The Great Divide: Critical Perspectives on Marvel’s Culmination

Every journey comes to an end, and for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this often contentious end was marked by Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War.

Unified Yet Divided

The formation and unity of heroes are beautiful to behold; however, the seams were intentionally woven into these films. Case in point, the double reunions of Iron Man and Spider-Man, followed by Star-Lord and Gamora. These reunions slowed the intensity and pace, culminating in a film sequence where Avengers: Endgame could have been on a quicker path to its final battle.

Iron Man’s Finale

Before the release of Avengers: Endgame, mortals like myself predicted the iconic scene where Iron Man takes down Thanos, a prediction that proved true. Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ), as Tony Stark/Iron Man, even removed his helmet to deliver his final line, an act that felt oddly out of place in the chaos of a high-stakes battle. To my dismay, one of the MCU’s most beloved actors disappointed in this depiction, stripping his character of his usual charm and wit in such a crucial moment.

Battered by Expectations

The opening sequences of these films were every citizen’s hopeful anticipation leading to an epic final act, but it soured swiftly. The conclusion of Avengers: Infinity War, lasting a mere 5 minutes, dwarfed the 15-minute battle from Avenger: Age of Ultron (2015). Adding to the frustration was the inclusion of over 60 recurring characters, with none of them able to sustain a prolonged battle, tarnishing the potential for a legendary cinematic battle.

Balance of Power

Responses to the loss of heroes, including Tony Stark, varied among viewers. For those who rooted for their survival, the fate of numerous beloved characters left a sour taste. The exclusion of characters like Gamora and Spider-Man in favor of more iconic figures seemed like a miscalculation. Similarly, the death of Captain America, not by Thanos but rather by the destructive consequences of a heroic alliance, was seen as an unsuccessful attempt to drive a point. The absence of these beloved characters significantly detracted from the narrative’s impact, leading to a sense of anti-climax amidst could-have-been’s.

Perfection in Imperfection

As disappointing as the weaknesses of these films were to many, it’s important to acknowledge the scale at which the MCU operates. Every movie, even a franchise as sprawling as the MCU, has its imperfections and missteps. Viewers who praised the films even as they pointed out flaws affirmed that medicine is often necessary for a tale that stretches across multiple films.

Endgame: More Than Its Flaws

Avengers: Endgame was criticized for its time travel mechanics, which introduced potential plot holes and forced choices. Nonetheless, it was still acknowledged by many as the more well-rounded of the two films, with more endearing qualities that outweighed the technical flaws. While Infinity War might be considered on par with its predecessor, Endgame offered an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the arcs of characters like Tony Stark and other Avengers. Love for a film often transcends its flaws and is shaped by the positive attributes it possesses.

The reviews of Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War reveal a spectrum of opinions, from passionate defense to scathing criticism. Yet, the essence of artistic storytelling involves making choices, and in the grand narrative of the MCU, these films were chapters in a story that began long ago. Whether you loved them or hated them, the conversations sparked by these films have undoubtedly enriched the dialogue around superhero storytelling.