The Ultimate Clash: Avengers--Endgame Review

With 22 films over an eleven-year period, the Marvel Cinematic Universe closes out this chapter with Avengers: Endgame, an exciting and emotional epic. If you have not seen the film, no spoilers here!

All good stories involve conflict, and there is plenty of that in the Marvel films, but the ultimate conflict is between two of the key superheroes--Iron Man (Tony Stark) played by Robert Downey, Jr., and Captain America (Steve Rogers) played by Chris Evans. Together, they embody the dichotomy that is America (and perhaps western civilization).

Tony is an unrepentant capitalist--brash, rude, results-oriented, and short-tempered--but with an evolving social conscience. Steve is a patriot in the best sense of the word--courteous, humble, committed, and brave--but a man out of his own time. Steve represents the morality and values that we want to be known for as a people. Tony represents the drive, vitality, and innovation that has driven our development as a nation.

Their conflicts in the series, especially in Captain America: Civil War, are based on their innate motivations: achievement versus inclusion; forgiveness versus retribution; power versus service; ego versus humility. This is the yin and yang of who we are as a society.

On a theological level, the conflict is an expression of the old faith and works argument. What comes first, faith or works? How do they relate to each other? Is one better than the other?

James addresses these questions in this way:

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. . . .As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:18, 26, NIV)

Steve has faith and believes in his fellows; Tony has works and depends on himself. In this final film of the series, however, I think that Tony comes to understand that he has both and is willing to give what it takes to assure triumph over the foe. (No spoiler; you know that the Avengers will win in the end.) He finally embraces a goal that is greater than himself and does what is necessary.

“Whatever it takes,” a key line in the film, is an expression of a willingness to act--or work--that is grounded in faith. We make that level of commitment only if we believe strongly in something--God, our fellowship, equality, love--that will give us the strength to address the challenges before us.

Avengers: Endgame is a roller-coaster three hour and two-minute ride with lots of action, but its greatest impact comes in the small, intimate moments that celebrate commitment, love, sacrifice, and family. You will enjoy it.

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