To call Endgame a masterwork would only be a slight overstatement. A film that delivers on the promise of all that came before it is hard enough to find, let alone one that wraps up so many storylines that have been told over the span of a decade and 20+ films.

It's hard to imagine anyone thinking of what Endgame is back when the MCU began in 2008 with Iron Man. The story picks up where Infinity War left off and soon launches viewers into an all out race against time to find a way to bring back everyone we lost in that film.

Fans will be happy to see all the familiar faces, including some who have been absent from the MCU for a while or that we only saw once or twice throughout the grand saga to this point. While the ultimate ending should never really be in doubt, there are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep viewers guessing to the end.

Filled with subtle nods to the other films in the series, Endgame caters to the die hard fans of the various franchises, while providing an engaging story that even the casual fan can enjoy. There are a number of films you should watch before taking this one in, especially Captain America: Civil War, Thor: Ragnarok, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Captain Marvel, but even with out most of those, you can still get a decent handle on what's happening in this film.

The ultimate battle scene (because ALL the Avengers films have big battles) lives up to all expectations and is bound to receive applause in the theater. And like so many tyrants have in the real world in recent years, it's time Thanos learns not to underestimate the strength, power, resilience, and determination of a group of women set on changing the world.

10 out of 10

Previous: Captain Marvel | Next: Spider-Man: Far From Home

Get Ready for Endgame

There was plenty of buildup to this film, especially given the mysterious symbol we saw on Nick Fury's pager at the end of Infinity War. That backstory arrives with Captain Marvel, aka Carol Danvers, aka Vers (Brie Larson).

This film jumps around a lot so you have to pay attention. Between flashbacks that Vers has when she is living her life on the Kree homeworld of Hala. We get introduced to her special forces team leader Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) along with a familiar face in Korath (Djimon Hounsou) who we last saw tracking Star Lord at the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy. We are also informed of the evil nature of race of shapeshifters called Skrulls.

Once Vers crash lands on Planet C-53 (Earth) through the roof of a Blockbuster video store (ask your parents kids), she meets up with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) who has both eyes and Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) who has more hair. They help Vers in her search for her former identity and why she has memories of events on C-53 that she was involved in.

Vers eventually realizes her true identify as Carol Danvers and pushes back against her Kree "brethren" when she realizes that they may not be all they claim. She meets up with a fellow Air Force pilot named Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch) and her daughter who urge Danvers to use her superpowers to fight the good fight, even if that means not siding with the Kree.

We will not know about Oscar nominations for Captain Marvel until the next batch of nominees are announced in January 2020, but I expect this one may be passed over in favor of Endgame for things like Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

It seems late in the game to be introducing new characters leading up to Endgame, but Captain Marvel is absolutely essential before that film. While she does not have an enormous role in terms of actual screen time in Endgame, it is important to understand what she's been through before seeing her show up in that film in response to Nick Fury's page in the end credits scene of Infinity War.

8 out of 10

Previous: Ant-Man and the Wasp | Next: Avengers: Endgame

Get Ready for Endgame

After the heaviness of Infinity War, the MCU took a little turn to add a dose of humor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the final installment released in 2018.

After being teased in the post credits scene of the first Ant-Man film, director Peyton Reed makes good on his promise to see a lot more of the Wasp suit in this film and Evangeline Lilly does it great justice. We are introduced to several new characters for Wasp and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) to face off against including low-level criminal Sonny Birch (Walton Goggins) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) who can phase straight through matter, including other people.

While there are multiple plot lines throughout the film, the central story has Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope van Dyne (Lilly) continuing their quantum realm work from a secret laboratory after being forced into hiding as known associates of Scott Lang. Lang is under house arrest while working to build his reputation up as the owner of a security company with the help of Luis (Michael Peña), Dave (Tip "T.I." Harris), and Kurt (David Dastmalchian). 

Meanwhile, Ghost/Ava is working with Pym's former colleague Bill Foster (Lawrence Fishburn) to devise a way to limit or eliminate her phasing, which is slowly killing her. This puts her at odds with Hank and Hope since they are all after the same technology while the feds are constantly after Lang, assuming that he will break his house arrest and end up back in prison for a long time.

While there is plenty of humor here, there are a lot of serious points as well. One of the best combinations of serious and humorous comes when Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) gets channeled through Lang's mind and helps Hank and Hope figure out a problem they hadn't been able to get by in their research. Rudd nails the delivery of the scene including the part at the end when he "wakes up," not understanding what just happened.

