Been In Hospital For An Operation.

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Operation, Sci-Fi Jubilee

Been In Hospital for an Operation

Hi everyone! Sorry been a lack of posts recently. I’ve been in hospital for an operation for a longstanding condition that’s been giving me a bit of trouble for a while now. As I have a somewhat weaker lung function as well (you may recall I spent time in hospital last November because of a bad chest infection), I was also advised to have a spinal for my operation as it would be safer for me than a general anaesthetic.

It was a bit of a scary experience being awake while I was being operated on, but the staff were all really nice and looked after me. Its been just over a week since my operation. I’m home now and recovering well. Obviously I’m going to have to take things easy for a bit. So that’ll mean lots of binge watching box sets and movies for me while I recover – just what the doctor ordered!

Take care and I’ll see you all soon.

Paul.

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Terminator Dark Fate New Official Trailer!

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Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Cameron, Linda Hamilton, New Terminator Dark Fate trailer, Sarah Conner, T-800, Terminator, Terminator Dark Fate, Terminator Dark Fate Official Trailer, Terminator Dark Fate trailer, Terminator Dark Fate Trailer 2

Terminator Dark Fate New Official Trailer!

Welcome to the day after Judgment Day! Check out the new the official trailer for Terminator Dark Fate, in theatres 11.1.19.

Linda Hamilton (“Sarah Connor”) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (“T-800”) return in their iconic roles in Terminator: Dark Fate, directed by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and produced by visionary filmmaker James Cameron and David Ellison. Following the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Terminator: Dark Fate also stars Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, and Diego Boneta.

And here’s the new official poster as well!

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Justice League #30 Review

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DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Justice Doom War, Justice League, Justice League #30, Justice League #30 review, Legion of Doom, Scott Snyder, Year of the Villain

Justice League #30

Review by Paul Bowler.

The Justice / Doom War kicks off big time Justice League #30 as writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV take this sweeping comic book opus to a whole new level. With their arch nemesis Lex Luthor now transformed into a super-powered apex predator powered by the dark entity Perpetua, the Legion of Doom look even closer to defeating the League and succeeding in their goal to bring chaos and destruction to the DC Universe.

With the Year of the Villain now well under way Justice League #30 presents a chilling glimpse of the consequences of Luthor’s scheme if indeed that grim fate should come to pass. Snyder and Tynion collectively bring the far reaching threads of numerous story-arcs together in this issue. Indeed, it is now clear just how much has been set into place to bring everything to this point, the sheer scale and ingenuity of it all is really quite astonishing, and the Justice / Doom War looks set to take things even further – across, space, time and even the Multiverse itself!

Arguably one of the biggest revelations in this run of Justice League has been Snyder’s and Tnyion’s reintroduction of Starman’s character. Now as the core members of the Justice League gather their forces against their impending doom, Starman not only galvanises the heroes into action, his place at the heart of the plot entwines beautifully with the overarching narrative of the mythologies and forces that bind the DC Universe together.

Jorge Jimenez’s art in Justice League #30 easily rises to the occasion to match the high drama of the plot. Utilizing bold, striking page layouts, Jimenez skilfully builds the pace, the characters dramatic poses are beautifully framed, and the sheer scope of the issues grand design is quite simply breathtaking to behold. The colors by Aljandro Sanchez vibrantly complement Jumenez’s art, dazzling the eye with a glorious blend of tone and hues.

Each branch of the issues key storylines has villains plotting to strike while the heroes embark on a daring plan to turn the tide in their favour. Set against this dramatic backdrop, some grave reservations are voiced, and darkness lurks waiting to strike as the issues time-warping cliff-hanger builds to the momentous return of some old favourites…

Justice League #30 crams a hell of a lot in but there’s no denying that the final page is the one that is really this issues big selling point. I won’t spoil it – even though its already been well documented that this issue of Justice League features the return of some much beloved characters – but people who know me know that I’m a big fan of these classic Golden Age characters and needless to say that final page left me with a big silly grin on my face.

For an issue that has so much going on and so many plates spinning in the past, present and future its all the more remarkable that Justice League #30 is also an excellent jumping on point for new readers. If you haven’t been following this version of Justice League, or read Metal, or any of the other tie-in issues from previous events then this issue will quickly bring you up to speed as it sets up some tantalizing possibilities for the future. Most of all though Justice League #30 is one of those joyous issues that makes you punch the air with delight. Providing both a blockbusting opening to the Justice / Doom War and a most welcome return to the classic era of comics, this is indeed one of the finest issues of Justice League that Snyder and Tynion have crafted so far!

