Why Does My Grandmother Think the First 30 Minutes of Avengers: Endgame Is Boring and Stupid?
When someone from the older generation, like your grandmother, expresses boredom and disinterest in a popular and highly anticipated film such as Avengers: Endgame, it can be a source of frustration, especially if you’re a Marvel fan and eager to share your enthusiasm.
Before you approach her with your concerns, it’s essential to understand her perspective. She may simply not have an emotional investment into these movies, viewing them as mere entertainment for younger audiences. This sentiment is understandable, as even within the vast world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), these films are often seen as a collection of individual stories rather than a cohesive narrative arc. For someone unfamiliar with the extensive background and intricate character development, the early scenes can appear as standalone sequences with no inherent significance.
Building Emotional Investment
To bridge this gap, it’s important to recognize that emotional investment plays a crucial role in enjoying a piece of media. If your grandmother has never delved into the smaller MCU films or hasn’t read the comics, the extensive world-building and character arcs that unfold in films like Iron Man or Black Panther might be lost on her. Understanding the depth and complexity of the MCU can help explain why the first 30 minutes of Avengers: Endgame might seem frustratingly unfocused to someone who is not immersed in the lore.
Character Background and Development
The early scenes in Avengers: Endgame often serve to establish character backgrounds and motivations. For instance, scenes where Tony Stark is distracted by his daughter’s birthday party or Peter Parker’s struggle with balancing his real life and his superhero duties might not hold the same immediate appeal for someone not familiar with the characters’ journeys. These scenes are designed to build an emotional connection with the audience, providing necessary context that makes the later parts of the film more compelling and satisfying.
Marvel Cinematic Universe as a Franchise
The MCU is a massive franchise that has evolved over many years. Each film and TV show contributes to a larger narrative, and this cumulative effect is what makes the franchise so engaging. However, for a newcomer, the early parts of a film like Avengers: Endgame can seem disconnected as they focus on the characters’ individual struggles. If your grandmother hasn’t followed the franchise closely, she might be missing this interconnected web of stories that forms the core of the MCU.
Communicating Your Enthusiasm
When discussing your love for the MCU with someone from a different generation, it’s important to communicate effectively. Introduce your grandmother to some key comic books or films that set the stage for the events in Avengers: Endgame. Sharing a personalized viewing list could help her understand the context and make the early parts of the film more meaningful. For example, explain how the events in Black Panther contribute to the broader narrative, or how the Inhumans series provides additional background on some of the characters.
Addressing Misunderstandings
It’s also important to address any preconceived notions your grandmother may have about the franchise. Some people view the MCU as a collection of episodic stories rather than a cohesive narrative. Emphasize the interconnected nature of the films and how characters from each film influence each other. Explain that every film is crucial in contributing to the grand narrative, even if the early parts may seem less exciting on their own.
Conclusion
While it might be challenging to change your grandmother’s perspective on films like Avengers: Endgame, you can work towards building a shared understanding and appreciation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By providing context and emphasizing the importance of individual stories within the larger narrative, you can help her see the value and depth in these films. After all, shared experiences and conversations are what strengthen family bonds and create meaningful connections.