Ant-Man and the Wasp was not nominated for and Oscars last year.

Despite falling off the main story line from Infinity War, I feel like this is still a key piece of the puzzle leading up to Endgame and should be watched before that film.

7 out of 10

Previous: Avengers: Infinity War | Next: Captain Marvel

Get Ready for Endgame

After ten years and twenty films, Thanos (Josh Brolin) finally arrives on the main stage in this addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Despite the indication from the title that this is an Avengers film, Infinity War is truly Thanos's film. He dominates the narrative and is constantly on the mind of all the Avengers we know and love. Add the Guardians of the Galaxy into the mix along with newcomers Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), and you've got a whole crew to populate the story this time around.

The story starts on the ship that evacuated Asgard at the end of Thor: Ragnarok. Thanos and his "children" kill most of the refugees before taking on Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Heimdall (Idris Elba). Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) shows up in full Hulk form to take on Thanos before being sent back to Earth where he informs Doctor Strange and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) of the impending arrival of Thanos.

The film adeptly continues throughout various points of the universe as we are reintroduced to the characters we've come to know and love throughout the films. The Guardians meet up with Thor before splitting into two groups. Bruce reaches out to Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) to enlist the help of Captain America and his friends who were cast out of The Avengers in Captain America: Civil War.

The biggest struggle with this film is keeping track of the variety of storylines going on at the same time. At one point in the narrative, we are tracking different characters on at least five or six planets or locations throughout the universe. I don't think even Star Trek or Star Wars have tried such a daunting task in the past, but Infinity War does it with apparent ease.

The amount of attention paid to the details in this film is tremendous and my hat goes off to the Russo brothers for their achievement. While it's beneficial to watch the films that came before Infinity War, if you came into this film with no backstory, you wouldn't be completely lost. There are plenty of applause moments for the classic characters like Stark, Rogers, and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), allowing just enough time for the audience to smile at the familiar face before jumping back into the action.

Avengers: Infinity War was nominated for one Oscar for Best Visual Effects losing out to the Apollo 11 film First Man.

No longer looking at films as required viewing prior to Infinity Way, but this film is absolutely required before checking out Endgame. I also feel like this needs to be watched before Captain Marvel and is a great piece to check out immediately following Black Panther.

​​9 out of 10

Previous: Black Panther | Next: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Get Ready for Endgame

The Marvel Cinematic Universe takes a turn to Wakanda in the lead up to Avengers: Infinity War. We find T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returning to Wakanda to be crowned king following the death of his father T'Chaka (John Kani) in Captain America: Civil War.

It's immediately clear that this is not the same superhero film we are used to. From the opening sequence that explains the history of the tribes of Wakanda, to the scene in Oakland, to the introduction of Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), we are exposed to a very different feeling world. Until now, the world knew little about Wakanda, and we are introduced to it much like any outsider.

​Many people have celebrated the women in this film and I have to do the same. Not only can they go toe to toe with any foe in physical combat, they show an aptitude for intellect, wit, and humor when dealing with each other, and even their king. T'Challa may be the newly crowned king, but the women are still his friends and share in ribbing him when the get the chance.

After defeating M'Baku (Winston Duke), the leader of a rival tribe, in ritual combat, T'Challa can officially take the throne of Wakanda. However, news surfaces of a theft of a Wakandan artifact by Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis). It comes to light that Klaue's accomplice, Erik "Killmonger" Stevens (Michael B. Jordan) is none other than N'Jadaka, T'Challa's long lost cousin who is coming to claim the throne for himself and use the technology of Wakanda to help oppressed people around the world.

Director Ryan Coogler does a tremendous job of creating a world for these characters to inhabit. While re-watching the film recently, I paid special attention to the costumes on display and can completely understand why the Academy recognized the film for its achievement in that area. It may seem a simple thing, but the messages that are subtly communicated through costuming are incredibly effective in this film and contribute immensely to the overall story we see on the screen.

For the first time, a superhero film was nominated for more than just a handful of Oscars as Black Panther received a total of seven nominations. It didn't stop there though, actually taking home the awards for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score. The film was also recognized as many other awards including the Golden Globe Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Critics' Choice Awards. 

This is required viewing prior to Infinity War for the main purpose that the culmination of that film takes place in Black Panther's setting of Wakanda. I was fortunate enough to watch Black Panther the night before Infinity War came out in 2018 and it was a perfect lead in.

