‘Avengers Endgame’: An Imperfect But Satisfying Epic for Marvel (Spoiler-Free)

Within the past ten years, The Marvel Cinematic Universe has becoming one of the most iconic brands in the film industry with so many different movies over the past few years. All that might come to an end as their film that was years in the making are finally coming out with Avengers: Endgame being the Marvel movie to end all movies. A film that has this much hype will have some contrarians and doubt that a movie of this scale will not live up the hype. Avengers Endgame is far from a perfect film that some may expect, but in terms of the type of movie that people want from Marvel it is one of the most satisfying experiences in practically every way.

Goes Overboard in the Best and Worst Ways

Endgame takes place only a few days after the events of Infinity War where half of the universe has been wiped out and it’s up to The Avengers to potentially save the day. At the risk of spoiling anything, it’ll be left at that due to how the Russos want to have their fans be surprised at the many things and events that happen in this film. As a follow up to Infinity War it is very well done but it is not without its fault both from it being a final movie that has a lot to do and it being a typical Marvel movie. The main issue that can be brought up is there are numerous moments in the story that do not add up as well as they probably should have. The film brings a Science Fiction that has been used in other movies, and while it does create for some incredibly entertaining moments, it brings a lot of questions in terms of the logic of how it works. Outside of that though, another element that could be an issue with Endgame is how the film handles its sense of tone, which compared to Infinity War feels a bit off. The film is meant to be a more serious Marvel movie yet too early it gets a bit too silly when it comes to handling its tone which feels a bit off putting given the situation the Avengers are in during the film. Not to say that there aren’t moments of humor that are deserved and fun but even taking its misplaced tone at points out of it, there have been numerous comic book movies that have been funnier than Endgame. From the sounds of this, it may sound like Endgame is a complete mess from beginning to end, and fortunately, it is actually not the case. Not only is the film still entertaining from beginning to end, even with some parts that drag, but it also is elevated by a few other things, namely some excellent tension you feel throughout the entire film. Most Marvel movies don’t really have much tension as we all tend to know how it is all going to pan out but in Endgame even if you may know what happens, you’re still on the edge of your seat eager to see how it happens. It all boils down to a finale that is by every definition of the word epic, as fans will witness not only an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but will also have a third act that is exciting during every single second it is one screen. Even with some moments that go overboard in some ways that don’t work, it is totally made up for when the film goes overboard in the best way with such a phenomenal ending like this.

Characters Give You A Sense of Closure

Endgame of course being a part of the MCU has a huge cast of characters that we all know and love for years. Being that this is the film to end some of their stories or have them been a part of a bigger set piece, it is expected that each character has a moment to shine. While there are characters that do feel a bit underutilized, for the most part, each character has at least one moment to shine. There are some that were hyped a lot that didn’t do much and feel weak compared to what many expected they would be in the film, but by the end they at least have one awesome moment. The real talk is how the longtime characters of the MCU are such as Thor, Captain America and Iron Man are in the film and as far as their development goes, they bring this movie to a whole new emotional level. There are elements you will certainly not expect with these characters and some that might not work as some moments can come across rushed or a bit over the top. Though not to spoil too much, but where the film ultimately ends with these characters is exactly the best way you would expect to see these characters end their story. Whether it was something you kind of expected, didn’t expected or didn’t even know you wanted, Endgame’s characters leave a lasting emotional end to their story of the MCU. For a film with so many characters, it really makes every single character of this big Universe worthwhile.

A Technical Marvel of An Ending

Visually Marvel movies are pretty consistent when it comes to showcasing some incredible special effects. Endgame is no exception with very few moments of filmmaking techniques that looked off. There’s a lot of great cinematography, editing and over-all visual style to it that makes Endgame look and feel like an overall epic. Obviously the film is visually at its best during the finale with so much going on, but many other moments look impressive too. This includes some great aging effects and even some good techniques of implementing past Marvel movies that look seamless to the film itself.  It is a feast to the eyes and even ears with the sound being excellent with a great score and sound incredible sound design that helps you feel immersed in this gigantic world Endgame brings. Technically speaking the film is all around one of the best looking blockbusters in recent memory with not looking too fake or overly CGI even with so much going on. It creates for a Technical Marvel of a Movie to say the least.

