Movie Review: Marvel Avengers End Game

So a little under a year ago in one of my early reviews, I talked about a little known film called Infinity War. With the moderate success of Infinity War, Marvel decided to follow that with a continuation but called this film End Game. With End Game, we close the last chapter on this era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

At the conclusion of Infinity War, Thanos loses the battle of Wakanda but wins the war. With a snap of his fingers, he eliminates half of the life in the universe. End Game picks up from that point. The remaining Avengers have to learn how to move on. Much in the way life moves on in HBO’s Leftovers. They have to figure out their purpose in life after this massive failure. Through a series of random events and the SOS message sent to an old friend, the crew believes there is a way to repair this wound and prevent Thanos’ grand plan.

Critical Commentary: this is the fourth Marvel film by Joe and Anthony Russo. If they were Charlotte a Cavatica it would be their Mangum Opus. If they were Michael Jordon this would be their sixth championship ring. If they were Jay Z this would be their Black Album or Blue Print. This is the 1972 Miami Dolphins.  While not perfect it is very close to it.  I do have to admit, didn’t like the Banner characterization.

If I had 1,000 years to figure out this storyline, I never would have succeeded. The Russo brothers created for the second year in a row the best picture of the year. Unfortunately, movies like this are not nominated although Black Panther may have broken that mold. I thought Infinity War was one of the best movies I had ever seen and it still is, but End Game is hands down the best movie I have ever seen.

The movie just like Thanos’ desire is balanced. The laughs, the cries, the wonder and mystery, all balanced. The realism and pain were tremendously balanced. The action sequences and the dialog all balanced. Josh Brolin again delivers an Academy Award performance as Thanos. Robert Downey Jr gives you the full range of Tony Starks. Chris Evans rises to the leadership role like never before. There were dozens of easter eggs. I just can’t comment enough about this film. I loved it. I am not sure if I will follow the next era of Marvel the same. This might be my End Game also.

Film Review: Chef

2014’s Chef was an indie project that Iron Man director, Jon Favreau led.  He wrote, directed, and starred in Chef as Chef Carl Casper.  This was a sleeper for 2014.  I remember hearing about this movie but not understanding much about it.  They really didn’t advertise.  To tell you the truth I saw this movie by accident.  One night me and my girlfriend wanted to see a movie and went to this new movie theater in our area called the Angelica.  The show we came to see was sold out and Chef was getting ready to start with plenty of seating.  I quickly talked her into seeing it instead.  I was so glad I did.  Chef is an all star cast of people Favreau has worked with recently from Marvel and adding in Sofia Vergara as Casper’s ex wife and John Leguizamo as his line cook.  The music also plays a part in the film.  The music is amazing.

The Chef follows a transitional period for Chef Casper.  He is a chef in a restaurant whose owner does not appreciate his artistry.  He is divorced with a young son he cannot relate to.  Casper’s restaurant is visited by a famous food critic who sold his blog for 10 million.  Instead of a culinary artistic feast, Casper is forced to cook the same old same old.  That results in a negative review from the food critic which spins Chef Casper down a PR nightmare.  As Chef Casper climbs out of his whole of despair, Casper is born again 3,000 miles from his restaurant as a food truck operator.  This film has a great ending and makes you love life again.

Critical Commentary:  This film almost made me change my life.  After watching this movie, I wanted to quite my job and start my own food truck.  I am a little of an amateur chef and at the time was cooking up a ton of competition BBQ.  All of my friends and coworkers were telling me I should start a restaurant or food truck.  I was also stuck in a job that I was not appreciated.  This movie didn’t change the film industry in any way but this was a great film and I started looking for more indie films.  I watch it every year as inspiration to keep my entrepreneurial spirit invigorated.