Writers: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV

Art: Jorge Jimenez / Colors: Alejandro Sanchez

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Cover: Francis Manapul / Varian Cover: Jay Anaceleto & Romulo Fajaroo JR

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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker D23 Sizzle Reel Released!

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Star Wars, Star Wars Episode IX, Star Wars Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars Rise of Skywalker Trailer, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker D23 Sizzle Reel, The Rise of Skywalker D23 Sizzle Reel Released!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker D23 Sizzle Reel Released!

Lucasfilm have now released the much talked about sizzle reel of the Star Wars films which was shown at the D23 Expo last weekend. It begins with footage from the original film trilogy, and makes its way right through to The Last Jedi and beyond. With new glimpses of footage from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, this final part of the new trilogy is shaping up to be an epic conclusion!

Images & Video Belong Disney

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Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 Review

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Batman, Batman Curse of the White Knight, Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 Review, Commissioner Gordon, DC Black Label, DC Comics, Gotham, Joker, Matt Hollingsworth, NCBD, Sean Murphy

Batman Curse of the White Knight #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Dark secrets and old scores wait to be settled in Batman Curse of the White Knight #1, the hotly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman White Knight, when the Joker sets out to recruit Azrael to his cause to ruin the Wayne legacy and bring chaos to Gotham City once more!

Writer and artist Sean Murphy’s new eight-part mini-series continues to build on the foundations set up during Batman White Knight which established his unique spin on the Dark Knight’s world, one where Joker reclaimed his sanity to become the good guy, while Batman’s increasingly brutal methods effectively painted him as the bad guy. Now in the sequel Curse of the White Knight the Joker is back with an axe to grind, and determined to have the last laugh on Gotham as Batman contemplates his future as the Dark Knight.

From the foreboding flashback to Arkham, 1685, to the Clown Prince of Crimes ingenious escape in the present, right up to Batman and Gordon’s grim discovery, Sean Murphy’s script quickly sets up the premise of this new mini-series and runs with it for all its worth. The warped existential fallout of Joker’s and Jack Naper’s psyche in the aftermath of Batman White Knight allows Murphy to skilfully fuel the chilling narrative via the Joker’s character, and fan the flames of Jean Paul’s equally fractured psyche to bring Azrael to the fore.

Gordon knows Bruce is Batman now, but that doesn’t really seem to have changed the dynamic between them. If anything, their relationship now seems more assured and measured in Curse of the White Night. The mystery they uncover offers up some tantalizing clues early on. However, the big highlights this issue are the character driven Bat-Family moments: such as the powerful scenes between Bruce and Dick Grayson in the Bat-Cave, where Murphy’s blisteringly sharp dialogue shows just how much Bruce’s perceived failure has had on him, there’s some wry humour to defuse the darkness as Batman and Batgirl assess the case evidence so far, and the late Alfred Pennyworth’s deeply moving note is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Sean Murphy’s art is on top form and brings everything to the page that you’ve probably come to expect from this series already. The dark, gritty rendition of this alternative slant on the Dark Knight’s world is swathed in deep shadows and a mesmerising gothic grandeur that seems to encompass even the smallest scene. Arkham is more sinister than ever, Murphy’s grizzled Batman seems even more intimidating this time around, fan boy cinematic flourishes such as the Joker’s gun are an added bonus to enjoy, and the Bat-Cave depicted here is a sweeping vista of Bat-paraphernalia the likes of which feels more like a frame in a movie than a panel in a comic book. Matt Hollingsworth’s colors complements Murphy’s artwork perfectly as you’d expect, with the opaque shades of the earlier scenes giving way to subtle greys and earthier tones as the issue progresses to a fiery denouement. The lettering by AndWorldDesign is crisp and clean – essential in a dialogue heavy issue like this – and together with the sumptuous art and colors you will soon find yourself immersed in the multiple twists and turns of the plot.

Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 gets this new series off a fantastic start. Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth make a fantastic team, the Joker’s plot in Curse of the White Knight is sure to test Batman and his allies to the limit, the introduction of Azrael to their Dark Knight’s mythos is also an intriguing one, and I really like how this storyline follows on from the events of the previous mini-series in so many unexpected and surprising ways. One thing’s for sure, this new chapter in the White Knight saga looks set to shake Gotham to the core!

Publisher DC Comics (DC Black Label)

Writer, Art, & Covers by Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors by Matt Hollingsworth

Letters by AndWorldDesign

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Star Trek Picard First Official Trailer Released At SDCC 2019!

