**Warning: the following contains major spoilers for the film, Avengers: Endgame. Consider yourself warned.**

This past weekend I had the opportunity to see the highly-anticipated conclusion to the Infinity Wars saga. For the most part, the film was out-standing. Despite the length of the film (a staggering three hours), I thoroughly enjoyed the film.

Visually, the film was packed with epic battle scenes and duels that had me dropping my jaw often. Just like Infinity Wars before it, Thanos’s combat prowess shined time and time again as he found creative ways to menace the Avengers. Among the many masterful scenes throughout the film, I find myself remembering those where Thanos dueled individual Avengers the most. In his duel with Captain Marvel, Thanos seemed to have almost squashed all resistance. Suddenly, a colorful comet plunged from the heavens, piercing Sanctuary II (Thanos’s Ship) and rendering the colossal battleship a gargantuan heap of scrap. In up-close-and-personal combat, Captain Marvel anchored herself and deflected a direct blow from Thanos, before being sent flying as Thanos gracefully transferred an infinity stone to his empty hand and delivering what could only be described as a cosmic punch.

Another amazing scene was one I had been anticipating for some time – Captain America wielding Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer). Having some knowledge of the comics, it came as no surprise to me that another Avenger was worthy of protecting the realm. Captain America’s cascading siege against Thanos with his shield and Mjolnir earned the applause it received from everyone in the theater I was in. When he channeled thunder, an indescribable surge of inspiration pulsated throughout my being.

Suffice to say the theme of inspiration was plentiful in the film, as yet another masterful scene with a well-executed subtext impressed me. When Spiderman was fleeing Thanos, infinity gauntlet in tow, Captain Marvel led the entire legion of heroines as they teamed up to face Thanos. As a man, I can barely fathom the impact such a scene had on all the girls in the audience. Personally, I admire how well-executed this scene was; the centerpiece of the scene was female empowerment that shined without subverting any other cause. Such an accomplishment warrants applause.

As for the general plot, things can always get touchy when time-travel is involved. Admittedly I sighed a few times at the brash actions of the heroes as they stumbled through the past. They were about as coordinated as expected, complete with literally getting hit by a opening door. Regardless, it was handled relatively well. Thankfully, the popular Thanus theory did not come to fruition.

My primary criticism has de-escalated as I’ve had time to reflect. I was not a fan of how sensitive Thor was, but he was definitely set up to act that way after losing Loki in Infinity Wars and his other family and loved ones previously. Seeing all those he lost was undoubtedly heartbreaking to Thor. His new physique juxtaposed this heavy overtone by functioning as comic relief. It was a sensitive balancing act that I believe Marvel pulled off.

Overall, I would see Endgame in theaters again, despite the film length. When it comes out on blu-ray, I’m buying it. The only question that remains is: what’s next? Some fans mention the Secret Wars, but I’m not sold on that idea. I don’t know where the Marvel Cinematic Universe is going, but I am glad to have been along for the whole ride so far.