ReelBob: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ ★★★½

By Bob Bloom

Completing a film franchise successfully is a daunting task.

The studio and filmmakers have to contend with the expectations of fans — who may know the characters and storylines backwards and forward — as well as the average moviegoer who only may have a passing knowledge of those movies.

“Avengers: Endgame” superbly succeeds on that first level. Aficionados of the movies will be so emotionally invested in “Endgame” that they may want to rush the screen and hug it after the end credits roll.

Casual fans, though, may be a bit lost because directors Anthony and Joe Russo, as well as writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, throw so much at you in the way of characters and situations that rely on knowledge of past films in the franchise.

That, however, is a minor quibble. To be honest, “Avengers: Endgame” is a love letter to those who have remained faithful throughout the past 11 years and to 21 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Back in the 1930s’, MGM used to promote its roster of actors by proclaiming it had “more stars than there are in the heavens.”

The massive cast of performers who participate in “Avengers: Endgame” makes MGM’s boast pale.

Several appearances in “Endgame” — no matter how brief they are — will create OMG moments that will bring gasps, surprises — and laughs.

“Endgame” is more than a movie, it is an emotional event — a reward for loyalty, as well as a promise of new things to come.

Underlying it all is a foundation about family — all kinds — be it people who are united by a common cause or by blood.

If I am sounding vague, I have a solid reason. I do not want to give anything away that might spoil the film for anyone.

The heart of “Endgame” rests on the yin and yang personalities of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark aka Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers aka Captain America.

Stark is more of a cynic who usually expects and wants to prepare for the worst, while Rogers is the optimist who basically sees the good in people and expects them to do the right thing.

This dichotomy, which has been a factor in many of the movies in the MCU, comes to a head in “Endgame.”

The movie is not afraid to mix and match characters — some of the teams created to try reversing the catastrophe at the end of “Avengers: Infinity War” are charming and witty.

“Endgame” also is not afraid to show the impact the events in the previous movie had on a few of our heroes. Some of their responses are not very heroic, to say the least.

Yet, an air of — not so much confidence — as resilience and determination unite those remaining after Thanos snapped his fingers.

Honestly, some of “Endgame” is a bit ragged, some plot points either are not explained or are glossed over, and a couple of characters are underutilized.

That, I admit, is nitpicking.

Mostly, “Avengers: Endgame” is a cathartic experience that will keep you in your seats for its entire 181-minute running time.

I guarantee you will hear weeping in the theater — as well as cheers.

Marvel has created a memorable farewell with “Avengers: Endgame.” It overwhelms you by exercising your memory muscles and toning them up for what lies ahead.

“Endgame” is not a farewell, as much as a “see you down the road.”

To adapt a phrase that has become a mantra of the Marvel empire, “With great cinematic power comes great cinematic responsibility.” And Marvel totally has lived up to that credo.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME
3½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), science fiction action and violence, language