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Brent Spiner, Data, Hugh Borg, Jeri Ryan, Jonathan del Arco, Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, Picard, Seven of Nine, Star Trek, Star Trek Picard, Star Trek Picard Official Trailer, Star Trek Picard Trailer, STTNG, Will Riker

Star Trek Picard First Official Trailer Released At SDCC 2019!

The first official trailer for Star Trek: Picard has been released at SDCC 2019, and it hits warp speed on every level! I’ve been looking foward to this series ever since it was announced, and the trailer looks awesome! Can’t wait to see Patrick Stewart return as Picard! It has also been confirmed that Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Jonathan del Arco, Brent Spiner and Jeri Ryan will be reprising their roles as Will Riker, Troy, Hugh the Borg, Data, and Seven of Nine.

The trailer is packed with fan pleasing moments, seeing Data and Seven on Nine again was awesome, and I’m sure Star Trek Picard will be well worth the wait.

Engage! Check out the trailer for Star Trek Picard!

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Spider-Man Far From Home Film Review

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Jake Gyllenhaal, Marvel, Marvel Comics, MCU, Mysterio, Peter Parker, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Far From Home, Spider-Man Far From Home film review, Spiderman Far From Home film review, Tom Holland

Spider-Man Far From Home

Review by Paul Bowler.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man Far From home, the next chapter in Marvel’s web-spinning Spider-Man film series. Serving as a coda of sorts to this year’s blockbusting smash hit Avengers Endgame; Spider-Man Far From Home is a fun filled blend of high-school romcom, spy drama, and dazzling superhero action.

After cleverly addressing the events and aftermath of the last two Avengers films, Spider-Man far From Home quickly gets under way as Peter Parker (Tom Holland) joins his friends Ned (Jacob Batalon), MJ (Zendaya), and the rest of the classmates on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to take a break from all the super heroics are soon thrown into turmoil when Spider-Man’s recruited by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) and teamed up with the dimension-travelling Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is wracked by guilt because he failed to save his own world.

Together Spider-Man and Mysterio must confront the mysterious elemental creatures that have begun appearing and unleashing havoc across the continent. Peter Parker’s quest takes him across Europe battling elementals, but soon a new threat emerges, and only the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man can save the day!

It’s a good job Aunt May (Marisa Tomel), now in the know about her nephew’s superhero alter-ego, decided to pack his Spidey-suit for him as there’s no rest for Spider-Man on this vacation! Tom Holland is on fine form once again as the wall-crawling hero, with Peter’s anguish over Tony Stark’s death in Avengers Endgame brining extra emotional depth to the role. Reunited with his pals from Spider-Man Homecoming for this European vacation, Peter also plans to confess his love for MJ, brilliantly played by pop star Zendaya, and it is the fizzing chemistry between Peter and MJ that provides the movie’s warm emotional core.

Of course with Spider-Man themes of great power and responsibility are never far away, and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, and director Jon Watts skilfully craft further angst for Peter Parker by having Nick Fury see him as a kind of replacement for the late Tony Stark as the worlds most prominent superhero. Fury gives Peter a special pair of computerised glasses as well – equipped with an AI which Stark had intended for his successor to have – which only compounds the internal conflict further whilst also reiterating the fallout from Avengers Infinity War and Endgame. It creates an interesting and somewhat fraught dynamic between Fury and Spider-Man as Iron Man’s legacy proves a daunting prospect for the teenager, something that Peter’s not sure he even wants, or is capable of living up too as all he really wants is to do is live as normal a life as he possibly can given his extraordinary life now as Spider-Man.

Jake Gyllenhaal is also really good as Quentin Beck, AKA, Mysterio, who Peter initially sees as a similar kind of mentor figure like he did Stark. Beck claims to have come from an alternative Earth, he’s here to help stop the Elementals from destroying this world like they did his. I’ve always been a big fan of Mysterio in the comics and I was thrilled to see the character handled so well in this movie. Mysterio’s abilities look spectacular, Gyllenhaal makes the role his own, and his distinctive costume with its cloudy domed helmet looks great.

Amidst all the fun, romance, and big action set-pieces, director Jon Watts keeps Spider-Man Far From Home on an even keel. The added weight of recent events in the MCU’s continuity slots in well with the films quirky spy caper narrative, and there’s even a smattering of darker themes such as big corporate manipulation and fake news. With our amazing Spider-Man donning a number of old and new Spidey suits as his adventures take him across Europe, the callbacks to previous movies come thick and fast, and the overall geeky sense of fun is sure to delight fans. Other familiar characters also return, including Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan.