​​9 out of 10

Previous: Thor: Ragnarok | Next: Avengers: Infinity War

Get Ready for Endgame

We seem to be taking turns on Earth and in space through the last several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we return to Asgard for a fun family squabble featuring Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) teaming up against their older sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) as she tries to claim the thrown upon the death of Odin (Anthony Hopkins).

This is the best of the three Thor films in the franchise and as much as I hate not seeing Natalie Portman in this one, removing her and allowing Thor to focus on family issues rather than romance allowed him to be more expressive and have more fun. The first time I saw this one, I laughed out loud at many moments in the film, and probably laughed even more this time around.

​The story here revolves around Thor returning to Asgard to find Loki on the throne and Odin banished to Earth to keep him safe. He meets with his sons just before his death and they are immediately met by their sister Hela who destroys Thor's mighty hammer. When Thor and Loki try to return to Asgard with the help of Heimdall (Idris Elba), Hela tags along and scatters the brothers across the cosmos. They eventually end up on the remote world of Sakaar with the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). Loki becomes a trusted adviser while Thor is relegated to a gladiatorial arena, facing off against the grand champion, none other than the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

With the help of the only remaining Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and an odd assortment of fellow captives, Thor and Loki return to Asgard to destroy their sister and bring order to their land. The dynamics in this film are truly a joy to watch and getting to see Hulk have more of a personality than in previous films. Even though the story around it is very serious and has deep consequences throughout the rest of the universe, the film manages to maintain a sense of humor about it. From Goldblum's Grandmaster spinning some tunes like a DJ, to Thor and Loki performing their "Get Help" routine, and of course Korg (Taika Waititi) being very deadpan about things being, well, dead, the film keeps you laughing. Even Hela's arrival in Asgard has some humor built in that you might not expect.

As with Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok did not receive any Oscar nominations from the Academy last year.

This is definitely a must see for me in setting up the finale of the Infinity Saga. We see where Banner and Thor have been ever since Age of Ultron, and we get some much needed backstory for Thor and Loki as their initial Infinity War story arc is set up at the end of this film.

​​9 out of 10

Previous: Spider-Man: Homecoming | Next: Black Panther

Get Ready for Endgame

In the only MCU film to date released by Sony Pictures, Spidey is back as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe along with your favorite billionaire playboy, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).

The film opens with a documentary style movie made by Peter Parker (Tom Holland) to chronicle his trip to Germany as part of the "Stark Internship" he receives. Of course, we know that he was really part of Tony's team in the famous airport battle in Captain America: Civil War. I like the fact that the filmmakers made this connection and we get to see some of that action from a completely different perspective.

Despite numerous other Spider-Man films made over the last two decades, this offers a fresh take and this Peter Parker really feels like his in high school. He's building LEGOs with his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) after school. He's on the science Olympiad team with his crush Liz (Laura Harrier) and the burnout Michelle (Zendaya). He somehow gets the nerve to ask Liz to the homecoming dance, and she says yes! He tries to keep things from his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) for the main purpose of not letting her down. It all feels like it's a high school comedy film, with a side story of the main character being a superhero.

Things get hairy when Peter uncovers some incredible technology when he thwarts an ATM robbery near his home in Queens. He is convinced he can take on the criminals, but his naivety shows through every time he confronts a bad guy. His participation in the fight in Germany boosted his confidence too much, and he begins to realize that he has a lot to learn about being a superhero.

Spider-Man: Homecoming did not receive any Oscar nominations from the Academy.

Ultimately Spider-Man: Homecoming is one that can be skipped in the grand scheme of things in the MCU, but it does give some nice background on Peter Parker and who and what matters to him.

​​7 out of 10

Previous: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | Next: Thor: Ragnarok

Get Ready for Endgame

We're back away from Earth in this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Guardians of the Galaxy continue kick butt and save the galaxy.

The film picks up an undetermined amount of time after the first film with the Guardians on a mission to save a bunch of powerful batteries from an alien attack. It's clear through the action and dialogue that this has become the normal state of affairs for the crew, and they are fairly happy with it. The five original members all return, led by Star Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). Gamora (Zoe Saldana) has begun to take a liking to Quill, even though she won't admit it yet. Drax (Dave Bautista) has lightened up a bit since his sullenness in the first film and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel) provide plenty of levity to go around.

The film centers around Quill's background when we are introduced to a man named Ego (Kurt Russell) who claims to be his father. Peter discovers the Ego is basically a god and that, as Ego's offspring, he possesses some of the same abilities that Ego has.

