Skip to main content

Featured Post

"ANI (The Harvest)" Movie Review - Flawed but Admirable

A kid had to face the world in his own animated version and conquer life's biggest monster. ANI (The Harvest) It's as if a child's imagination is a safe haven, a place where the world is a playground for all the possibilities the mind could think of. And even the tight and humble space called home, situated on a busy Metro could not hinder the inquisitive headspace of a young Mithi (played by Zyren Dela Cruz), a boy who accomplishes the day by playing with his colorful toy robots that perform a vital role in his imaginary narrative. With a loving father and a mother that sings him a self-assuring lullaby, Mithi is blissfully unaware of the harsh reality. But life decided to toy with his fate, and Mithi's perfect little world is now showing its cracks, putting his vulnerability to the test and slowly depriving him of his happiness he thought would last forever. And through his eyes, the world suddenly transforms itself into a menacing monster.  Set in a lush

"Avengers: Endgame" Non-Spoiler Appreciation Review - A Spectacular Game-Changing Journey

The culmination of 11 years of epic warfare, drama and well-written characters that we know and love. Avengers: Endgame is as explosive as you might expect.

avengers-endgame-review
Avengers: Endgame
- Photo from USA Today

No one could ever prepare themselves, myself included, for the roller coaster and cyclone of authentic emotions that is Avengers: Endgame

As amazing as it sounds, we have to give credit to Kevin Feige and everyone involved in this 11 years of hard work that not only served justice to the comic book material but also to the fans that are absolutely supportive to everything Marvel, flaws and all, and made this marvelous family the cinematic giant that it is.

Avengers: Behind and In Front of the Camera

The Marvel Cinematic Universe over the years has evolved and each time gradually betters itself, proving that this ambitious project worked, from their humble beginnings in 2008 up to what it is today, and continuously works, not only because of the flashy action scenes or the insanely quirky out-of-this-world cosmic storylines but rather with its very key aspect that made their films beloved and relatable: character-driven plot.

Some can go as far as being edgy and about their convoluted narrative but if the characters are flat and one-dimensional and their motivations doesn't inspire the audiences then the whole movie itself would crumble.

marvel-10-year-anniversary-photo-avengers-endgame
Marvel's 10-Year Anniversary Photo
- Photo from Collider

True enough, Avengers: Endgame's story is more focused and the character-driven plot is more impressive than any of the other superhero films to date. From the talented writing skills of Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, and the directorial power combo of Joe and Anthony Russo, Avengers: Endgame didn't just exceeded the expectations but shattered them into every splinters of joy and tear-jerking moments as a result of the movie's clever construction and editing. 

The Russo brothers in particular, who were also involved in some of the best MCU movies ever with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and of course 2018's groundbreaking cinematic event, Avengers: Infinity War,  has also perfected their directorial style and managed to even juggle all these characters and give them enough credits, thus, establishing their mark in this infamous universe, granting the franchise a different flavor that is fresh and thrilling from start to finish.

It's also pleasing to witness that every character in this film, particularly the original six, was given  enough screen time and commendable character moments to actually shine and complete their individual journeys. 

the-original-six-avengers-avengers-endgame
The Original Six Avengers
- Photo from MCU Exchange

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner completely owned the characters that they're playing as and not only gave a phenomenal and oftentimes poignant performances, but also gifted the audiences with their flamboyant and natural playful charm that collectively benefits the whole narrative and the message that film tried (and successfully) conveyed.

Props to Josh Brolin as well for his masterful representation of Thanos that placed the character atop the pedestal of the greatest superhero villain in cinematic history.

The other characters were also used effectively and even Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, who has been in the hot seats for a few months now for an unlikely controversy, admiringly redeemed herself in this film and the Russo's know how and when to place her character at what moment, in the mix of all the other colorful and more likable characters in the MCU.

Needless to say that Feige, the Russo's and the other people behind the camera are as much as an Avenger in spirit as the actors we see onscreen.

Thematic Appeal

When it comes to the thematic appeal, I thought the movie went in strong and even stronger as it approached its conclusion. Just an amazing feat.

tony-stark-avengers-endgame
(Official trailer footage) Tony Stark as seen from the Benatar in space
- Photo from Fast Company

From the very somber but never boring beginning which lets the audience feel the overworld and gives an atmosphere of desperation from our heroes, fresh from their Infinity War mayhem, to the heart-pumping action adventures that gets better and better as they progressed towards that satisfying third arc.

Yes, that third arc is the epitome of superhero greatness. 

The CGI in this film is a technical achievement but not without its flaws. At times, some renders looked a bit wonky and out of place to an otherwise brilliantly executed visuals.

steve-rogers-captain-america-avengers-endgame
(Official trailer footage) Steve Rogers in his Captain America costume
- Photo from BGR

Then there's fan service. A term often used and sometimes unwittingly thrown out there and usually connotes a negative context, given the fact that some blockbuster films used this as a cheap device to give their film a memorable punch as an excuse for their overall bland and mediocre movie. 

While film reviewers and average moviegoers might agree that this film clings from the borders to the ins and outs of fan service territory, Endgame made sure that every piece of that is justified, and it was, especially after everything that they've built up before this momentous occasion.

Tying Up Loose Ends

From the tamed to the blow-by-blow sequences, Endgame absolutely pushed the boundaries of the superhero genre and quite frankly set the bar too far high that I think no other movies of the same vein would even go near and touch the same level of greatness that this film has achieved, at least in the next few years or so.

There's also a lot of interesting character conversations sprinkled throughout the course of this three-hour extravaganza that not only enriched the quality of the scenes but also elevated those characters in it, which some of their weaker movies have not successfully represented in the past — an intelligent way to tie up loose ends.

avengers-endgame-world-premiere
Avengers: Endgame World Premiere
- Photo from BroBible

This movie boasts a lot of surprises too that nobody ever expected to see. The Russo's know exactly what they're doing and the ultimate secrecy behind the marketing of this film really paid off proven as to how many good stuff this movie has to offer.

Trust me, you don't want yourself to get spoiled by all the uncultured swines that loiters the social media for that five minutes of unwanted attention. 

Finally, much like last year's Infinity War, this movie possesses real and believable stakes. There's an actual jolt of danger that if not careful, might really cost the lives of the remaining people that our beloved heroes are trying to protect. Markus and McFeely's screenplay truly was a huge upgrade in both tone and narrative in comparison to all previous Marvel films.

If you think Marvel was all about that cheesy dumb jokes and predictable formulaic approach then this film will tell you otherwise.

Let's Be Reel

The final chapter to a decade-long slow burn preparation for the ultimate battle that concludes the Infinity Saga. Avengers: Endgame is a complete full course meal that satiates that inner hero in you.

Mind-blowing might be an understatement to define this special cinematic experience that marks a large impact to movie history that transcends to a generation or so.

This film is a cultural cinematic celebration. A lovely send-off to the best era of comic book to movie adaptations that didn't just deliver but really smashed it out of the park.

Avengers: Endgame is true to its title and it doesn't get any better than this.


10/10
Reel Points


Comments