No spoilers here. Saw “Avengers: Endgame” on a preview show with a very excited audience. Preview shows with devoted fans are always the most fun. Everyone laughs at the inside jokes and cheers at the appropriate moments - and this film had many of each. In fact, this film had several moments showcasing each Avenger and dozens of minor characters. It really was a treat to watch. My biggest complaint with “Avengers: Infinity War” was the lack of emotional heart to the film. What I mean by that is that the action and set pieces were so prominent and the cast so large that there was almost no way to connect with the tragedy if you weren’t already invested in the characters from the previous 10 years of films. “Endgame” worked hard to overcome that, letting us know from the opening scene just how emotionally devastating things had become. Again, this film’s biggest weakness is that it stands on the shoulders of a couple dozen other films, but that also becomes this films strength as it winds up several of those stories. I found myself crying tears of sadness and joy by the closing credits because of how lovingly they had resolved many of the characters. Overall, an excellent film that wraps up many stories and begins several new ones. I’ll definitely see it again in the theater.
Review
“Crown of Midnight” by Sarah J. Moss (book review) /
This fantasy sequel to “Throne of Glass” picks up almost immediately after that first book. Royal assassin Celaena is conflicted about working with the king vs. supporting the rebellion, starting a relationship when every relationship has ended badly for her, and how to control and keep silent about the newfound magical powers erupting from within. It’s a fast-paced read, full of twists and turns, excellent action, and more bloody fights. Other than a plot twist that seemed a tad contrived, I loved the book, and I didn’t want to stop when it finished.