The new Avengers film, Endgame, is out tomorrow and it’s an epic three-hours and two minutes long.
According to writer Stephen McFeely, that’s “exactly as long as it needs to be” – and it could have been longer. If this were the theatre there would be an interval but Avengers fans are hardcore and have to go straight through. Here’s how to do it — you’ll need superhero strength.
Practice at home
Endurance exercises call for stamina, so get in training – this is a different kind of movie marathon. Titanic and The Godfather, Part II are over three hours, while Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is closer to four. To really test your resilience, try French film Out 1: 12 hours long.
Interval training
London cinemas may not have intervals but some regional ones do, so make a trip of it and book an Avengers mini-break. Independent 1920s cinema The Rex in Dorset often has breaks in its films so you can refuel with snacks, and Portugal is known for its civilised intervals mid-movie. Flights to Faro currently start at £51. Alternatively, create your own interval: Unlimited Card holders at Cineworld get an unlimited number of films every month so book two screenings and have dinner in between.
Upgrade your snacks
Popcorn won’t cut it. To capitalise on the three-hour sit-down, you may as well make a meal of it: the Rio in Dalston serves locally-made vegetable samosas and vegan dark chocolate brownies; Genesis in Mile End offers pizzas, Rinkoff’s pastries and bratwurst hotdogs; and The Electric in Notting Hill does nachos and ice cream sandwiches – a full three-course meal. For the ultimate experience, Curzon Sea Containers on Southbank brings drinks, snacks and meals to your seat and Everyman Hampstead lets you order pizzas and burgers to the sofas (NB: look for cinemas with comfortable seats).
Drink smart
Too much coffee and you’ll regret it: Avengers director Anthony Russo insists most audiences have lasted the three hours without bathroom breaks, but a full bladder can ruin any film.
Opt for a strong drink that’ll keep loo runs to a minimum.
