I’ve been a fan of the Marvel movies since the first Iron Man came out in theaters and have been avidly following the franchise for the last 19 movies (I still have a couple of days to catch up on Captain Marvel and Ant-man and the Wasp). And while I consider myself quite competent when it comes to comic book mythology (thanks to those Marvel playing cards that I used to pore over when I was in high school), the Marvel Cinematic Universe can be quite overwhelming to newcomers. But of you really, really want to be able to understand the final installment in MCU’s third phase — that’s Avengers: Endgame in plain talk, the Russo Brothers recently shared that you need to watch at least these four movies, just to be on the same page.
Captain America: Winter Soldier
According to the Russos, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is also essential viewing as a lead in for Avengers: Endgame because this was the first movie they directed with MCU and as such, was the first thread of the narrative they envisioned for the Endgame. In this movie, Steve is reunited with his best friend Bucky Barnes, who has been transformed into a ruthless assassin code named Winter Soldier by Hydra. From best friends to arch nemesis, to best friends again, its both an emotional and action packed movie that teases fans whether Bucky would eventually take on the Captain’s shield like in the comic books.
According to the Russo Brothers, who directed both Avengers: Infinity Wars and Endgame, Captain America: Civil War, which saw the tension between Captain America and Iron Man come to head, divided the Avengers on the issue of whether the Avengers should submit themselves to Sokovia Accords under which they will be subject to the supervision and control of a UN overseeing panel. Tony Stark thinks its a good idea for the team to do so to keep the peace and keep check of the Avengers’ missions but Steve Rogers thinks otherwise, believing that losing autonomy over the missions will make the team no more than a puppet for politicians and world leaders. The rivalry and teamwork aspect of the two leaders of the Avengers are expected to come to play in their biggest mission.
Directed by Taika Waititi, this is one of the most fun installments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it the movie whose timeline directly takes place before Avengers: Infinity War. The film focused on the rivalry of Thor and Loki and how the two brothers saved the people of Asgard after it was destroyed in their battle against their secret big sister Hela.
Most of the movies in the MCU’s first three phases were interconnected by the Infinity Stones, which gives its owners complete control (or close to it) of the Universe and it has been the villain Thanos’ mission to collect them all and wield the Infinity Gauntlet. The Infinity War saw the Avengers take a stand from Earth and beyond space to protect the stones from Thanos, quite unsuccessfully due to his sheer power and that’s where the Endgame comes in. The final standoff between the universe’s most powerful villain and the handful of heroes left to defend it.
There’s still a couple of days left before the film opens in theaters so if you find the time, doing a marathon of all the Avengers movies could also be a good idea. You know, just so you know how they came together and why Vision has the Mind Stone on his forehead and similar small details that might help you along.
Good news for movie fans, too. From April 24 to 28, SM Cinemas will be showing Avengers: Endgame on all 333 theaters across its 64 branches in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — an unprecedented move for movie fans. For the same period, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura Premiere will also be having a non-stop 24 hour screening of this much anticipated installment in the Marvel franchise. That’s the tip, you can thank me later.
wynnesworld 