Exhilarating and fulfilling spectacle

Nonika Singh

Don’t put this on social media… it’s a tearjerker ...says Tony Stark aka Ironman (Robert Downey Jr) early in the film. So is it? Well, by Indian, especially Bollywood standards, it certainly isn’t a film that goes for your tear-ducts. Yet, Avengers: Endgame is emotionally charged, showing us both the human and humane facet of our superheroes more than once. If Tony doesn’t take your heart away, his cute little daughter who utters, ‘love you 3000’ with all her innocence certainly would.  

But more than sentiments what keeps you glued is fun, intelligence and wit. For a superhero film much of its strength lies in some frothy writing that tickles your funny-bone, nine out of ten. You chuckle for most part of the film that takes from where the prequel ended. Infinity stones in the hands of the powerful Thanos (Josh Brolin) have spelt the end of half the world, including Dr Strange. As the surviving Avengers get together, the idea is to get the stones back from him and reverse everything that has happened. 

It’s that simple, you see. Ah, ouch, only it isn’t. So, terms like time travel, time heist and back to future are thrown about, not for the first time in a film we are reminded tongue- in-cheek. Time travel you may think is total bullshit. But here it’s the main thesis; to enter back into quantum realm and exit from another, taking stones before Thanos can get to them.

Thus we are led into complicated lanes of time where Captain America fights himself, where drunk and overweight Thor (Chris Hemsworth) catches a moment with his mother (Rene Russo  looks enchanting as she hands her son a life lesson).  

Much more excitement is in store. The entire cinematic universe of Marvel comes together. But then we all knew this. What we didn’t was how the director duo would coalesce so many ends of the spectrum rather fetchingly.

There is method in the madness.  Sure if you are not clued into the individual superheroes and their marvellous journeys you might miss the connection as well as the humour. But by and large the comic quotient works like livewire. As does the action that is spread out on many zones till it builds up to a mindboggling finale which is no less than a spectacle.  

Perhaps, some scenes and dialogues like, ‘soul for a soul’ instil a feeling of déjà vu. For you have already seen the bargain Thanos gets into to gain the soul stone.

But perhaps, what you hadn’t bargained for is that Thanos too exists back in time, in the same timeline that our Avengers, saviours of the universe sneak into. What will the final battle lead to, we know the answers and dare we say there are a few surprising twists too. We are no game spoilers so… we are not telling.  But even if some of your dear friend/ foe does snitch and gives away the climax, fret not. 

For the beauty of Avengers: Endgame lies in its spectacular viewing, preferably, nay, definitely in 3D. Knowing the finale won’t at all diminish your viewing pleasure. The run time, nearly three hours, might make you a tad impatient.

Even Hindi films have bid adieu to such a stretch. But this three hour marathon that blends action, special effects, twist and turns as well as clever lines, rest assured is a fulfilling experience. Among the bevy of superheroes sharing the screen, you can take your pick for more than one is a delight. Our favourite is Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans comes close. But even if you are not a superhero fan, you will find this ride exhilarating. If the infectious enthusiasm and the unprecedented hype around it haven’t yet got to you, watching it especially in a packed hall will unfailingly do so.

Diehard aficionados of the series might be a little heart-broken for endgame does spell the culmination of a 22 film journey not just Avengers franchise. But then as Natasha, ahem Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), quips—End too is a journey. You bet, if the journey of the lovable supermen and women was worth hopping on to, the final chapter is a showstopper where all the superheroes stand tall, imposing and endearing. Fix your appointment, if you already haven’t. 

nonikasingh@tribunemail.com