With its great cast, crisp direction, and spectacular action Spider-Man Far From Home is sure to get your Spider Sense tingling! Brilliant fun from beginning to end, Spider-Man Far From Home provides a fitting epilogue to Avengers Endgame, and paves the way for a potentially bold new era for Spider-Man. Needless to say, this is a Marvel movie, so be sure to stay right through the credits where one of the films biggest secrets is waiting to be revealed!

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Detective Comics #1006 Review

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Batman, DC Comics, Detective Comics #1006, Detective Comics #1006 review, Gotham, Horror, Kyle Hotz, Peter J. Tomasi, The Spectre

Batman Detective Comics #1006

Review by Paul Bowler

Dark, supernatural forces stalk Gotham in Detective Comics #1006 as the Spectre enlists Batman’s help in solving the mysterious disappearance of Jim Corrigan – the GCPD detective who is the host for the spirit of God’s Vengeance.

With this issue of Detective Comics writer Peter J Tomasi weaves a grim, suspenseful tale featuring the Spectre. This otherworldly character hasn’t featured prominently for a while now, so Kyle Hotz’s eye-catching cover immediately caught my attention, and I found myself instantly caught up in the gripping story within.

Tomasi quickly sets the tone by setting up a beguiling mystery for the Dark Knight when he is recruited by the Spectre after he can no longer feel Jim Corrigan’s presence. Though we are privy from the outset to Detective Corrigan’s ambush and abduction by bizarre green hooded cultists, who also murder his partner, we are still left just as much in the dark as the Spectre and Batman as to what has happened to Corrigan. The plot is skilfully crafted by Tomasi to keep us guessing every step of the way. From the striking opening scenes when Corrigan is attacked, through to Batman’s daunting initial rooftop encounter with the Spectre, and their eventual investigation of the gruesome crime scene the pace of this issue doesn’t let up for a moment.

The artwork by Kyle Hotz conjures up a wonderfully creepy atmosphere and gothic looking Gotham. Indeed, Hotz’s impressive work here in realizing Batman’s grim world reminded me a bit of Kelley Jones’ take on Batman, albeit in far more restrained in style, but still nevertheless equally as captivating if, like me, you are a fan of somewhat darker supernatural themed Batman stories and atheistics for the Dark Knight. The Spectre’s aforementioned rooftop recruitment of Batman is a big highlight, as is the gore soaked charnel house crime scene that serves as the primary focal point which drives much of the issues narrative. Similarly, the sombre color palette employed by colorist David Baron stylishly complements Hotz’s artwork to accentuate both the gritty and paranormal elements of Tomasi’s story perfectly.

It was great to see the Batman working alongside the Spectre in this issue and I thoroughly enjoyed this change of pace and tone following Tomaski’s Arkham Knight storyline. With its mysteriously compelling story by Peter J Tomaski and atmospheric artwork by Kyle Hotz Detective Comics #1006 is well worth checking out – especially if a decidedly stranger and more unearthly tale of the Dark Knight is your thing.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Peter J Tomasi / Artist: Kyle Hotz

Colorist: David Baron / Letterer: Rob Leigh / Cover: Kyle Hotz

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Godzilla King of the Monsters Film Review

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Godzilla, Godzilla King of the Monster, Godzilla King of the Monsters Film Review, Godzilla King of the Monsters Movie Review, Godzilla King of the Monsters review

Godzilla King of the Monsters

Review by Paul Bowler.

The monster mayhem abounds on an epic scale in Godzilla King of the Monsters! After their previous encounter with Godzilla the ultra secret Monarch organization has continued its research into the ancient Titans. Now eco-terrorists are determined to awaken these sleeping beasts. Soon Mothra, Rodan and the terrifying three-headed Ghidorah are unleashed and Monarch must seek out Godzilla once more to save the world!

Set some five years after Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla (2014), Godzilla King of the Monsters, directed by Michael Dougherty, and written by Michael Dougherty and Zach Shields (story by Max Borenstein, Michael Dougherty, and Zach Shields), is the latest instalment of the Warner Bros / Legendary Pictures’ Monsterverse film series

Featuring a strong cast Godzilla King of the Monsters fast-paced script introduces Monarch scientist Dr Emma Russell (Emma Farmiga) and her daughter Madison (Stranger Things’ brilliant Millie Bobby Brown) as they witness the hatching of the giant moth creature Mothra. Using a device called the ORCA, which emits signals that can influence a Titans behaviour; they are able to calm Mothra. But Emma and her daughter are then captured by a group of eco-terrorists, led by Alan Jonah (played with a suitably villainous flair by Game of Thrones star Charles Dance), who intend to use the ORCA to awaken the Titans to further their own agenda.

