Is Avengers: Endgame Overrated? A Critical Analysis

As someone who initially disliked Infinity War intensely, even with Endgame maintaining disappointingly low expectations, I entered the viewing experience with heavy skepticism. Despite the film’s status as a blockbuster, my experience left me far from satisfied. Here, I delve into the reasons why Endgame has failed to resonate with me and why it has led to a decline in my appreciation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Mega Rant Incoming: Thanos

One of the major elements that irritate me about the film is the character of Thanos. His motivations are questioned and his actions are rooted in inconsistency. His reasoning for using the Infinity Stones to destroy half of the universe instead of restoring life to his failing planet is poorly thought out and quite frustrating. The character design itself is overpowered, making the universe feel unbalanced.

“Why didn’t you just use the damn stones to bring back your planet’s resources, you retched ass! You should have known murdering people would not bring balance to the universe. I harbor absolutely no sympathy for such an idiotic character!”

Additionally, Thanos’s ending, as well as Doctor Strange’s victory, undermines the intelligence represented in other characters, specifically Thor. How can a hero like Doctor Strange, who is presumably more powerful, be defeated simply by writing fates? The Russo Brothers must have some very convincing arguments to put something so careless into the film.

The Time Travel Plot

The rules of time travel in the Marvel Universe are a major source of frustration. For instance, the Hulk’s lines about the impossibility of changing the future if altering the past create alternate realities are not only confusing but also contradict each other. Using time travel as a convenient plot device often feels forced and unconvincing. Another notable issue is the Soul Stone plot, which demands the sacrifice of one’s loved ones for the sake of acquiring a stone. This not only continues the trend of killing off beloved characters but also prioritizes story logic over character development.

“I can never forgive the Russo Brothers for sacrificing my sweet little Natasha. She was treated so badly in this film. It frustrates me that they would suddenly switch on Black Widow, a character I loved in ‘Winter Soldier’ and ‘Civil War’, our most cherished eras with Natasha.”

The writers appear to have prioritized high box office numbers over coherent storytelling, once again using Black Widow’s death as an excuse to entice audiences.

Plot Holes Galore

The film is riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies. For example, Thanos could have easily brought back his planet’s resources with the Infinity Stones, making his actions even more absurd. Other issues include the survival of the Hulk despite the hero’s death, Hawkeye’s continued existence, Ant-Man’s not using his shrunken size to defeat Thanos, and Captain America’s unexpected worthiness of Mjolnir. These plot holes highlight the rushed and chaotic nature of the movie, further diminishing its quality.

“Why didn’t Thanos just use the stones to revive his planet? Why did Ant-Man not shrink Thanos’s head? How come Hawkeye is still alive? These plot holes and inconsistencies detract from the overall experience.”

The Russo Brothers’ decision to preserve the so-called “epic conclusion” rather than explore a stable alternate reality further exacerbates these issues, leaving the audience unsatisfied and questioning the reasoning behind the narrative.

The Decline of the MCU

The events of Infinity War and subsequent films have noticeably impacted the MCU’s quality. The Endgame plot bombards the audience with convenience and a lack of character development, which was once one of the MCU’s strong suits. This significant decline in storytelling quality is evident in the MCU's recent films, making it hard to enjoy the series.

“Wake me up when the MCU improves. All those promising films like Loki, Spiderman: No Way Home, Moon Knight, and Shang-Chi are not enough to bring back the audience's faith in the MCU.”

The choice to prioritize quantity over quality in Endgame is a prime example of this decline. Character development and coherent plotlines are often sacrificed for blockbuster hype, resulting in a less satisfying experience for both fans and critics.

Conclusion

While there have been a few good films since Infinity War, the overall decline in quality has left me feeling disillusioned. Endgame has become a symbol of this decline, and despite its popularity, it has left a lasting mark of disappointment on the MCU.