In today’s society, the simplicity of seeking out anything can be done at the click of a button. Whether it’s plot details, numerous trailers, or simply a casting announcement, facts and even opinion can be found easily. Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power,” so too much can’t be a bad thing, right?
The overwhelming excitement from a fan’s point-of-view can sometimes lead to high expectations (pun intended). Occasionally, those are difficult to meet. Does a studio place too much pressure on itself to create something unobtainable or do we expect too much based on what those studios have offered us?
Eventually, the entire MCU collection will be added to Disney Plus in the coming months, which will include an exciting selection of new original shows. If you haven’t already, get those Disney Plus subscriptions ready!
Many of these upcoming shows will take place after the events of Avengers: Endgame and focus on the repercussions of the actions saw in the final defeat over Thanos. Playing such an important part of the MCU moving forward had me thinking:
Did Avengers: Endgame really live up to the hype?
The Payoff 
Weaving together an intricate web of connections spanning across 22 movies wasn’t easy for Marvel Studios. As a result, when Avengers: Endgame was released to be an ending for these beloved fan favorite characters and a culmination of more than 10 years of filmmaking. Suffice to say, the Russo Brothers were faced with the monumental task of wrapping it all up perfectly.
Avengers: Endgame completely satisfies with its payoffs, callbacks, and filling the entire three-hour runtime with delightful fan service. Two of the most important payoffs come toward the end of the movie with Tony Stark’s selfless sacrifice and Steve Rogers finally finding peace.
In the first Avengers movie, Tony Stark is branded selfish by Steve Rogers:
‘The only thing you really fight for is yourself. You’re not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you.’
Captain America, Avengers (2012)
That accusation was true, at the time. However, throughout the course of the entire MCU, we get to see the billionaire playboy grow as a person. We were able to see the humanity underneath the armor, as Stark peeled back layers and reminded us that despite being a superhero, he is just like us.
And we learned that in one moment.
The moment Thanos was tricked and Iron Man snapped, we knew his character arc had come full circle. Iron Man was everything he wasn’t when he first began this journey. We witnessed every moment of that journey and seeing it culminate in this selfless, heroic act was well worth the wait.
The Dividends
Born and bred during the events of World War II, war was all Steve Rogers had known. The polar opposite to Tony Stark, Rogers is selfless and ready to sacrifice it all for the good of the mission. The type of soldier to jump onto a live grenade to save his friends. He is convinced that he is forever destined for a life of fighting.
“I don’t know, family, stability. The guy who wanted all that went in the ice seventy-five years ago. I think someone else came out”
Captain America- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The line delivered by Steve in Avengers: Age of Ultron perfectly sums up his acceptance of both who he is and what is his destiny. Then comes Avengers: Endgame when fate gives him a one-in-14,000,605 chance at a better life with the only woman he’s ever loved, he deservedly jumps at the chance.
To help live up to expectations, a movie as highly anticipated as Avengers: Endgame, the film needed something that was so epic it would be talked about for years to come. And that’s when we got Mjolnir! Captain America was indeed worthy, just as Thor believed nervously in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
In Avengers: Endgame, when that hammer flew across the screen and landed firmly in Captain America’s glove, who didn’t freak out?! There were even viral crowd reactions about this moment. It was that huge and has now become a moment most fans will consider one of their top cinematic experiences ever.
The Expectations
Avengers: Endgame meets the gigantic expectations asked of it, mostly.
It is an achievement in movie-making that deserves the utmost respect given the enormous task of wrapping up 22 movies and juggling a large roster of richly developed characters.
However, by opting for less action and a more complex plot than its predecessor Avengers: Infinity War, casual viewers might have less luck finding enjoyment in this three-hour blockbuster. This movie was made for the fans who have been around since day one. But honestly, if you aren’t an MCU fan by now what are you doing?! Get binging!
With moments that will be talked about for years to come and groundbreaking CGI that pushes the technology to its limits, this movie will not be forgotten.
So now you’ve heard my opinion, but what do you think? Did Avengers: Endgame live up to your expectations? Leave a comment below if you agree or disagree. I welcome debates and would love to hear your opinion!
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