Avengers: Endgame

Marvel saves the best for last – at least in terms of this phase of its sprawling cinematic universe – with Avengers: Endgame, the culmination of its decade-plus run of interconnected films, which offers not only surprising twists and electric superhero spectacle, but also routine chances for its illustrious cast to actually act. Helmed by Joe and Anthony Russo with the same juggling-multiple-strands craftsmanship they brought to their prior franchise installments, this latest saga finds Earth’s Mightiest Heroes trying to undo big bad Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) population-halving “Snapture.” To discuss plot particulars would be to spoil some of the fun, although it’s safe to say that its biggest kicks come from its self-referential fan-service nods, its ability to embellish every portentous moment with character-specific humor, and its satisfyingly cohesive conclusion. It’s a superior piece of tentpole cinema, thanks in large part to A-game performances from stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo