Review: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ makes a big and powerful statement (Includes first-hand account)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been laying the groundwork for this epic crossover for years. First, post-credit sequences included unrelated characters; then they began to interact with individuals from other storylines; and finally, those characters began to appear in each other’s narratives, including a movie featuring unparalleled in-fighting. Now, all of this preparation is culminating in possibly the greatest — and most ambitious — superhero movie to date. A villain that’s lurked on the periphery for some time is ready to make his big move in Avengers: Infinity War and it’s going to take everyone in the MCU to stop him.

Thanos (Josh Brolin) is on a singular mission: to collect all of the Infinity Stones spread across the galaxy and use their power to destroy the universe. Wielding the largest and most ruthless army in the cosmos, he begins to gather them one by one. When Gamora (Zoe Saldana) realizes her father’s intentions, she enlists her fellow Guardians of the Galaxy to help her stop him. In the meantime, the Avengers must put aside their differences to reassemble and use their collective abilities to stop the purple tyrant. With the aid of Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and a new powerful weapon, the superheroes have a shot at winning — but it’ll be their toughest battle yet.

This is the first time a lot of these characters are meeting each other, or even learning of each other’s existence, which leads to some interesting exchanges and a lot of chest puffing amongst the stronger personalities. The most anticipated and amusing of these is when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) meets Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), two men who believe they’re always right and know everything. Similarly, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Star-Lord’s (Chris Pratt) initial meeting includes some (unintentional?) name calling and peacocking. These first-time interactions provide a lot of the film’s humour, in addition to the high-intensity comic relief that’s become typical of the franchise. Nonetheless, this movie is definitely closer to the more serious tone of Civil War than the more recent merriment of Ragnarok.

Not entirely unexpectedly, there is a lot happening in this movie. There’s almost always a minimum of four storylines unfolding, most of which are unaware of what’s occurring in the other narratives. As a result, there are also multiple, unrelated plans being developed to stop Thanos. Each of these plots is exciting and captivating, but there’s also a little fragmentation occurring because they’re so disconnected from each other. In any case, all of the heroes are putting their best fists forward and continuing to be the world-saving champions everyone loves (or hates).

Beginning with an immediately hard-hitting scene, there’s no time for the narrative to slow down: the fight isn’t coming — it’s here and there’s nowhere to hide. There are numerous clashes of varying size that are gradually leading up to the main confrontation; but Thanos isn’t a sit-back-and-watch kind of guy, so he’s out there doing his part to further his own goal. Two hours later, part one of this spectacular journey is coming to a close and after a few jaw-dropping scenes they go for a shocking mic drop. But they may have gone a touch too far, softening the impact of what should have been an earth-shattering conclusion. There’s definitely an effort to pull at audience’s heartstrings, but in the context even if it’s effective it feels a little manipulative.

Still, that’s the most egregious complaint (if you don’t count not playing “Immigrant Song” during Thor’s epic entrance) in a two-and-a-half-hour movie that pulls together more characters than has ever been attempted. The Russo Brothers accomplish something significant with this film and the concluding chapter should be equally satisfying — and likely disappointing because a movie of this scale can’t please everyone. And while it appears they may have forgotten the now sacred post-credit sequences, not to worry — they’ve simply foregone a mid-credit sequence for a high-impact post-credit scene.

And I can say nothing else on the matter.

To ensure ALL our fans experience the film firsthand in theaters, please don’t spoil the movie for others. #ThanosDemandsYourSilence #InfinityWar pic.twitter.com/7JV4WzYSVz

— The Avengers (@Avengers) April 24, 2018

Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo

Similar Posts

  • Review: ‘The Mortuary Collection’ makes funeral homes even creepier (Includes first-hand account)

    The horror anthology is a long-standing genre tradition. Sometimes the short stories share a common thread, and other times the only connection between tales is the framing story. Sometimes they are all written by a single storyteller, and other times it’s a collaborative effort between multiple writers and directors. Sometimes the collections are a good mix of quality scares and eerie atmospheres, and other times one or all of the stories fall short of being good. Yet the promise of a creepy compilation of scary stories keeps fans coming back for another try. The Mortuary Collection is a horror anthology that unsurprisingly originates in a funeral home.

  • Review: ‘I Am Big Bird’ is a delightful record of the character and man (Includes interview)

    There are certain aspects of childhood that carry through from one generation to the next. Since its inception, Sesame Street has been one of those pieces. Created by The Muppets originator Jim Henson, the show was intended to entertain and teach a young audience. Human characters would interact with the Muppet personalities and demonstrate valuable life and educational lessons. Though the furry, fuzzy and feathered creatures became international sensations, little was known about the people who operated them allowing them to maintain their anonymity in spite of being worldwide stars. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story sheds some light on the man who’s brought life to the lovable yellow bird and his grouchy friend for nearly 50 years.

  • Review: ‘Justice League’ demonstrates the power of teamwork (Includes first-hand account)

    When a studio or its filmmakers are devoid of original ideas or true creativity, they take what they have and compare it to what’s already out there; then they make adjustments in an attempt to produce a success rather than a unique and/or engrossing picture. DC carries the weight of decades of cinematic history to live up to, but looking at their narratives as a contest instead of a standalone entry into the zeitgeist is part of the problem. They need to focus on being good, not better. On the heels of the dismal Batman v Superman and the exceptional Wonder Woman, Justice League tries to find some middle ground.

  • Review: ‘The Wife’ will not play second-fiddle to anyone ever again (Includes first-hand account)

    “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.” This popular saying may sound complimentary, but it actually speaks to the systemic oppression that relegated an entire gender to the background. It suggests women are best suited in a supportive role that encourages a man’s career rather than embark on one of her own. It’s not surprising the saying was popularized more than half a century ago, when it was expected a woman’s primary life goals were marriage and motherhood regardless of what skills or potential she might possess; and those who went against the grain would forever be considered “uncouth.” It is this environment that informs the story of The Wife.

  • Review: ‘Ammonite’ leaves its rose-coloured glasses at the door (Includes first-hand account)

    In an age where homosexuality wasn’t acknowledged, coming to terms with one’s needs and desires was difficult. At the same time, at least for women, it could be veiled as a very close friendship that people were less likely to question. Recently, a number of films have highlighted historical tales of female relationships that existed under these circumstances, and were simultaneously strained by the need to keep up appearances and abide by social norms. In Ammonite, two women are reborn via their love for each other, even though their affair begins with an expiry date.