The ultimate Marvel superhero movie concludes its 22-film arc that began with Iron Man in 2008 — except that there are more to come. But this series begins and ends with Robert Downey Jr.’s spectacular performance as Tony Stark / Iron Man. While I am not a big fan of this genre, I readily admit that I’ve been very much enamored with Stark from his first adventure, and some of his finest moments occur in this final chapter.

Anthony and Joe Russo’s film continues some five years after Avengers: Infinity War left off, with half of the human population simply turned to dust thanks to Thanos. Along comes Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) out of the quantum realm, with a possible path to reverse the direction of history and reinstate all that was lost before. Three hours later (in viewing time), Thanos finally gets his comeuppance and this bittersweet tale comes full circle, thanks largely to Tony Stark. The scene that memorializes him is a classic, understated and hugely emotional for viewers (including me).

That’s not to say the movie is a classic. It isn’t as exciting or well-edited as Infinity War. It is too repetitive in some ways and too contemplative than I would have preferred. But it deals with huge themes, dozens of characters, an operatic sensibility and science that I can accept but not understand in any real sense. It can be forgiven its excesses, especially when it delivers in so many ways. It is a fitting, if not totally satisfying, conclusion to an epic series of fanciful adventures involving fascinating superhuman characters.

It also may be better than I am recognizing. It surely seems complex and dense enough to require further viewings to fully appreciate it. But then again that is true for many movies, perhaps a majority of them. And even though this type of film often leaves me flat, I can certainly respect the artistry it took to bring it together, and the emotional power that this series of fantastical adventures has wrought. Especially when it involves Tony Stark, one of the movies’ great characters. ☆ ☆ ☆. 29 July 2019.