The themes of family and loyalty continue to tie through this film as they did in the first. Not only do we see Peter struggle with learning about Ego, but we also get to see the development of the dynamic relationship between Gamora and her adopted sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) along with their mutual hatred of dear old dad, the Mad Titan himself, Thanos.

As in the first film, music plays an important role here as it is Peter's connection to his mother. We see him listening to her Awesome Mix Vol. 2 (which also lends its name to the title of the film) and continue to see how dearly he loves his mother even two and a half Earth decades after losing her. While not quite as iconic as the soundtrack to the first film, I think it deserves credit for the era that it evokes and how that places Peter's youth in the context of our real world.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continued the tradition of Marvel films receiving nominations for Best Visual Effects from the Academy, but also continued the trend of not winning, ultimately losing out to Blade Runner 2049.

In the end, I can't rate the sequel quite as highly as I did the original. I appreciate what it did for the characters, but in terms of the greater MCU, it did little to advance the story other than set up their whereabouts going into Infinity War.

​​7 out of 10

Previous: Doctor Strange | Next: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Get Ready for Endgame

It's about time. No literally, this entire movie is about time...and our definition of reality, and different planes of existence, so basically nothing like any of the other "superhero" films you've seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far.

We meet Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a highly successful neurosurgeon practicing in New York City. He has a life threatening car accident which crushes his hands, leaving him unable to continue performing life saving surgeries. After failing to find any hope for healing in traditional medicine, Strange heads to Nepal and seeks out someone called The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) in Kamar-Taj. There he meets Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (Benedict Wong) who help him understand that there is more to reality than meets the eye.

The Ancient One, Mordo, and Wong introduce Strange to their fight against Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) who is working for a dark being called Dormammu (also voiced by Cumberbatch), trying to claim Earth for himself. Strange must take everything he has learned from the wizards and face Dormammu using the Time Stone to fold time back on itself.

Doctor Strange was deservedly nominated for the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. If you've seen the film, you'll understand why. It ended up losing to the equally impressive visuals in The Jungle Book.

Like Ant-Man the previous year, Doctor Strange is not absolutely required for understanding what happens in Infinity War and Endgame, but does highlight the latest addition to the Infinity Stone family, the Time Stone.

​​7 out of 10

Previous: Captain America: Civil War | Next: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Get Ready for Endgame

​While this film has Captain America's name on it, there is definitely a feeling of being an Avenger's film to this one. For the first time, most of the larger team appears in a non-Avenger's titled film, and the results are epic.

Clocking in as the longest Marvel Cinematic Universe film to this point, Civil War sows the seeds that will germinate in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Black Panther, only to grow into a full story arc in Avengers: Infinity War and be reaped by the time we reach Avengers: Endgame.

Civil War focuses on the fallout of the actions of The Avengers in Age of Ultron where they saved the country of Sokovia, but their actions resulted in many deaths, even though they saved many more. Secretary of State Ross (William Hurt) arrives at Avengers headquarters with a document called The Sokovia Accords, signed by over 100 countries around the world, and designed to limit "enhanced individuals" using their powers unless designated by a special United Nations council.

There is division among the team with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Natasha Romanov (Scarlett Johansson), and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) volunteering to sign the accords, with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olson) refusing. When an explosion in Vienna kills the king of the small African nation of Wakanda, the media circulates footage of The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) as the primary suspect, sparking a manhunt for the mysterious assassin.

There is a strong thread of responsibility throughout Civil War. Who is ultimately responsible for the collateral damage caused when they are doing a good deed. Are those deeds truly good if there is so much carnage that follows in their wake? It begins to look at the personal stories of those who would typically be only seen in the margins of the superhero stories.

Additionally, in the previous two Avengers films, we have seen some indications of fracturing relationships, but they clearly come into the open in this film. There are clear sides, and each side understand the consequences of their actions. But they stick to their guns (or shields) and fight for what they believe in, enduring them to the viewer regardless of which side they fall on.

Captain America: Civil War did not receive any nominations for Academy Awards, though it was nominated for a slew of awards for things like Kids' Choice, Teen Choice, and People's Choice.

If there is one good spot to drop into the MCU films and not watch everything that came before it, Civil War might be one of those spots. You will definitely lose a few things here and there without the backstory of the prior films, the film does a decent job of catching you up to the action, even if you don't have the benefit of the history behind each character.

​​10 out of 10

Previous: Ant-Man | Next: Doctor Strange

Get Ready for Endgame