Joe Russo (1) (1971–)

Broken by their defeat at Thanos's hands, the remaining Avengers come together to devise a plan to reset the damage Thanos has done, bringing the universe back to the state it was in before in a thrilling time travel adventure, culminating in the ultimate final battle between good and evil.

As I mentioned in my Infinity War review, that film did so much right that it has (quite deservedly) been named many people's favorite MCU film -- but, as I also mentioned, I am a sucker for good endings, and Endgame is not only that, but it is also the perfect ending for this era of the MCU. So many characters' storylines are resolved in appropriate ways, even if they are gut-wrenching to watch in certain characters' cases. The fact that such a lengthy journey is fully realized in such an amazing and deserved way is satisfying to the utmost. Is it fan-servicey in many of its attributes? You can certainly say that, but its fan service is its strength, as that's what this ultimately is -- a colossal crossover of so many comic book icons only happens once in a lifetime, so you have to pull out all the stops, and they did that and they did it well.

Story: A+
Acting: A+
Design: A
Music: A+
Content: C

Content Notes: Sci-fi violence throughout, although it feels more intense here due to the finality of it all, and the stakes that are to be felt. There's also roughly 20 uses of profanity here, mostly mild save for a pair of uses of God's name in vain.… (more)

The Avengers team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy as the villain Thanos prepares to unleash his ultimate plan of domination on the galaxy to wipe out half of all life in a twisted plan of galactic salvation. As the splintered heroes look to set aside their differences, the battle for the universe is just beginning.

Ten years of storytelling, with nearly twenty movies, led to the culmination of this overarching story into the behemoth that is Avengers: Infinity War, a film that blends together so many comic book icons that is a truly triumphant achievement for cinema. Never before has so many characters, each with their own level of iconicity, come together on screen at one time, and Marvel truly nailed it with this one. The stakes feel real (for the first time, really), as deaths are final and definite. So many references to previous MCU titles are called upon, making the entire movie-watching experience that much more thrilling, and you care for so many of these characters that when they are hurt or killed, that hurt is likewise felt. But nothing can really prepare anyone for that monstrous, cliffhanger of an ending -- and for all its greatness, Infinity War is just so slightly outdone by its follow-up. That might be a me thing, because I'm a sucker for good endings, and Endgame is just that; but don't take that as a slight against Infinity War, because it is a monster in its own right.

Story: A+
Acting: A
Design: A
Music: A
Content: C+

Content Notes: Sci-fi action violence throughout, and roughly 20 or so uses of milder vulgarity.… (more)

For my money, this is as good as the Marvel Cinematic Universe gets. Building to an event following 19 other films, combining countless characters into a single narrative, making any of it land emotionally and having the story be easy to follow and make sense -- on its own, that is an accomplishment. It also being one of the best films in the entire series is frankly more than I had ever dare expect from it. I think I might still hold a slight preference for the original "Avengers", but the sheer accomplishment of this film is mind-boggling enough whether or not it is best, second best or third best out of 20. It's up there, is what matters. All the thumbs all the way up.… (more)