In preparation for Avengers: Endgame I re-watched all the Marvel movies back to back. I had seen most all of them in theaters. A couple sequels slipped by me here and there but for the most part I was the nerd who saw them Friday/opening weekend so nothing would be spoiled for me. Full disclosure, I had never read any of the comics, but I went with friends who had and after every movie I asked a million questions about the comparison between the comics and the movies.
Leading up to Endgame I, like most, had a million assumptions or theories on where the end was leading and how we’d get everyone back. Because, come on, they’re not gonna take half our heroes away from us. This is Marvel not Game of Thrones. Stan Lee would never do that to us. He loves us too much.
While going through the cinematic universe i made sure to have the Marvel wiki page open so I could search names, research the depths of Hydra, and retrace the timeline of Captain America and Howard Stark. I felt very solid going in to Avengers: Endgame at 9am that Friday morning. But nothing, and I mean NOTHING, could prepare me for what has to be the greatest reveal in all of Marvel history.
Lebowski Thor.
Jesus Christ guys. Fat, stoner, Thor. How hilarious is it that Chris Hemsworth, at one point voted Sexiest Man Alive, who arguably is mostly known for his body/muscles (given that his breakthrough role was the first Thor) spends 2+ hours of the movie fat. I LOVED it. Thor is a God. He’s strong, masculine, brave, he loves his shitty adopted brother Loki. He’s been my favorite from the beginning. And even though he’s a god/alien/king/whatever he has the most human experience ever: he has a meltdown. His brother, father, and mother are all dead. He had to destroy his own city/home so he could save his people from his his evil sister he didn’t know about. Everyone’s mad because he didn’t go for the head. He’s had a rough couple of years. Who wouldn’t stay in, drink beers, eat pizza, and play Fortnite with their friends?
We can all assume this was added for comic affect. We’re not dumb. The movie starts in a low low point. We need more than Ant Man to get us laughing. And I can’t think of a better way to get our spirits up than seeing pathetic Chris Hemsworth.
Now you might be thinking, uh it was funny but not that amazing. But the thing is, I have two types: clean-shaven, tall, lean-muscular build—think Chris Hemsworth in Ghost Busters. And my other type is: Hippie Dad-bod—think Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski. So the fact that they gave me Chris Hemsworth with a Dad-Bod?!!?!! I was losing it. And I know my annoyingly optimism is showing but, I love that even though he’s a mess and has lost his way there’s still a message of hope and positivity. When Thor goes back in time to Asgard and sees his mother, he holds out his hand and after his hammer flies back into his hands he gives a sweet smile and says “I’m still worthy”. Yes you big beautiful God. YOU ARE WORTHY.
I had some hang ups about the last movie. Some “uhh what?!” And some “HOLY SHIT. AMAZING!!” moments. But nothing made my heart happier than Tony walking past Thor and calling him Lebowski. And for that, I say, thank you Marvel. I love you 3000
