Whether we like it or not, films, music, art changes us. Media and visual creativity can evoke emotions, strong or weak. It can influence us, convince us to change, stay the same, reassure us that ‘we’re not alone’. For anyone who loves film, knows exactly what I mean. I am and can be equally moved by Ildiko Enyedi’s ‘On Body and Soul’ as I am by Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ and to understand and enjoy film I don’t think indie and blockbuster are mutually exclusive in how you appreciate and watch them. This is my round about way of saying that blockbuster movies can also create great emotion from an audience.
Avengers: Infinity War was set to be the road final ride, the last hurrah for what is now known in the cinematic universe as ‘the original’ Avengers. No one expected what happened at the end of that film. I myself started cheering as I saw Bucky look ill (I do not like that character, he is a waste of space, moving on) but then went silent when he literally disappeared. As one by one the newer heroes we’ve come to love disappeared slowly and painfully, that’s when we finally found out that, not all heroes live forever.
The joke of superhero films is that, like the comics, there is no real danger. We all assume and take for granted that our favourite characters will come back or at least be rebooted to live and fight another day. I was devastated (yes devastated) when Gamora was killed mid Infinity War especially with the promise of a third movie with the GotG gang. But when everyone disappeared, the studios finally took that leap of faith and paid off. With Endgame, there was no guarantee that everyone would come back, a price has to be paid. But the price wasn’t all paid by out heroes, I think the fans and audience also paid a price and I’m not talking about the length of the film. I’ve watched all the Lord of the Rings extended versions in the cinema and it was glorious and I’d do it again I tell you! No, I’m talking about a few things such as the time heist walk through the old films and the past jaunt and of course, the untimely death of Black Widow.
As we all knew, certain contracts were up so it was expected we’d say farewell to some of Earth’s mightiest heroes. As Tony Stark, starting the whole franchise with four words ‘I am Iron Man’, we knew he’d go out, most likely with a bang. It was expected that Cap would follow, but instead they gave the fans what we always wanted for him. The man out of time is reunited with the love of his life and it was perfect. Bruce Banner, the one with the most trouble getting to the big screen is given, nothing really, expect that awful combo look that annoyed the hell out of me throughout the film. I’m guessing he’ll be back?? Hawkeye, bless him, did his best, sporting the Sonic the Hedgehog haircut and brooding despair that only a man who has lost his whole family understands, I’ll get to Thor later. But first, Black Widow. She doesn’t have special powers, she’s an agent and damn good one. But she’s always treated like she’s second billing. There were talks of a solo film but of course, that never came to fruition and after Endgame, they’ve made damn sure she never will get one. The fight over who gets to die between her best mate Clint and her for the Soul stone was awful, mainly because as soon as they reached that cliff top, we all knew what was going to happen. Clint has a family, Natasha had no one, except her Avenger family and they needed that stone. Her death came first and harshly before the last act. She doesn’t get to stand against Thanos, she just, leaves. She isn’t given a funeral, that we know of, she isn’t grieved for for long. There are little reminders but nothing like Stark’s superhero state funeral. Natasha deserved more than what she was given.
Let's talk about Thor. The God of Thunder has been through some horrific times and suffered terrible loses. His father, mother, brother, best friends, warriors, his hammer, his home and most of his people, all gone but he hasn't really has time to sit, take it all in and grieve. After beheading Thanos, Thor, for the first time is able to move on, or at least drink, play games, relax with his new pals and just pretend everything is ok. Beyond the weight gain (this sometimes happen in grief, it is not a visual joke thanks) he is a broken man. He thinks he's not worthy and has completely lost all confidence in himself, he can't even say Thanos' name without angry crying. The fact that the film does allow him to be this, new Thor, at least shows some compassion for the character and my gad does Chris Hemsworth do a fantastic job. He's able to be the mess that Thor has become as well as the warrior and the person who just really wants to do the right thing all while bringing in the comedic moments that were greatly needed (especially with the lack of Guardians of the Galaxy around, although Scott Lang does help). Thor's scene with his mother seems odd on the surface BUT he never really had proper closure with her death. Odin has a long farewell on a cliff top, he's had plenty of heart to hearts with Loki so Frigga actually is the right emotional choice. Also, the moment his hammer returns to him, the look of joy that he is still worthy says it all. He really thought he was at fault for everything and to find out he's still able to weild his hammer means everything to him. The film did do Thor justice and let the man grieve, feel redeemed and ultimately give him a new path to follow. So, Asgardians of Galaxy could be the next thing?
