put us on the edges of our seats, make us laugh, and pull at the heartstrings with ease. Depending on your sensibilities around frequent moderate bad language, we feel this movie is appropriate for kids aged 8 and over.

• Violence: 2/5 (some dialogue gives vague detail about some unpleasant deaths but little gore is shown on screen. Most of the fights are exciting and the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides are very black and white. An alien is suddenly decapitated and some of their blood is seen but this is very quick and not distressing)
• Emotional Distress: 3/5
• Fear Factor: 2/5 (Thanos is huge, imposing and violent, making him a very scary enemy)
• Sexual Content: 0/5
• Bad Language: 4/5
• Dialogue: 2/5 (characters discuss their difficulties in moving on and mourning the people they have lost. There are strong implications of depression and anger at what has happened. This dialogue could be confusing and upsetting for some younger kids)
• Other Notes: Deals with themes of loss, grief, sacrifice, love, hope, taking risks and fulfilling promises.

Words by Laura Record