   Avengers Endgame is every bit as satisfying as one could ever hope for. Even with some minor gripes you can make about the film, it wraps things up so perfectly giving a proper end to the biggest event in Marvel History. If Infinity War is the Empire Strikes Back for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then Endgame is the Return of the Jedi for the series. It’s not quite as good as the prior film which maybe a given consider how much of an achievement it is, but in regards to it as a movie, it is still a blast to watch and incredibly engaging, ending the series on a high note. Endgame is a must see and for a film series with its ups and downs in terms of quality, Marvel did more than just good here, they did great!

‘The Missing Link’ A Charming Albeit Rushed Project from Laika

     Laika Animation Studios has easily been one of the most ambitious and creative studios in the animation industry in recent times. They create films that aren’t only impressive to look at but help elevate the medium of animation as more than just simple kids fare. Their newest animation effort, The Missing Link does continue on its track of impressive animation but does fall a little short on the story department. It is a film that is rushed when it comes to its narrative but has an undeniable charm that makes it still so likable.

So Short but Yet Should Have Taken Its Time

     Missing Link centers around Lionel Frost, an adventurous expert on creatures who wants to impress higher ups on the various mythical beings he has finds. His adventure goes even further when he comes across a Big Foot creature, which goes by the name of Susan, and he not only wants to showcase him as one of his great discoveries but also wants to help Susan find his original home of where he belongs. The set up does stand as pretty standard about finding one’s family and impressing a group of individuals who might not be the ideal people to impress. Unfortunately though unlike other Laika films where they seem to go a little more in depth with their themes similar to how Kubo and ParaNorman discuss themes of loss and regretful past, Missing Link is a very simple movie from beginning to end. While it does work to its advantage for a couple of reasons, it also feels a little lacking mainly due to how Laika handles themes in its films prior and also with this film’s pacing. The Missing Link is a very short movie however in execution it feels much shorter as the film doesn’t have a lot of moments where the characters take them to let certain moments sink in. The film constantly jumps from one set piece to another with very few moments were the characters reflect on events that happen within the film, even when they do, it still is very short and immediately go to another set piece for the film. It ends up making the film pretty rushed in some elements of the story; however there is an element that makes up for it. The film does have charm that comes from a lot of various humorous moments, neat animation set pieces and a likable cast of characters that make the film a joy to watch. It also ends up having some themes and although not as in depth as what other Laika films have done and are some themes seen prior before, it does have a good message about family and where you belong. It basically comes down to just because you have been told you are a part of this family, doesn’t mean they are necessarily right for you. It is message that has been told in the past but is still done rather decently here, and Missing Link does have some charm with its message, it just needed to take a little more time to getting to its end goal.

A Charming Cast of Characters.

     Missing Link really is elevated by a cast of very likable characters in their own right. The title character himself, Mr. Link a.k.a Susan, is a very humble leading character. Zach Galifianakis plays the character very subtly with not being too loud and playing him as he’s a gentle giant who wants to understand more about himself. The character is very smart and more sophisticated than the average animal animated character for sure. Sir Lionel Frost also manages to be a likable character in his own right, but in very different ways. Lionel Frost is a clever researcher that also manages to accomplish a lot of cool tricks in regards to big action set pieces in this film and Hugh Jackman portrays this character very well in the voice acting. Both characters also have a good arch with trying to realize the type of people they want to impress may not being worth it and it does add for some good character development. The rest of the cast do their job very well in providing moments that are humorous and engaging to watch, however they wouldn’t be considered the strongest side characters in an animated film. Not to say that they bad as a whole, but they are overshadowed in development and character compared to the two leads. With the two leads being so delightful to watch and the side characters being decent as well, Missing Link’s cast is certainly quite charming.