The Monarch scientists and soldiers, who include Chief Warrant Officer Jackson Barnes (O’Shea Jackson Jr), with Ziyi Zhang as Dr Ilene Chen and Dr Ling, Bradley Whitford as Dr Rick Stanton, Colonel Diane Foster (Aisha Hinds), and a returning Dr Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) and Dr Vivienne Graham (Sally Hawkins) from 2014‘s Godzilla, seek out Emma’s ex husband, Dr Mark Russell (Kyle Candler) – who created the ORCA with his wife – to help them in their search for Emma and Madison. Of course their quest also involves tracking down Godzilla as well, but when Ghidorah is revived all hell breaks loose, and the epic battle of the monsters which follows quickly spills out across the entire world as Godzilla roars into action!

Sure the script is a bit flimsy in places. Indeed, the characterization is even flimsier at times, but at its core Godzilla King of the Monsters is still monstrously good fun. However, the broken family unit of Emma, Mark and Madison (having been ripped apart by a terrible tragedy) are cleverly placed front and centre as the plot unfolds, and they offer a much need focal point amidst all the monster action, sci-fi jargon, clunky humour, and military gung-ho bravado.

Needless to say despite some of the scripts weaknesses, it’s the monsters were here for right? Well, as a big Godzilla fan that’s what I sure as hell was looking forward to, and I’m happy to say that in this respect Godzilla King of the Monsters delivered on ever level. The kaiju action is spectacular! Godzilla is especially impressive and powerful, Mothra looks beautiful, Rodan is as savage as hell, and the three-headed Ghidorah is a magnificent spectacle to behold. The CGI battle sequences are well orchestrated, we get right into the heart of the action, and the final showdown will simply blow you away!

With its spectacular effects, fantastic monster battles, and thrilling action Godzilla King of the Monsters left this Godzilla fan feeling very happy indeed. While it’s not without its faults, as Hollywood remakes go Godzilla King of the Monsters eclipses its predecessors, and delivers the monster action with breathtaking style.

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Avengers Endgame Film Review

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Avengers, Avengers Endgame, Avengers Endgame film review, Avengers Endgame review, Marvel, MCU, Thanos

Avengers Endgame

Review by Paul Bowler.

Avengers Endgame explodes onto the big screen in the wake of Avengers Infinity War’s devastating cliff-hanger from last year which saw fifty per cent of the MUC’s heroes turned to dust by cosmic super-villain Josh Brolin’s Thanos.. This spectacular, 22^nd instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeelyand, brings the saga to a shattering conclusion – and yes Avengers Endgame is every bit the triumphantly bombastic finale we could’ve ever hoped for!

The 　surviving Avengers are back, with the classic trinity of Robert Downey Jnr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth returning as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, along with Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner / Hulk and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, and a wealth of other surviving MCU heroes including Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, Don Cheadle as James Rhodes / War Machine, Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man to name just a few of the films star-studded ensemble cast uniting to avenge their fallen comrades by striking back to defeat the　all-powerful Thanos and save the universe.

This time though the Avengers will have Brie Larson’s cosmic powered Captain Marvel fighting alongside them! Captain Marvel certainly brings a fresh new dynamic to the team. Captain Marvel’s presence somewhat redresses the slight gender imbalance in the Avengers team line-up, she’s a major powerhouse in her own right, and has a mischievous no-nonsense attitude and slight disdain for following orders.

Josh Brolin remains as compelling and powerful in the role of Thanos. The Mad Titan is confident to the extreme, sure in his power, and as ruthlessly intelligent as ever. As villains go in the MCU, Thanos is one of the most well written and developed so far, and Avengers Endgame delivers a spectacular showdown between the Avengers and their intergalactic arch-enemy.

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo have weaved their spellbinding magic again with Avengers Endgame. If you thought Infinity War was epic in scope and scale, well you better buckle up, because you ain’t seen nothing yet! Avengers Endgame is packed with awesome action-set-pieces, jaw-dropping CGI, and plenty of glorious character moments for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as they dust themselves off and take the fight to Thanos.

With its three hour run time of thrills, action, and shock surprises, Avengers Endgame will have you on the edge of your seat as the plot twists and turns through a myriad of plot threads that skilfully encompasses the entirety of the MCU amidst all the spectacle.

To say more could end up risking spoiling this incredible cinematic event. So, suffice to say Avengers Endgame provides an emotionally charged finale to the current MCU film series, its also brilliant fun, and one of the most epically action-packed superhero movies ever!

 

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