It has been a loooong time coming, and honestly I’ve wondered if we’d ever get to this point, but Avengers: Endgame is finally here. Theaters across the globe have been selling out at a record pace because everyone wants to be a part of this exciting Marvel Cinematic Universe conclusion, at least in its current form. Say what you will about Disney but they sure know how to build amazing attractions that the masses will flock towards. It’s been almost 11 years to the day that we were first introduced to a cocky, arrogant, entitled billionaire named Tony Stark. Who could have guessed that his origin story would lead us to where we are today? Let’s vaguely discuss Marvel Studios’ crown jewel which is the culmination of 21 well-placed puzzle pieces that has shaped a genius work of art.

With the remaining Avengers still dusting themselves off after the thrashing they took at the hands, or to be more accurate, the hand of Thanos (Josh Brolin), morale is at an all-time low. Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and other allies must regroup in band together again if they are to salvage any hope, no matter how fleeting it might be. While things may be at their darkest, these heroes must persevere by finding light to guide them through these trying times. One such beacon of hope that wasn’t around for the last fight is Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). She, along with a few others that weren’t present for the Infinity War, hope to tip the scales in the direction of good. Evil, however, will not go quietly into the night. Avengers: Endgame goes all-in as the vast majority of your questions will be answered.

In keeping with the spoiler-free motif here, I’ll keep this review relatively short while not revealing anything of consequence, including many of the names attached to this project. Let me start by saying that this is a very long movie (to the tune of 181 minutes) but thankfully I sat through the entire duration from the beginning until several minutes after the credits finished so I could share a few tidbits with you. Number one, Avengers: Endgame starts off basically mid-scene, so don’t be confused or worried that you missed something…because you didn’t. Second, with its marathon runtime, you might want to take it easy on the liquid refreshments or risk missing out on some very pertinent information that could leave you completely baffled. Finally, there are no mid or post-credits scenes. This both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, you’ll be able to save yourselves about ten minutes of time. On the downside, even with everything that transpires, you feel a bit cheated since every other MCU movie had at least one. Such is life.

As for the acting, effects and storytelling of Avengers: Endgame, duh they’re great and absolutely immersive. Anthony and Joe Russo put their blood, sweat and tears into this feature and fans should appreciate all that’s been done here. The commitment to detail is exquisite save for a couple of minor instances in which I did not see eye-to-eye with the talented directors. This a full seven-course meal with all the fixings for your emotions. You will laugh, cry, become angry, etc. as events play out. I would strongly recommend staying away from discussion forums or areas with a comment platform if you wish to keep the integrity of this film intact. There are some real a-holes out there and others that can’t comprehend the fact their words directly or indirectly spoil things for others.

I recommend seeing Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame in theaters as quickly as you can so that you can have a good time witnessing everything come together without the intended or unintended tainting of others. I would also hope that you’ve seen last month’s Captain Marvel (2019) so that you can fully appreciate the newest member to the roster. While not without its flaws, this 22nd entry into the Marvel anthology is everything that it’s been cracked up to be and Stan Lee would be proud. Get your tickets today and be a part of modern day history.