Laika Still Excelling in Stop Motion Animation

    One thing that anyone can say about Laika’s work is that they always manage to create some incredible visuals to their films. What stands Laika out from other animation studios is not just because they create stop motion animated films in an age of mostly CG Films, but also the fact that their films are animated so smoothly and beautifully in terms of character and backgrounds. You see all the hard work of some of these animators in every frame of a film from Laika and Missing Link is certainly no exception. The film is so bright and colorful when it comes to the backgrounds and characters, with every single design popping out big time in a great way. Characters like Suzanne and Frost have such a distinct design and every other minor character give for a lot of variety when it comes to how they look. The action set pieces are also excellent with so much fluidity in the animation and while it’s a simple film, some moments feel grander due to how much work was put into hand crafting these action set pieces. It is a gorgeous looking movie that reminds you why Stop Motion is important. If there was any downside to the film on a visual level, it could have benefitted from more creature design as early on, we are introduced to some amazing creature designs in the film that are so unique compared to other movies. The downside is you don’t get to see nearly as much as you would like, which is a shame because the film could have benefitted from even more awesome creature designs. It is not a big determent to the movie as the film is so impressive on visual standpoint, though it is an element that makes you wish for more.

    Missing Link is an all-around charming movie despite some short comings. It may be rushed in some areas and could have been a bit deeper, but it still has a great message, some likable characters and gorgeous animation. It won’t be a big game changer for Laika as animation studio, but it is definitely worth seeing to support very talented animators who have a skill for their craft. It is proof that Laika can still impress in the animation world even with one of their weaker films.

‘Shazam’ DC’s Triumph Breath of Fresh Air

    

Being in the shadow of Marvel has not been easy for DC for the past few years. While films like Wonder Woman did a great job of putting DC in the right direction, the rest of the line-up have been on a spotty track record. Whether it be the misguided yet slightly ambitious Batman vs. Superman, the entertaining yet standard Aquaman or the mess that was Suicide Squad, it’s clear that DC could be in a better place than they are. Fortunately, a new hero has come to save DC in the form of Shazam, a light hearted and incredibly fun Superhero movie that is unbelievably charming. With its wit, characters and simplicity, Shazam is exactly the kind of movie DC needs to elevate their films to a higher level.

A New Meaning to the Term Kid at Heart

     Shazam is about a boy named Billy Baston, an orphan who has been struggling to find a proper home for him, and hesitant about being a part of a new family that has adopted him. Things take a weird turn when he stumbles upon by a Wizard granting him the powers of a Superhero, where every time he says the name “Shazam” he turns into an older man with fantastical powers. When a new evil threat comes to take over his world, Billy has to learn to become a true hero. The surface level premise of this film is very simple and the film fortunately knows that with it not trying to over complicate things at all in the script department. Though one issue with the script is even though it isn’t convoluted with its story elements, there does seem to be a little too much going on in the film. There is a lot of stuff to establish and resolve throughout the film, and by the end of it, you realize that certain plot points that were brought up in the beginning and being resolved now and rather suddenly. It’s not to a point where you can’t tell what’s going on, but it’s enough to notice that the film is kind of long and feels rather sudden that certain plot elements are being resolved at the time they occur. Yet, that is one of the few issues the film has in regards to plot, because the rest of the film is very charming. It is definitely a lighter hearted movie than other DC films, but it’s not overtly cheesy or force when it comes to its entertainment factor. The humor in the film is genuinely funny and downright hilarious at point because the script knows not to linger too long on a joke and still have its serious moments take some time to have some impact. The drama in the film is relatively well done not just because of that but also the film discusses an important issue of family, one that has been seen before in other films, but still poignant. It’s a movie that discusses that family shouldn’t necessarily be about how one is connected to a person, but more so how family should be more about who truly cares about you. It may have been done before in other movies, but the way the film does it here barely sugar coats anything due to how great these characters and their dynamic is. It’s an element that truly makes the story of this film genuine and worthwhile.

