Avengers: Infinity War is Marvelous in every sense of the word
By Sandy C.
Avengers: Infinity War is all fun and playful banter before snapping fans with darkness and sorrow. (Warning: What follows is a MOSTLY spoiler-free review)
Marvel? Dark? Yes. From the opening sequence, which kicks off with what’s left of Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) ship, we are hit with the realization that this movie won’t be like previous Marvel Cinematic Universe chapters. Nothing sets the tone quite like the dead bodies of women and children. And if that doesn’t do it, before the Avengers: Infinity War logo flashes the screen, we’re already mourning the loss of one or two characters.
Our heroes are scattered across the universe as Thanos (Josh Brolin) hunts for the Infinity Stones. Throughout the film, we learn Thanos’ story and point of view. And in between, Infinity War takes its time introducing each group, their position, and their shocked faces as they learn Thanos is coming. But even as often as the movie switches scenes, it never feels rushed and is, to quote Thanos, “perfectly balanced.” Each hero gets their moment and they all stay true to their personalities from their original movies.
The Guardians of the Galaxy pick up the distress signal sent by Thor’s ship and race over. Gamora (Zoe Saldana), as a kindness, but Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) joke that they’re in it for money and/or to steal their ship. And Groot is Groot (Vin Diesel). They are soon joined by Thor and hilarity ensues immediately. Peter Quill and Thor interacting is one of the many highlights of the movie. When is Star-Lord not fun? Well, if you’ve seen the movie, you already know when. But let’s keep this as spoiler-free as possible and be mad at Quill later. (I’m a tease!)
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On Earth, Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) and Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) meet. Like Quill and Thor, these two are fun to watch, but they’re a bit more serious. It’s funny to see Strange call Tony out for being egotistical when, if you’ve watched Doctor Strange, you know Steven Strange’s attitude used to be very similar to Tony’s. Strange even asks Tony how his helmet can possibly fit on such a big head. Bruce Banner is also part of this group and catches Tony up on Thanos and then asks Tony to call Captain America (Chris Evans).
Tony realizes Bruce (Mark Rufallo) is not up to speed on the Avengers’ break up. Bruce insists Tony gives Steve Rogers a call, but there’s no time, Thanos’ minions have arrived.
Spider-Man’s (Tom Holland) introduction is one of the best. He’s still wanting to please Stark and join the Avengers.
Side spoilery note: The Hulk is a lie. Hulk isn’t in the movie much at all! Mark Ruffalo wasn’t lying when he shared in an interview that Thanos has a strong impression on Hulk.
Across the world, Vision and Wanda find themselves in trouble. The two lovebirds are joined by Captain America, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Falcon (Anthony Mackie). And later on by Rhodey (Don Cheadle). After a couple of fights and events, Bruce finds himself with Captain and the others as they journey to Wakanda where they join forces with Okoye (Danai Gurira), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), and, of course, Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman).
As for Team Stark and Strange, they bump into the Guardians. Prepare for more laughs as Mantis (Pom Klementieff) shouts that they “kick names and take ass!” There’s no scene with the Guardians of the Galaxy crew that won’t bring you laughter. Okay, I take that back, there’s a few. But to say more will spoil major events.
Confused? On paper, you might be. But if you’re familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you won’t have any issues following along. The characters on the movie, however, had a few problems. “There’s an Ant-Man AND a Spider-Man?!” one character asks at one point, while another one apologizes for not being able to remember their names.
Even if you need help keeping up or didn’t have time for a refresher before the movie, you’re covered. Gamora, being Thanos’ daughter, shares what she knows about her father and his mission to kill half of the planet. While Thanos himself also provides a lot of story. As for the Infinity Stones, Strange explains it all to Tony as they attempt to get to them before Thanos does.
Will Thanos get his hands on all Infinity Stones? Will he snap his fingers if so? Who will die? Who will survive? All questions are answered in a heart-aching finale.
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With so many characters involved, Infinity War could have easily been a disaster, but it more than delivers and pleasantly surprises thanks to 10 years of build-up. Avengers: Infinity War is Marvelous in every sense of the word and moves at a breathtaking pace. It works as its own movie, but you’ll be left aching for Part 2.
In the MCU’s ten years, Avengers: Infinity War ranks as one of the best.