Blogisode 13: Lessons Through Avengers Endgame

"If we can't protect the earth, you can be damn well sure we'll avenge it"
- Tony Stark



WARNING: This blogisode contains spoilers for Avengers: Endgame. So if you haven't seen it, you might want to check out some other blogisodes here :)



At the time of writing, it's about 3 weeks since Avengers Endgame released. And boy oh boy, what an emotional roller coaster it was. From reconciling loss, coming to terms, and finally assembling for one last fight, this indeed felt like an epic finale. Indeed, The Biggest Cinematic Event Of This Generation. You've probably read tons of reviews like that, or more or less felt like it during the whole 3 hour run-time. But it's upto you to decide what you honestly thought about the film. So then what's the point of this impromptu blogisode?


December 2018, in what seemed to be a most awaited moment about the Untitled name of the
Avengers movie. And from then on, to today, it seemed like an adventure. A so-called 'Personal Journey to the Endgame', for every fan/viewer alike. A journey which seemed resonant to any regular movie. And as like any other movie, there were some interesting lessons learnt. So just as every dusted member came forth to battle, READERS, ASSEMBLE.



1. Every Detail Falls In Place Sooner Or Later

(I know, ironic title heading, coming from me)

2014. Kevin Feige, President Of Marvel Studios releases 'Marvel's Phase 3' lineup, promising that all the movies lined from the past till present, all builds up to this (Link here)

Watching this now in 2019, brings literal chills, about how planned the MCU is. Even looking back at reports dating back as the early 2000's about what was planned to be the starting film (Hint: A certain Sorcerer Supreme), also tending to share characters and stories just to kickstart the grand scheme of things. And even stranger (second hint), with characters being sold left and right from various studios, Marvel only had it's B/B+ players to work with. Heck, it's only after some 10-15 years, when Marvel finally had a grasp on all of its characters, especially when characters like Spiderman finally came back (The Homecoming, ayyy). Throwing back to 2008, it was a smart but risky move to introduce a realistic character after the US-Afghan drama, especially one starring a known drug addict with several years of rehab, and who only worked projects like these.


 Certainly, a gamble that proved to hit the pot of gold.

Now, if you've seen every MCU movie (if not, why haven't you?), you would notice that there are several plot holes and inconsistencies. And if not for the tons and tons of Youtube videos with random circles/pointed arrows with clickbaity thumbnail (the things we do for the AdSense Bucks), it wouldn't catch our eyes. There were even some that seemed subtle, like the number 12, Tony and the Star Wars 'Losing Your Hand' references, which clearly points out the geeky love of the creators of this universe.


But there were times when some details were missing from these videos.

What was the point of Thor's hot tub spa in AoU? How did the Tesseract go from Howard Stark's hands to being eaten by a cat, finally to the hands of Fury all in one go? Couldn't sorcerers travel back in time and stop the battle of New York? That kid from Iron Man 3 is smart, is he coming back? Why did Thor's mom seem like a pointless character in the Thor movies?

These crafted some fine theories, even some of the most craziest memes (Looking at you, Thanus).























But now, after Endgame, they've clarified all tiny details I've had from Phase 1 (except a few), even setting parallels for individual characters that were foreshadowed years ago. And if not in Endgame directly, Marvel releases shorts and details in their shows which answer them. For instance, ever wondered what happened to 'Trevor Slattery' from Iron Man 3, then check this.




2. The Spoilery Spoilsports of  Social Media

So as April dawned closer and closer, international press junkets took place where sneak peeks were shown to the press junket. And just like everything 'movie related', it somehow finds its way online.

Stills from these sneak peeks were spreading throughout social media. Even what was more nervous, key plot details were leaking weeks before the release. Yikes! So that made me leave social media for a few days, till I saw the movie. And as tempting as it was to look back (Because I have no friends who talk to me, sigh), this gave me more time to binge the MCU again (Thank you Netflix).

So as soon I was done watching the movie, I came back online. And just as I too wanted to share my joy of seeing this fricking movie, what sucked was the amount of stupidity, or in their words 'noob'-ness I got, cause it was stupid for me to go offline to avoid spoiling a movie that was the closing movie of a 22 film arc.

But all complaints aside, I find it a bit weird, that say someone did read these plot-details (not the huge ones, ofcourse), none of them would made sense before watching the movie.

Picture it. Someone comes to you before you enter the theater and tells you

1. Captain America is going to appreciate his ass.
2. Hulk is going to wear glasses and promote dabbing
3. A rat saves the universe
4. And Thor's a fat surfer bro.


You'd probably think it's a joke, or the movie isn't hitting in line with the theme of Infinity War. And what do you know, forty minutes in, and this is what you see.



