Marvel – word for some but emotion for many. In the past eleven years, Marvel cinematic universe has constructed a splendid narrative spread across twenty-two films.
Avengers: Endgame which hit theatres on 26 April marked the ending of an era. “We laughed, we cried, we cheered,” said a teary-eyed fan with ecstatic smile still trying to process what he just witnessed.
It all began in 2008 when Tony Stark revealed himself as Iron Man, plagued by the guilt of his family’s company and kick started this beautiful yet heartbreaking journey and became our first Avenger (although Captain America is technically the first Avenger, we were introduced to Iron Man first). Little did he know that his heroic deed wouldn’t just make him fight guns and missiles but also face cosmic rainbow rocks threatening to destroy the universe.
Since then, numerous super-powered individuals started popping in the MCU franchise, crafting and giving way for powerful stories. The next series of films led to the formation of ‘Avengers’. In the end of this flick, a purple man smiled at the screen; Thanos was coming.
Endgame is a combination of super heroic battles, time travel and emotional unifications. It is a masterpiece, tying up loose ends of this massive tapestry and marking the end of a saga that made fans glued to every single movie. Black Widow, Pepper Potts and Captain Marvel were characters who portrayed women power, showcasing their strength entwined with emotions. Each character had a strong back story, some teaching us patience, some reverence, love and pain.
“People often underestimate the power and impact of superhero movies,” said a fan. “From utter despair to sheer elation, I can’t digest the fact that it’s over. It was worth all the wait and hype.”
It made headlines here in India as it was screened at movie halls as early as 3 am in the morning. “I stayed up for two nights straight hoping to find a ticket for Endgame but I still haven’t had any luck,” complained a disappointed fan. “I have spent the entire day theatre-hopping and saving myself from spoilers.”
Avengers: Endgame broke many box office records earning over $1.2 billion. ‘Book My Show’ reported that over one million tickets got pre-booked through its site, selling over 18 tickets per second!
While walking out of the theatres, all had questions. There wasn’t a single dry eye that walked out; some overjoyed, some disappointed about superheroes ceasing to exist (I haven’t told you which super hero, I’m nice). Only Marvel film could produce such multiple emotions at once. Such movies stand testimony to the fact that Netflix can take a backseat and theatres stand strong in today’s world. Ending is indeed, the most beautiful part of the journey. Love you, 3000.
Article by Hunar Mehta