Endgame: The End of a Chapter, The Beginning of an Era

Any fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can recall their reaction at the end of “Avengers: Infinity War.” Personally, I fell to my knees and yelled at the screen… in a theater full of people. I immediately wanted to know what happens next, with so many favorite characters gone, how could the franchise continue?

On April 26, the world got its answer.

Now before I continue, there are going to be spoilers in this review. For the sake of those who haven’t seen the sequel yet, I will try to keep them to a minimum, but just beware, SPOILERS AHEAD.

I can’t believe that Hulk and Black widow got married! Just kidding, I put that in there for anyone who read past the spoiler warning. But seriously, spoilers ahead.

The opening scenes serve to remind the audience of the devastation caused by Thanos. The brokenness that the characters feel is so apparent that the audience feels it as well. As the characters are explored, we see coping mechanisms that each develop to help them move on.

This idea of coping is the central idea of “Avengers: Endgame.” The idea that even when you fail, you can remember it and move on to improve yourself. TRUE SPOILERS AHEAD

To exemplify coping and moving on, Steve Rogers, Captain America, runs a support group, to help people as they try to move on after The Decimation. Even though he helps others move on, he never forgives himself for failing. He refuses to accept what happened, saying that “others move on… but not us.” As the movie continues, Captain America improves himself even to the point of wielding Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer. This act is a test of a person’s honor, and only those who are truly worthy may wield the hammer. Captain America improved himself after failing, and did so without compromising his character, completing his arc.

Thor arguably takes defeat the worst of all of the Avengers. After their defeat and the realization that he should have gone for the head, Thor descends into depression; wallowing in self pity, alcohol, and… Fortnite. He gains weight, so much to where it was almost uncomfortable to look at him, and suffers from depression. As the movie continues, he gradually improves, and then he talks to his mother, Frigga. “Everyone fails at being who they are supposed to be, but the measure of a person is based off of how they are at being the best them,” said Frigga, showing concern and love for her eldest son. After this talk, Thor improves exponentially, and with a new resolve, he sets out to save the universe.

Growth is shown by the heroes overcoming Thanos and finally being able to rest. Captain America returns to his time to live with Peggy Carter, returning as an old man who lived a full and happy life. All the heroes are able to recognize that they succeeded, and they all return to their lives, which were waiting for them for five years.