3. Religion?



Don't leave just yet, we're still talking about Endgame.


A week after watching Endgame, I heard a podcast talking about the movie, and one line which got me curious.

'With over 10's of millions of fans all around the world, it genuinely seems that 'Marvel' in a weird way could invest itself to being one of world's largest religion that people would really agree on.'

I mean it makes sense right. See if this makes sense, you go to the nearby place of worship (most commonly a weekend), wearing the traditional attire. You pay for special rituals/VIP entrances, and when you enter the main hall, you tend to be/act elated in the holy presence. And once prayers are done, you would receive offerings while you hope some of the greatest desires are fulfilled.

No? Well, think about how most fans would've watched Endgame.

You show up to the theater wearing a Marvel tee (the common ones like Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man, etc), wooing at every character entrance, and then getting ceremoniously joyful with every satisfying fan service during the movie (especially during the third act). And an obvious moment in itself, how loud you would've screamed, when this happened.



Yeah, guess it's a religion. Heck, it even has a large number merchandisers trying to profit off the fancy 'authentic' gifts.























4. The Irony

With weeks leading to the release of the movie, and trailers and 'Official' Marvel merchandise being repeatedly advertised, I notice something weird.

I saw an old acquaintance share one of those talk show interview clips talking about Endgame', and quote '2 MORE WEEKS!! CAN'T WAIT 😁😁😁'. 


 Pretty usual nowadays with all round general hype for anything, but in this case, the person was someone who would bully and tease me for bringing comic books in school. Snatch the book while reading it, throw it across with his usual numb headed menaces and possibly even tear a page or two, you know, the usual bully stuff. So it was dumb, geeky and 'noobish' to be into comics as a kid, but 10 years later, now it's alright to be a fan of comic book movies.



To add even more to the irony, they sometimes share comic book easter-eggs and references with their friends, which coincidentally were from pages they tore.

Guessing it's a trend nowadays, exploiting old trends and revisiting them to the current generation. I mean look at all the major Film and TV properties. DC, Marvel, Star Wars, Game Of Thrones, Harry Potter, Dr. Who,etc. Sticking posters, wearing a bunch of  'A' shirts, and flexing just to fit in. E🅱️IC. While it is awesome that stuff like this is such a world-changer today, it's kinda sad, that the same crowd of people who thought you were stupid years ago, are now claiming themselves as Wikipedia of the genre, profit and everyone's cool with that. Sigh.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Now, probably pointless to review a movie that's been in theaters for weeks. And with a bunch of pretentious-y reviews from friends and family on social media, it would be a really really REALLY dumb to review something this late. BUT,  for the 2 people and the bots that are curious, it was a good movie, definitely a great Marvel movie (for the 4 times I've watched it) with amazing arcs for most of the characters though. While it did have the troublesome situation of all of its films prior (especially Infinity War), it massively succeeded in that regard. My only complaints, would be the issue of the lighting in the final battle, and the 'mouse' that saved the universe, but then again it is Disney.



In summation, probably the average of all the massive public review for the movie, plus one (for the overall grandness of satisfying this one lonely guy in the theater). And while the odds of seeing of something like this again look slim, it's truly wholesome to see characters that you've rooted for from a young age, become something of modern day symbols in today's world. Inspiring generations to do good, cause hey, everyone wants to be some sort of super hero right? So, probably pointless in this one off blog that's never consistent, but saying thanks Kevin to bringing these characters to the silver screen, and do them justice that Stan and Jack would be proud of. Also, can you please announce the tease of the X-men 😁.



**AUTHOR'S NOTE**

So much for regular blogs. And anyways, I'm back writing ever so often. And on the topic of Endgame, I'm about a month late, talking about it. But, better late than never I suppose.

For the two readers wondering what's with randomly writing and then not writing. Not going to lie, honestly felt off while writing. Like based on statistics, no one's bother reading this, plus lack of confidence in topics scheduled. It even seems pointless, that trying to write something you've had on a draft for two months, and having only 5 local readers and bunch of bots from remote locations look at it. Sigh. Even reading and re-reading this piece for edits, there were many times I just wanted to shut my laptop and call it a day. Well, glad I got to post it atleast, so fingers crossed if it's good or not🤞.

Now, on the topic of comic-book movies. With Disney holding onto all of the Marvel characters existing (thank god for that), I want to know from you guys, what characters are you hoping for in the next phase of films in the franchise? Any dream casts? Or any wacky crossovers you would like to see? A new Wolverine with someone like Tom Hardy? Maybe the (As)Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.3? Or maybe even bringing back the Fantastic Four? Any creative suggestions, write it up in the comments below :D

And as always, appreci8 that feedback :)

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