AVENGERS: END GAME

SYNOPSIS:
After the devastating events of Infinity War, the universe is in ruins. With the help of the remaining allies, the Avengers assemble to undo Thanos' actions and restore order in the universe.

Review by Louise Keller:
Bring back what is lost; don't die trying; keep what you have at all costs. This is the mantra of Avengers: End Game, a high-octane spectacular filled with surprises, twists and action sequences that are pure mayhem. While Avengers: Infinity War (2018) could be described as an extravagant mash-up of our Marvel superhero favourites, this closing bookend is for the fans. The film's conceit is as large as its scale.

Overlong at 181 minutes, directors Anthony and Joe Russo embrace the multifarious plot by screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to deliver a dense tale with an audacious premise involving quantum physics, self-sacrifice and the new electric Audi e-tron. How-When-Where are the questions that need to be asked, following the wiping out of half the universe at the hands of Josh Brolin's dastardly, accordion-chinned villain, Thanos ('I am inevitable'). The search is on for the powerful six Infinity Stones. Best not to reveal too much - there is more fun to be had in discovering the twists and turns in person.

It takes a while for the rhythms of the exposition to take flight and Brolin continues to be a formidable presence. Watch for Chris Hemsworth, who looking like 'melting ice-cream', elicits laughs as the overweight Thor. There is so much going on all the time that you could be forgiven for missing bits here and there. As for the action sequences, they are chaos on screen - visual effects in full flight but somewhat lacking involvement and a sense of risk.

All our favourites are back: Robert Downey Jnr's Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie, Brie Larssen's Captin Marvel and Chris Evans' Captain America to name a few. Rocket, the sharp-tongued space racoon voiced by Bradley Cooper is a firm favourite. Editing is sharp and Alan Silvestri's score is predictably bold.

Ultimately, Avengers: End Game is not about strength but about heroism, perserverence and sacrifice.