“Avengers: Endgame” is the final chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 22-movie franchise. Though some would think that 182 minutes is too long to sit in a theater, I can tell you this movie doesn’t feel that long. In my opinion, it was one of the best films in the franchise. I also sat straight through it without a single bathroom break because I tried to prepare for the long sit. I share some suggestions below about what to do before watching the movie.
Endgame ties up plots that have been developing over the past 11 years of Marvel character movies. The best part about this movie was… all of it! Yes. After sitting in a very comfortable theater seat for the three-hour saga, I didn’t feel there was anything that could have been left out. This film provides a very satisfying end to the wonderful adventure that started with “Iron Man” back in 2008 — a movie that I still consider my favorite among all super hero films, and yes, it’s in my book, “101 Movies To See Before You Grow Up.”
Movie Synopsis
Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers — Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner — must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos — the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.
The movie starts by showing us the aftermath of “Avengers: Infinity War” and what each of the surviving Avengers is experiencing. The world is in mourning and in a state of decay (similar to “The Leftovers” series) after Thanos, with a snap of his gemstone gloved hand, exterminated 50% of the universe’s population. The surviving Avengers have left their hero careers behind (not officially retired, still “on call”) and are living normally, some with families, and far from each other. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansen), however, who is still brooding over their losses, has kept in touch with some of the remaining gang.
The way the Russo brothers decided to package this epic finale was to take fans and movie-goers on a trip down memory lane. Yet, it is full of twists and is unpredictable. I cringed, laughed, cried and cursed as I watched the film. I can’t go into too much detail about the plot of this movie because I don’t want to spoil anything for you. But what I can tell you is that as the movie progresses, and you allow yourself to be pulled into it, you will be invested in the characters and the outcome. The audience at the screening I attended was into it, they were audibly shocked, relieved, or surprised. Speaking of characters, this is one of the many surprises in “Avengers Endgame,” they all get screen time. Even certain super-hardware got thunderous claps from the audience when they re-appeared.
As you might imagine, there are epic CGI battles, funny quips, sad moments, and infuriating ones, too. The comedy relief, and at times cringe-worthy jokes, is supplied mostly by Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Marc Ruffalo), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd). I was especially impressed with how realistic they made The Hulk look on screen, and the CGI for the characters in general is much smoother. Some of the characters have noticeably aged, and thanks to the magic of cinema, some did not age so gracefully while others still look quite fresh.
So, how do you sit through the longest Marvel movie without an intermission? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Buy your tickets ASAP if you want to see “Avengers Endgame” opening weekend so your feeds won’t spoil it for you if you wait too long to watch it.
- I don’t recommend this movie for young kids. It’s rated PG-13 and it is long.
- No need to watch all the Avengers movies before watching this one unless you want to. There are a few refreshers with in the movie to make it almost a stand-alone film.
- Eat a good hearty meal before the movie. Cheeseburgers? I’d recommend going easy on the popcorn since it requires a beverage so you won’t choke on it and, consequently, you’ll need a potty break.
- Hydrate hours before the movie, and pee right before you sit in the theater. There’s no intermission!
- Unwrap your treats well before the first scene because it is very quiet.
- Bring a tissue and try to control audible emotional reactions — though most of the audience will gasp and clap throughout the movie anyway.
- Watch the end to see how each Avenger gets a proper sign off.
- Optional to sit and wait for the full end credits to roll off the screen. I did and was not rewarded with the traditional bonus clip. This was truly the endgame played on us. However, there is a special sound at the very end, so if you stay, listen very carefully.
- Don’t spoil the endgame. Try not to over share what happens in the movie so others may enjoy it, too.
If these tips aren’t enough to keep you in your seat during “Avengers: Endgame” without a bathroom break, and you really have to go, there’s an app for that: Runpee.com.
Avengers Endgame opens in theaters everywhere April 26.
Rated PG-13
Runtime 3 hours and 2 minutes
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