The Funniest Portrayal of a Superhero in DC

     As mentioned, this story would not have the impact it once had without a good cast of characters and Shazam nails that big time. The lead of the film, Billy Batson is fantastic, as he starts out as typical trouble maker, but the film gives him a backstory that has some layers to it on both what actually happened to him during his past and also why he is the way he is. Asher Angel helps this character become believable as despite being a child actor, gives it his all when it comes to emotions and personality. While Batson himself is enjoyable, none can compare to his alter ego, Shazam played by Zachery Levi. Levi is absolutely perfect as Shazam, not only is the character given a witty script with so many funny moments and rarely goes into cringe-worthy category, but Levi performs this character with such good comedic timing. Everything from the way he delivers lines, the timing of the slapstick he endures and the facial expressions he makes creates for easily the funniest character in the DC Cinematic Universe. Not only his Shazam himself fantastic and is easily the most likable superhero of the DC Universe yet, but his supporting cast is also fantastic. Batson’s foster parents are caring and supportive without being too overbearing, his other foster siblings are all unique and diverse from one another and his foster brother played by Jack Grazer is also another element that makes this film hilarious. Grazer’s performance as Freddie serves as the main comedic relief in an already very funny movie and it works because not only does he give insight and great pop-culture references to DC as a whole, he also has a great dynamic with both Billy and Shazam in the film. Grazer and Angel feel like genuine friends when the two plays off one another in Shazam while Grazer and Levi’s dynamic is more about reacting to the powers of Shazam and it creates for some humorous moments of Grazer’s superhero knowledge to help Billy understand the powers of Shazam. The only other character that should be mentioned in the film is the main antagonist, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana played by Mark Strong. This character ends up being the weakest link to this film as while he does have a backstory and motivation behind his character, it comes across as a bit cliché. His character is a basic evil villain with nothing too much special as a character and whenever the movie solely focuses on him, it does tend to drag. Not to say the character is all bad, because Strong while again being typed cast as a villain, plays it with enough camp value to at least have his moments be relatively entertaining. Outside of an average villain, Shazam ends up being easily one of DC best movies from a character standpoint alone due to how genuine these characters all feel.

Average Effects Forgiven by Lower Budget

     With such a fun and energetic tone and characters, it sounds like Shazam is a perfect movie; however that isn’t quite the case. Shazam’s one major fault is that from a visual perspective, it is far from the most impressive film as there are a few moments of special effects that don’t work quite as well. Mainly are some of the creature effects which look like standard CGI Monsters we’ve seen in other movies before, and Shazam’s suit which looks great practically but when it’s CGI, it looks kind of fake. Though what gets this movie a slight pass more than other DC movies with mediocre effects is that Shazam has a much lower budget than the previous DC movies. The CGI was done on a budget of under $100 million dollars, so it’s to be somewhat expected that the effects aren’t quite on the level of a good looking Marvel movie. Fortunately, the film doesn’t rely on effects as much as other superhero films like Aquaman, as the effects only come during certain action sequences which are still impressive and fun despite the subpar effects. It’s a film that is more focused on characters and story than anything else, so the special effects are forgiven just because they’re not a priority in the case of this film. The film is more about the development of Billy Batson and how he becomes Shazam and the film works perfectly because of it. Add into some visually fun moments here and there, and you get a film that may not impressive on a special effects level but it’s okay because it knows where to put its focus on.

     As cliché as it is for people complaining about how DC is “Too Serious” and “Not Fun” like comic book movies are supposed to be, Shazam does an amazing job giving fans an enjoyable comic book movie experience. It is far from an effects heavy film and it knows that because it provides fans and audiences with a great comic book movie about one of DC’s less popular heroes. With the helped of a great script, good amount of characters and an excellent performance by Zachery Levi, Shazam might end up getting a huge boost in popularity after this film. All the more deserved because DC has a movie that is proof they know how to have a good time.