“Avengers: Endgame” rises to the top

Story by Will Hanson, Assistant A&E Editor

“Avengers: Endgame” is the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is the finale of what is known as the “Infinity Saga.” The film was directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and includes over 30 of Hollywood’s biggest stars. It currently holds a 96 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie takes place following the events of “Avengers: Infinity War,” and follows the Avengers and their allies attempting to restore order to the universe.

With a 182-minute run time, “Endgame” has destroyed many box office records since showings began on April 25. Having made $350 million in its first three days, it now holds the record for the highest opening weekend of all time. This makes “Endgame” the 50th highest grossing film in the U.S. after just a single weekend. The film even has a possible chance on besting James Cameron’s “Avatar” for becoming the highest grossing movie of all time.

A story that began in 2008’s “Iron Man,” “Avengers: Endgame” does a beautiful and breathtaking job at saying goodbye to what viewers have come to know over the past 11 years. The film perfectly encapsulates the old of the MCU while introducing new aspects for the future of the universe.

Over time, the MCU has altered their film formula that has proven to be successful. More comedic films like “Spiderman: Homecoming” and “Thor: Ragnarok” were in stark contrast to the desperation found in “Infinity War” and the raw emotion in “Endgame.”

“Endgame” does a fantastic job at exploring the themes of loss that were present during the end of “Infinity War.” This resembles the concept of Home Box Office’s (HBO) television series “The Leftovers,” which follows a group of people struggling to move on after two percent of the world’s population disappears in a similar fashion to our beloved heroes at the end of “Infinity War.” “Endgame” follows a nearly completely somber tone with character developments extremely similar to the protagonists in “The Leftovers.”

Marvel studios President Kevin Feige does a brilliant job at world building. Casting choices are thoroughly done with many characters starting in the MCU with relatively small roles and becoming a crucial aspect of “Avengers: Endgame.”

The original six Avengers are given what they deserve with each getting the spotlight several times during the film. Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr. truly shine in their iconic roles of Captain America, Black Widow and Iron Man.

The film feels as if it was created as a service for fans who have been a huge part of the success of the franchise. With cameos upon cameos and other Easter eggs present, it feels like a movie that was made specifically for the fans of the “Avengers” films and its many spin-offs.

The writing perfectly balances the dozens of plot points without overshadowing any. It maintains a surprisingly cohesive story despite every character and plot that needs constant juggling.

The film can be viewed and understood by those who have only seen a few of the movies in the MCU. The film also is perfect for die-hard fans of the franchise with callbacks and connections to nearly each of the first 21 movies. “Endgame” is a giant scrapbook with references and “snapshots” to everything that has happened in the past 11 years.

“Avengers: Endgame” is in theatres now.